spa life #15

spalife.com.au2

134 Gipps Road, Smithfield, NSW 2164Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm

T: 02 9732 8288 E: [email protected] by life, created for living

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spalife.com.au 3

134 Gipps Road, Smithfield, NSW 2164Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm

T: 02 9732 8288 E: [email protected] by life, created for living


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NEW LAND

悉尼辦公室 02 9732 8218 [email protected] www.newlandmagazine.com.au

New Vision New LifestyleMAGAZINE

拓展新視野品味新生活

NEW LAND 56 January 2012 Issue

56

NEW

LA

ND

Janu

ary

2011

56

New Vision New LifestyleNEW LAND

Mysterious Chinese Character 夫 (fū-husband)Welcome the Year of the Dragon Book Review: Mao - The Untold StoryPopular Chinese Cooking Methods

January 2012 Issue

Dr. Cindy Pan Achieves Success in a "Great Country"

家潔迎新好運旺來

仙履霓裳賦

記美國神韻藝術團領舞演員陳超慧

An

Inte

rvie

w w

ith A

lison

Che

n,Pr

inci

pal D

ance

r of

Shen

Yun

Per

form

ing

Art

s

健康

我的智慧終點站

Dr.

Cin

dy P

an in

the

Spot

light

新年家居

心意換裝

Chi

nese

New

Yea

r Déc

or

《新天地》獲最受歡迎企業獎

夏日吹來輕食風

Ligh

t Mea

ls fo

r Sum

mer

巧妙細節

萬種風情

Subt

le S

tylis

h D

etai

ls

$4.95 incl. GST

ISSN 1839-0838賀


NEW LAND 60 May 2012 Issue

60

NEW

LA

ND

May

20

12

神韻藝術團演員鄭道詠

寶島靜蓮迎春開From the Parlour to the Battlefield

好家具承諾一生一世An Interview with Frank Novembre, Managing

Director of DOMO Furniture Collections

為媽媽煲的愛心湯Making a Soup for Mum

關愛頸椎現在時The Wisdom of Traditional

Chinese Medicine

喚醒秋乏的身體Autumn Vitality

$4.95 incl. GST

ISSN 1839-0838

母愛托起的學校What's Behind Australia's Home Schooling？

New Vision New Lifestyle

NEW LAND

Mysterious Chinese Character 滅(miè-extinguish)The Path to Longevity Guided by Ancient Chinese An Autobiography of Mr. Yang Xian Yi,Translator of Dream of Red ChamberThe Qiang: One of China’s Minority Peoples

May 2012 Issue 60MAGAZINE

An Interview with Ms Daoyong Zheng, Principal Dancer of Shen Yun Performing Arts

From the Parlour to the Battlefield

newland60cover2.indd 12012/4/20 上午 10:28


NEW LAND 59April 2012 Issue

59

NEW

LAN

DA

pril 2012

56


NEW LAND

Mysterious Chinese Character 瓷 (cí-china)The Imperishable Noble Spirit of Yue Fei

Characteristics Within China and Reasons Behind ThemHow One Can Change One's Destiny

April 2012 Issue 59MAGAZINE

Jeremy Nicholas The Drive Behind Australia’s

Advertising Agency of the Decade

澳妙嘉年華熱鬧登場

Something For Everyone

廣告達人的成功配方An Interview with Jeremy Nicholas, CEO of Australia's Top Ad Agency

中醫養生的智慧—秋季防燥潤肺The Wisdom of Chinese Medicine

花間舒袖戲彩蝶記美國神韻藝術團領舞演員李茜婭

Light Flutters of Butterfly WingsAn Interview with Xiya Li, Principal Dancer of Shen Yun Performing Arts

戀戀鑽石投資與收藏隨感Forever Diamonds

風衣影集Code of Coat $4.95 incl. GST

ISSN 1839-0838

newland59cover.indd 1 2012/3/23 上午 10:34


NEW LAND 57February 2012 Issue

57

NEW

LAN

DFebruary 2012

56


NEW LAND

Mysterious Chinese Character 婦 Fù– Wife Water Knows the Answer

The Freedom-loving Kazakhs

February 2012 Issue 57

$4.95 incl. GST

ISSN 1839-0838

MAGAZINE

It All Began With a Child's Dream

An Interview with Dr. Caroline Hong, CEO of SME Association of Australia

唐人街

在「大蕭條」中尋第一桶金How Would You Make Money in the Great Depression ?

裊裊水仙舞碧波——記美國神韻藝術團領舞演員陳佳伶An Interview with Jialin Chen, Principal Dancer of Shen Yun Performing Arts

一滴愛的淚珠A Drop of Tear on the Cheek of History

好萊塢最in的情侶們Hollywood Sweethearts

心意珠寶Touch Her Heart

梅開正當時花香沁澳華訪澳洲中小企業協會首席執行長房梅花女士

An Interview with Dr. Caroline Hong, CEO of SMEAA

平靜的光榮Culture Vibrant in Chinatown

《新天地》獲最受歡迎企業獎賀



57

NEW

LAN

DFebruary 2012

56


NEW LAND




$4.95 incl. GST

ISSN 1839-0838

MAGAZINE



唐人街









《新天地》獲最受歡迎企業獎賀拓展新視野品味新生活

NEW LAND 58 March 2012 Issue

58

NEW

LA

ND

Mar

ch 2

012

$4.95 incl. GST

ISSN 1839-0838 56


NEW LAND

Mysterious Chinese Character 農(nóng – farmer)China Found an Ally in Hungary

Book Review: The Importance of LivingWhere are the Ancient Arts of China?

Wuxing Mountain Laid on the Monkey King

March 2012 Issue 58MAGAZINE

Li Cunxin: Love Your Children Unconditionally

神韻與你我 A Show of a Lifetime—Shen Yun

地水火風體質的養生空間Harmonious Living Space

利率真的見底了嗎？Are Interest Rates Bottom Up?

如何在澳洲購買生意？Tips for Buying a Business in Australia

流行關鍵詞秋冬秀場直擊Fashion Points: Charming in Autumn & Winter

李存信：我的勵志之道Li Cunxin: How I Inspire Myself


Winner of Ultimate Job Experience by Drake International


NEW LAND 61 June 2012 Issue

61

NEW

LA

ND

June

201

2

暢然清風逐雲飛An Interview with Madeline Lobjois,

Principal Dancer of Shen Yun Performing Arts

一叢深色花

時尚之都倫敦Deep Hues of London

触摸未來BMW i8 Spyder

低調皮草展風情Fur’s New Look

四大族群的家居態度Fresh Attitudes Stylish Living

巧選初冬好膳食Nutritious Winter Meal

$4.95 incl. GST

ISSN 1839-0838

發行量：20000

An Interview with John Brogden, CEO of the Financial Services Council

納稅糾纏一生的捨得

Taxes: Losses and Gains for Life


NEW LAND

Mysterious Chinese Character 孝 Xiào-Filial PietyThe Two Reasons Why I Am Touched by Chen GuangchengModern Civilisation and Modern Diseases

June 2012 Issue 61MAGAZINE

A Man for TodayInsights into Finance with John Brogden,CEO of the Financial Services Council

走出風暴漩渦的金融舵主


NEW LAND 61June 2012 Issue

61

NEW

LAN

DJune 2012



一叢深色花






$4.95 incl. GST

ISSN 1839-0838

發行量：20000




New Vision New Lifestyle NEW LAND



A Man for Today Insights into Finance with John Brogden, CEO of the Financial Services Council



NEW LAND

62

NEW

LAN

DJuly 2012

設計不僅僅是種時尚 An Interview with Simon Duff

Managing Director of Fusedesign

曲韻流水舞致行雲美國神韻藝術團領舞

獨唱演員宇寧訪談An Interview with Rachael Bastick


美麗密碼Beauty Code

健康美味涮火鍋Healthy Hot Pot

中醫養生的智慧腰部保健篇The Wisdom of Chinese Medicine$4.95 incl. GST

ISSN 1839-0838 澳洲最大中文月刊發行量：20000

Advance AustraliaFlair

July 2012 Issue 62

澳之味

Sep 11 – Mar 12

New Vision New Lifestyle NEW LAND July 2012 Issue 62

Published MonthlyCirculation：20,000Sep 11 – Mar 12

Australia's Largest Chinese Magazine

Five Do's & Don'ts - Fengshui Tips Mysterious Chinese Character 婪 Lán-Greedy

Simon Duff : Sustainable Design and Industry A Great Mix

Ancient Wisdom For Healthy Sleep

newland62cover-3.indd 1 2012/6/26 下午 3:55

New Vision New Lifestyle NEW LAND August 2012 Issue 63Australia's Largest Chinese Magazine

“It All Began With My Grandmother”Interview with Gary Ng, CEO of E-Web MarketingMysterious Chinese Character 雪 – Snow

Unfavourable Feng Shui Turns Out to Be Auspicious

Lessons About Longevity From A 256-Year-Old

The Hidden Slide Behind Global Bubbles

The Legend of Emperor Huang



NEW LAND

63

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遠離輻射污染現代生活健康保衛戰Guard aGainst uV

璀璨經典aLWaYs daZZLinG

冬季滋補靚湯 BLack Bean riB soup

來自太陽王的使者amBassadors fromroi soLeiL

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August 2012 Issue 63

澳洲最大中文月刊發行量：20000Sep 11 – Mar 12

神思妙韻舞仙境Dancing in the Land of Magic美國神韻藝術團領舞演員林孝紘訪談HSIAO-HUNG LIN SHEN YUN PRINCIPAL DANCER

The Third Eye第三隻眼


NEW LANDAugust 2012 Issue 63 Australia's Largest Chinese Magazine








NEW LAND

63

NEW

LA

ND





$4.95 incl. GST

ISSN 1839-0838






New Land proudly sponsors Shen Yun Performing Arts and Variety

Coming Up Specials:Once In A Honey Moon Five Days In Heaven Wheels Dress Code 99 Gift Ideas

Australia’s Premium Chinese Magazine

CONTACT US NSW 0488 009 328 VIC 0404 661 588 QLD 0414 234 743 DIRECTORY 02 9732 [email protected]

新天地跨頁廣告.indd 2-3 2012/8/1 下午 1:44

spalife.com.au 5

NEW LAND

悉尼辦公室 02 9732 8218 [email protected] www.newlandmagazine.com.au

New Vision New LifestyleMAGAZINE


NEW LAND 56 January 2012 Issue

56

NEW

LA

ND

Janu

ary

2011

56

New Vision New LifestyleNEW LAND

Mysterious Chinese Character 夫 (fū-husband)Welcome the Year of the Dragon Book Review: Mao - The Untold StoryPopular Chinese Cooking Methods

January 2012 Issue

Dr. Cindy Pan Achieves Success in a "Great Country"

家潔迎新好運旺來

仙履霓裳賦

記美國神韻藝術團領舞演員陳超慧

An

Inte

rvie

w w

ith A

lison

Che

n,Pr

inci

pal D

ance

r of

Shen

Yun

Per

form

ing

Art

s

健康

我的智慧終點站

Dr.

Cin

dy P

an in

the

Spot

light

新年家居

心意換裝

Chi

nese

New

Yea

r Déc

or

《新天地》獲最受歡迎企業獎

夏日吹來輕食風

Ligh

t Mea

ls fo

r Sum

mer

巧妙細節

萬種風情

Subt

le S

tylis

h D

etai

ls

$4.95 incl. GST

ISSN 1839-0838賀


NEW LAND 60 May 2012 Issue

60

NEW

LA

ND

May

20

12

神韻藝術團演員鄭道詠

寶島靜蓮迎春開From the Parlour to the Battlefield

好家具承諾一生一世An Interview with Frank Novembre, Managing

Director of DOMO Furniture Collections

為媽媽煲的愛心湯Making a Soup for Mum

關愛頸椎現在時The Wisdom of Traditional

Chinese Medicine

喚醒秋乏的身體Autumn Vitality

$4.95 incl. GST

ISSN 1839-0838

母愛托起的學校What's Behind Australia's Home Schooling？


NEW LAND

Mysterious Chinese Character 滅(miè-extinguish)The Path to Longevity Guided by Ancient Chinese An Autobiography of Mr. Yang Xian Yi,Translator of Dream of Red ChamberThe Qiang: One of China’s Minority Peoples

May 2012 Issue 60MAGAZINE

An Interview with Ms Daoyong Zheng, Principal Dancer of Shen Yun Performing Arts

From the Parlour to the Battlefield



NEW LAND 59April 2012 Issue

59

NEW

LAN

DA

pril 2012

56


NEW LAND

Mysterious Chinese Character 瓷 (cí-china)The Imperishable Noble Spirit of Yue Fei

Characteristics Within China and Reasons Behind ThemHow One Can Change One's Destiny

April 2012 Issue 59MAGAZINE

Jeremy Nicholas The Drive Behind Australia’s

Advertising Agency of the Decade

澳妙嘉年華熱鬧登場

Something For Everyone

廣告達人的成功配方An Interview with Jeremy Nicholas, CEO of Australia's Top Ad Agency

中醫養生的智慧—秋季防燥潤肺The Wisdom of Chinese Medicine

花間舒袖戲彩蝶記美國神韻藝術團領舞演員李茜婭

Light Flutters of Butterfly WingsAn Interview with Xiya Li, Principal Dancer of Shen Yun Performing Arts

戀戀鑽石投資與收藏隨感Forever Diamonds

風衣影集Code of Coat $4.95 incl. GST

ISSN 1839-0838

newland59cover.indd 1 2012/3/23 上午 10:34



57

NEW

LAN

DFebruary 2012

56


NEW LAND




$4.95 incl. GST

ISSN 1839-0838

MAGAZINE



唐人街









《新天地》獲最受歡迎企業獎賀



57

NEW

LAN

DFebruary 2012

56


NEW LAND




$4.95 incl. GST

ISSN 1839-0838

MAGAZINE



唐人街









《新天地》獲最受歡迎企業獎賀拓展新視野品味新生活

NEW LAND 58 March 2012 Issue

58

NEW

LA

ND

Mar

ch 2

012

$4.95 incl. GST

ISSN 1839-0838 56


NEW LAND

Mysterious Chinese Character 農(nóng – farmer)China Found an Ally in Hungary

Book Review: The Importance of LivingWhere are the Ancient Arts of China?

Wuxing Mountain Laid on the Monkey King

March 2012 Issue 58MAGAZINE

Li Cunxin: Love Your Children Unconditionally

神韻與你我 A Show of a Lifetime—Shen Yun

地水火風體質的養生空間Harmonious Living Space

利率真的見底了嗎？Are Interest Rates Bottom Up?

如何在澳洲購買生意？Tips for Buying a Business in Australia

流行關鍵詞秋冬秀場直擊Fashion Points: Charming in Autumn & Winter

李存信：我的勵志之道Li Cunxin: How I Inspire Myself


Winner of Ultimate Job Experience by Drake International


NEW LAND 61 June 2012 Issue

61

NEW

LA

ND

June

201

2



一叢深色花






$4.95 incl. GST

ISSN 1839-0838

發行量：20000





NEW LAND



A Man for TodayInsights into Finance with John Brogden,CEO of the Financial Services Council



NEW LAND 61June 2012 Issue

61

NEW

LAN

DJune 2012



一叢深色花






$4.95 incl. GST

ISSN 1839-0838

發行量：20000




New Vision New Lifestyle NEW LAND



A Man for Today Insights into Finance with John Brogden, CEO of the Financial Services Council



NEW LAND

62

NEW

LAN

DJuly 2012

設計不僅僅是種時尚 An Interview with Simon Duff

Managing Director of Fusedesign

曲韻流水舞致行雲美國神韻藝術團領舞

獨唱演員宇寧訪談An Interview with Rachael Bastick


美麗密碼Beauty Code

健康美味涮火鍋Healthy Hot Pot

中醫養生的智慧腰部保健篇The Wisdom of Chinese Medicine$4.95 incl. GST

ISSN 1839-0838 澳洲最大中文月刊發行量：20000

Advance AustraliaFlair

July 2012 Issue 62

澳之味

Sep 11 – Mar 12

New Vision New Lifestyle NEW LAND July 2012 Issue 62


Australia's Largest Chinese Magazine

Five Do's & Don'ts - Fengshui Tips Mysterious Chinese Character 婪 Lán-Greedy

Simon Duff : Sustainable Design and Industry A Great Mix

Ancient Wisdom For Healthy Sleep

newland62cover-3.indd 1 2012/6/26 下午 3:55

New Vision New Lifestyle NEW LAND August 2012 Issue 63Australia's Largest Chinese Magazine








NEW LAND

63

NEW

LAN

D





$4.95 incl. GST

ISSN 1839-0838






NEW LANDAugust 2012 Issue 63 Australia's Largest Chinese Magazine








NEW LAND

63

NEW

LA

ND





$4.95 incl. GST

ISSN 1839-0838






New Land proudly sponsors Shen Yun Performing Arts and Variety

Coming Up Specials:Once In A Honey Moon Five Days In Heaven Wheels Dress Code 99 Gift Ideas

Australia’s Premium Chinese Magazine

CONTACT US NSW 0488 009 328 VIC 0404 661 588 QLD 0414 234 743 DIRECTORY 02 9732 [email protected]

新天地跨頁廣告.indd 2-3 2012/8/1 下午 1:44

spalife.com.au6

Escape

20 MY PRIVATE IDAHO Secrets of Sun Valley

22 SPA LIKE A STAR In LA LA Land

26 STEP BACK IN TIME

28 CANYON RANCH The ultimate health retreat

34 MELATI The scent of calmness

38 GOOD GRIEF Living life after loss

42 A FRESH LOOK Fairmont Mountain Resort

Experience

48 TWO NUGGETS OF GOLD On the gold Coast

54 TODAY’S SPAS

Exotic

58 SRI LANKA Spicy Spas

66 ASIAN SEAS Set sail in fine style

Enhance

74 BATHING TIME

76 NATURALLY BRONZED Aussie-made natural tanners

78 SKIN PREP TIPS For a special event

80 INSTANT BEAUTY Great results in quick time

Enrich

84 LET FOOD BE YOUR MEDICINE

88 KAMALAYA CUISINE

92 SUGAR: The bitter sweet truth

68 Spicy Spas of Sri Lanka

contents

98 SMOOTH SMOOTHIES Power smoothie recipe

100 THE STATE OF THE NATION

Enjoy

106 WELLNESS Riding the new wave

110 YOGA BASIC Where to begin

112 CREATING YOUR DESTINY

Regulars

12 SPA NEWS

16 JUST LOVING

74 BEAUTY SPOT

86 GOOD FOOD

104 MARKET PLACE

114 SUBSCRIBE & WIN!

spalife.com.au 7

62 urban beauty

90 Kamalaya Cuisine

48 Gold Nuggets

32 Melati: Scent of Calmness

spalife.com.au8

On the cOver: I took this shot on my iPhone

at the Intercontinental Fiji Golf resort & Spa. It cheers you

up in an instant. that story next issue! L-r: Massage at

Melati, tuna with Apple at the Langham Pasadena (USA), and the beautiful, indigenous body

muds by Li’tya.

p u b l i s h i n g e d i t o r Kris Abbey

c o n t r i b u t o r s Alan Abbey

Christine Clais

Teresa Cutter

Lisa Doust

Geoff Edwards

Gaye Gerard

Indira Kennedy

Cynthia Morton

Don Peers

Tracey Spicer

John Toomey

a r t d i r e c t i o n & d e s i g n Kris Abbey

red thread

p h o t o g r a p h y Dreamstime Images

Supplied by our beautiful destinations

Gaye Gerard

Some I snapped on my iPhone

a d v e r t i s i n g e n q u i r i e s [email protected]

Phone +61 2 9905 0137

e d i t o r i a l e n q u i r i e s PO Box 123

Freshwater NSW 2096

Phone 02 9905 0137

Fax 02 9939 5315

[email protected]

s u b s c r i p t i o n s spalife.com.au

betterhealthmag.com

Spa Life magazine is owned by Red Thread Communications Pty Ltd, PO Box 123, Freshwater NSW 2096.

This magazine has been output, printed and bound by The Caxton Web in Sydney, Australia. Nothing in this magazine can be reproduced without the permission of the publisher. This magazine is intended to give general information only. It is not a substitute for professional and medical advice. Always consult your practitioner before adopting any of the advice contained in this publication. All liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of, or for any omissions in, the information given is expressly disclaimed. The opinions expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or publisher. Cover price is recommended and maximum price only. © Spa Life Issue 15

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spalife.com.au10

Where you’re at is irrelevant, it is the direction you’re heading that counts.

Mel Zuckerman

Editor’s Words

KrIS ABBeY

Well it’s been quite a while between juice fasts and Lomi

Lomi massages, however we are back to bring you a

fresh new approach to living the Spa Life.

I’ve spent a lot of time looking at the Spa industry, how it

is positioned in Australia and how I can deliver a magazine that

takes you on a complete Spa journey. Last year I attended the

Global Spa & Wellness Summit in Aspen, Colorado (I know,

what a tough place to have to go for work!) at the Aspen Institute,

an internationally famous think tank where many great people

and ideas have emerged. Nothing beats crisp, clean mountain

air, a cast of incredible speakers and opportunities for inspiring

brainstorming to get the creative juices flowing.

The overriding theme was Wellness and what an exciting

opportunity for Spa this presents. Spa is one of the original

healing centres, dating back before Christ. Originally, the

healing benefits came from water. Over time, this has evolved

and diversified with

the integration of

human touch, energy

points and chakras,

and acceptance of

indigenous therapies.

Think Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine and

Thai Spas. Technology has entered the arena, as well as product

developments and high performing skincare. All of these have

been geared to help clients achieve better health, becoming more

centred, and emerge in a better space than when they entered

the Spa. Possibly unbeknown to you, many Spa treatments you

have experienced have contributed to your wellness. Even a facial

gives you important quiet time, allowing your mind to relax.

So what does this mean for Australians? Well, like America,

our health system is tipped heavily in the direction of sickness

and we are becoming fatter and sicker by the day. Our health

system will soon be popping at the seams and people will realise

they need to start looking after their own health because the

system can’t cope. Call me crazy, but why not focus on keeping

people well, like the Ayurvedic Medicine concept. You pay your

doctor to keep you well, not to help you get better when you’re

sick. They are on the front foot… not the back foot, opting to

be proactive, not reactive like us westerners! As a doctor, you

would work mighty hard to prevent your clients from becoming

unhealthy or getting sick. So why doesn’t our health system

support preventative health measures?

Without getting too political, big pharmaceutical companies

have a lot to answer for. They have led us to believe we can’t trust

centuries of healing practices because there isn’t enough scientific

evidence to support them. Do you think the Buddhist monks were

thinking of double-blinded, placebo studies when they began

meditating? And for a gazillion years they

have enjoyed the health and stress-fighting

benefits of this practice. Only recently has

science finally proven that it is in fact a

valuable tool for stress management and

mental clarity. If you’re interested in some

light reading, there are a host of great scientific papers proving

many Spa therapies have preventative health and/or healing

benefits. Go to www.spaevidence.com and see for yourself a

huge number of unbiased, scientific papers supporting a huge

variety of services that are usually offered in good Spas.

For the most part, I applaud science and medicine for its

achievements. But my point is, there is a major demand for

preventive health services in our country. Spa is already in this

space, and those who incorporate wellness therapies stand to grow.

Unfortunately, most people are still unsure of exactly what a

Spa is. As Peter Rummell, former head of Disney Imagineering

said at the Aspen Summit, the biggest hurdle the Spa industry

faces is branding. “Many people in the West,” he said, “think of

Spa as a place where fat, rich, white women go for pampering.”

Harsh, but sadly often true!

Regardless of the general perception, Spa is so much more

than this. Genuine Spas (not a beauty salon that has “& Spa” on

its signage) is much more than fluff and superficial treatments.

In the new Spa Life, you will get a good taste of all that Spa can

offer. It isn’t just about pamper, but rather preventative health.

And it shouldn’t be seen as a luxury, but rather a lifestyle choice.

I’d be lying if I didn’t say some Spas are beyond my budget, but a

regular massage or other therapeutic service is a good investment

in your health. Even a relaxing bath with some mineral salts will

do your health a world of good.

The other trend you will see in Spa is the move away from

white, stark decor. The new Spas emerging have much more

diversity, with more colour and personality, and have relaxed

the ‘cone of silence’ approach. Clinical, muted and minimal is

replaced by textured, warm and inviting. This change is reflected

on the pages within. The aim is to make you feel like you’ve

had a Spa escape, from the experience to the cuisine and lots of

health tips in between.

Please enjoy, and if you haven’t recently had a taste of the Spa

Life, I hope you find this issue relaxing, healthy and delicious.

PS. Sign up for our online magazine delivered to your in-box

monthly. Filled with Spa news and deals, nutritional tips, wellness

articles and more ways you can live the Spa lIfe. spalife.com.au

Me in Aspen

spalife.com.au 11

spalife.com.au12

spa news

The newest of Spa Alila Spas opened recently at Alila Bangalore. It is the perfect place to relax and unwind, offering a peaceful sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of Bangalore city. The Spa is an exercise in understated luxury. Elegant black granite sourced from local artisans, dark wood, kota and brass detailing transform the space into an ancient south Indian temple. Brass oil lamps cast a soft glow to further enhance the relaxing environment. Treatments use exotic ingredients sourced locally and include all the signature treatments Spa Alila do so well. www.alilahotels.com

The Spicers Retreats, Hotels & Lodges group have just one focus - to provide luxurious but welcoming properties, with each offering something totally different to other retreats. With seven exclusive properties around South East Queensland and the Hunter Valley, a stay at Spicers is always special. Spicers Peak Lodge (above) is an intimate destination for those wanting a peaceful escape with all the perks. Overlooking the Great Dividing Range and Main Range National Park, this secluded, mountain-top retreat is the highest non-alpine lodge in Australia. Just two hours’ drive from Brisbane, yet with stunning views and rolling mists, it feels a world away from everyday life. Spicers Peak Lodge is also one of the ‘Luxury Lodges of Australia’, in the same company as such other esteemed properties as Qualia, Southern Ocean Lodge, Wolgan Valley and Spicers Clovelly Estate. www.spicersgroup.com.au

spalife.com.au 13

spa news

Grand Wailea, Maui

We know them for equisite pens, however the most recent design to come from Montblanc’s ateliers is the patented Montblanc Cabochon stunning jewellary collection. Made up of colourful pieces using an exciting assortment of semi-precious and hard stones, the collection has pieces for both him and her. olelynggaard.com

13

More and more urban Spas are broadening their offering to incorporate healing treatments, which is great to see. This has been done on a grand scale at the evian SPA at the Palace Hotel, Tokyo. Featuring panoramic views of the Imperial Palace gardens, an Alpine-inspired design and a pristine ambiance, evian SPA sets the stage for one of Tokyo’s most refined wellness experiences with its unique blend of French savoir-faire and Asian therapies.

Inspired by the journey which evian® natural mineral water takes through the French Alps, the urban Spa offers a metaphorical experience of that same journey - with treatments centred on celestial restoration, mineral enrichment, precious nourishment and renewed vitality. For more information, or for a sticky-beak at the menu, visit en.palacehoteltokyo.com/evian_spa_tokyo.

Create a relaxing Spa-vibe in your own home with fine furniture by Osmen. This extensive range of stylish, innovative furniture has been developed to meet the challenge of Australia’s harsh climate. Check it out at osmen.com.au.

Due to demand, more and more

hotels are incoporating lifestyle

and wellness programs for their

guests. Business travellers want

hotels that offer these services so

they return from their travels better

for the experience... not worse!

spalife.com.au14

Aquarius Health Spa in Brisbane’s CBD is the brainchild of Dr Ingrid Tall and Spa specialist Allison Dale. Combining their expertise, they offer comprehensive Spa, fitness and cosmetic medicine services.

“There’s nothing like it in Brisbane,” says Dr Tall. “More and more people are looking to Spas for health, wellness, anti-aging and relaxation, and here you will find everything under one roof.” Facilities include a state-of-the-art fitness centre with fully-equipped gymnasium and 22-metre swimming pool, a traditional Asian-inspired bath house, Spa, hairdressing, naturopath, plus cosmetic medicine (surgical and non-surgical).

“Whether you want to come for a swim in your lunch hour, join a belly dance class after work, or relax in the bath house with friends, our clients have choice and flexibility in a way that is an exciting first for Queensland,” says Ms Dale. “And our classes are far from run of the mill too. Options under consideration include meditation, belly dancing for fitness and Latin dance.” Visit www.aquariushealthspa.com.au

spa newsSpa is not just a pamper proposition, it

is a vital part of preventative health.

Today, more and more Spas are

adding alternative treatments and

therapies to their menus. Why not move

beyond a massage or facial and try

something new? I’m loving Shirodhara

and Abhyanga at the Ayurvedic

Wellness Centre in Bondi NSW.

ayurvedicwellnesscentre.com.au

spalife.com.au 15

Softer and more breathable than cotton, the Witjuti (pronounced “wicheddy”) loungewear range is made from organic bamboo material. Bamboo clothes are ideal for sensitive skin as

bamboo fibres are pesticide, herbicide and GMO free. Bamboo clothing also has thermo regulating properties, making it wearable for every season – cool in summer and warm in winter. The material

has anti-odour properties and the silk-like texture is wrinkle resistant, so no ironing is needed.

Available online via www.witjuti.com

Go to spalife.com.au to download our new app. Perfect if you want to keep up to date with all the Spa News, enjoy special offers, book your next escape or add a review of your latest experience. And of course Spa, shop and follow our Blog.

SpA TIp: After your treatment, whether it be

a massage, scrub or facial, make sure you

drink plenty of water. Body work generally

stimulates your lymph system and relases

toxins. To help flush them from your body, a

few glasses of water does the trick!

spalife.com.au16

>........

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JUST LOVING THESE SIMPLE PLEASURES

Goodness all round with gorgeous organic gear from Venustus - so good you could eat it! venustus.com.au

Funky and comfy footwear made to nurture your feet by FRANKiE4. frankie4.com.au

The integrated appoach to rejuvenation by V Integrated Wellness at the Andaman on Langkawi. www.theandaman.com

I just love any Spa treatment that starts with a soothing foot ritual. It sets the scene for a great Spa experience.

Everything about Alila is top notch. A special mention must go to their Spa Cuisine. Yum! alilahotels.com

spalife.com.au 17

EMERGING AT HILTON ON THE PARK MELBOURNE.+61.3.9412.3190 INQUIRIES AND RESERVATIONS.

192 WELLINGTON PARADE, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA, 3002.

eforeaspa.com

DATE MODIFIED: JANUARY 14, 2011 2:30 PM

CLIENT/SEASON: UNIT: SINGLE PAGE BLEED: 230mm W x 300inH

JOB#: POSITION: TRIM: 210mm W x 280inH

PUBLICATION:SPA LIFE MAGAZINEAUSTRALIA

ISSUE DATE/POSTING DATE: SAFETY: 186mm W x 250inH

CLOSING DATE: CREATIVE:

PREPARED BY NICOLAS

DESIGN

MEDIA

PRODUCTION

CLIENT SERVICES

SPA LIFE MAGAZINE - AUSTRALIA - SINGLE PAGE

29799ESH_EFOR-AUSTRALIA-SPA LIFE-SP.indd 1 1/14/11 2:30 PM

JUST LOVING THESE SIMPLE PLEASURES

spalife.com.au34

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spalife.com.au 19

escape

www.spalife.com.au SPA LIFE 19

“I would rather have a mind opened by wonder than one closed by belief.” Gerry Spence

THE VIEW FROM POOLSIDE - INTERCONTINENTAL FIJI GOLF RESORT & SPA HOTEL STORy NExT ISSuE

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my private IDAho

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RTIn the middle of the American Midwest lies a perfect piece of paradise, feted by film stars,

writers and Presidents. Tracey Spicer uncovers the secrets of Sun Valley, Idaho.

The Kennedy family album is full of holiday snaps of Sun Valley. Jacqueline, Robert,

Caroline and JFK were the epitome of ski chic. Over the past 76 years, this iconic resort has

hosted everyone from Ingrid Bergman and Gary Cooper to Ernest Hemingway and the Shah

of Iran.

Home of the world’s first chairlift, the 2,600-acre estate is a mecca for outdoor recreation.

The accommodation in the 148-room lodge oozes old-world style. The gilded foyer overlooks

a shining ice-skating rink near a glass-encased outdoor pool. The manicured lawn embraces

a glistening lake which reflects the magnificent mountains. This is your own private Idaho!

spalife.com.au 21

Escape

To ThE USA

WordsTRACEY SpICER

FIVE-StAR FItNESSDuring the ski season, Sun Valley staffers will

take off your boots at the end of a long day

on the slopes. In summer, we are astonished

by the array of activities: Olympic-sized ice-

skating rink, 17 tennis courts, 45 holes of

golf, horse riding, fly fishing, trap and skeet

shooting, bowling and the largest free outdoor

symphony series in the country.

This is the Single Track capital of the

United States, so we try our hands – and legs –

at mountain biking. I soon realise this is not at

all like the spin class at my local gym! Barely

moving, my wheels spin in the dirt as I slowly

slide backwards. But once I get the hang of it,

hubby and I traverse some of the 250 miles

of trails on this stunning property. At the end

of the ride, in true Sun Valley style, a trainer

offers us a massage and a refreshing drink.

Walking back to the lodge, we pass a

memorial to author Ernest Hemingway, winner

of the Pulitzer Prize, who finished his great

novel For Whom the Bell Tolls while staying

here in Sun Valley. Hemingway’s favoured

sport was shooting, so we decide to take

lessons from the head of the gun club, former

world champion JC Dovey. The instructions

are simple: nestle the gun into the fleshy part

of your pecs, follow the trajectory of the

bright orange trap, and aim slightly ahead

of it. Hubby is a veritable sniper; I couldn’t

hit the side of a barn. “I’m not letting you go

until you get one,” JC laughs, “I’ve got a 100%

success rate with beginners!” Sure enough,

I’m soon shooting the semi-automatic like a

pro. As the saying goes, “only in America…”

CREAtIVE CuISINEIdaho is known for its potatoes. But very few

of these starchy vegetables are found at the

resort’s restaurants. The Ram serves a blend

of American and European cuisine, from

Gruyere cheese fondue to escargot, Idaho

lamb, stuffed pheasant and fresh seafood. Or

you can catch a sleigh to the romantic Trail

Creek Cabin for locally raised beef, baby back

ribs or the Hemingway Meat Loaf.

We take a gondola to the top of Bald

Mountain for a light lunch at The Roundhouse,

which boasts quite spectacular views. Local

produce dominates the menu, including a

divine green salad with goat’s cheese and

four types of berries, and a nicoise featuring

purple potato and fresh tuna.

At the Ram that night, we salivate over

the extensive wine list: Argentinean malbec,

French sancerre, Californian chardonnay and

Australian shiraz. And as soon as he hears our

accents, the pianist starts playing Waltzing

Matilda. I request some songs from the South,

but then another table of guests call for “good

ol’ songs from the North”. It seems I’ve sparked

a civil war! It ends when someone puts $100 on

the table for “some nice, clean Mormon music”.

Idaho has the highest percentage of Mormons

per capita in the US, outstripping Utah. We all

laugh and shake hands, while the pianist counts

his kitty. The food, service and ambience here

was simply superb.

SpA to thE StARSSun Valley stands out from other five-star

resorts because of its level of service. The

therapists at the Salon and Day Spa have

treated the cream of America’s film and music

industry, as well as world leaders and captains

of industry. Their boutique products include

Pureology, Alterna, Jane Iredale, Prive,

Cellex-C, Nioxin, John Masters Organics,

Paul Mitchell and Esee.

I choose a deep tissue massage before our

drive to Denver, Colorado and the long flight

back to Australia. The masseuse explains

he has a hearing impairment, but that this

heightens his other senses, especially touch.

It turns out to be the best massage of my life!

I float out feeling like Ginger Rogers, another

Sun Valley celebrity. If you stay at Sun Valley,

a visit to the Spa is a must. This was our

private Idaho. Why not make it yours too? SIMA

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GettinG there

Virgin Australia flies to Los Angelesfrom Sydney - dailyfrom Brisbane - four times per weekfrom Melbourne - three times per weekPh 136 789www.virginaustralia.com.au

United Airlines flies daily from LA to Denver, Colorado.Ph 131 777www.united.com

Alternatively fly from LA to Hailey(only 14 miles from Sun Valley).

StAySun Valley ResortSun Valley, IDPh +1 208 622 2183www.sunvalley.com

Idaho TourismPh +1 208 334 2470www.visitidaho.org

spalife.com.au22

escape

To ThE USA

WordsKRIS ABBEY

You don’t have to be a Hollywood star to

enjoy being treated like one. The guys

at Destination Fit4LA certainly know

how to make you feel like a million dollars…

and then some!

I arrive in LA after a long overnight flight

from Australia, only to queue for two hours

at customs. Gotta love LAX in the height

of summer! Finally, luggage cleared and

passport stamped, I step out into the beating

LA heat. A chauffeur patiently holding a ‘Ms

Abbey’ sign catches my eye. God knows how

long he’s been waiting, but what a sight for

sore eyes. Taking my bags, he escorts me to

a black SUV with tinted windows (so LA!)

which has the rock-star park directly outside,

and me looking every bit not a rock star (rather

a dishevelled, jetlagged, haven’t slept for 38

spa like a star in LA LA land!

hours nobody). Welcome to Hollywood!

We head downtown, weaving through

a tapestry of LA freeways, and I glimpse

the iconic ‘Hollywood’ sign up in the distant

hills. “Up there is where we’re heading”, says

my driver. It looks a long way away, but it’s

not. Before I know it, we’ve passed through

Beverly Hills with its lovely leafy streets and

rich-and-famous homes and are whizzing

beneath the palm trees lining Hollywood

Boulevard. Five minutes later, after a climb

through some narrow winding streets, we

are up in the exclusive Hollywood Hills,

where I’m lucky enough to enjoy a brief visit

to the newest, hottest health retreat in LA –

Destination Fit4LA.

As we pull up, I am blown away but what

I see: a spectacular 4-storey, 10-bedroom

spalife.com.au 23

mansion. It is sophisticated modern, with a

twist of architectural brilliance. Brand new,

there are still builders onsite completing an

adjoining residence. The marketing material

described this place as a “celebrity boot camp”,

where movie stars come to get in shape for

a role, but I never expected such opulence. I

feel like Dorothy arriving in Emerald City.

Destination Fit4LA is what you get when

you cross the concepts of savvy real estate

tycoon Chasity Clark with celebrity fitness

expert Lanré Idewu. The result is an amazing,

expansive piece of real estate that offers the

ultimate in health and fitness. The goal was

to create a destination for people to come and

get into the best shape of their lives, beyond

that of just physical.

As I scrape my jaw off the ground, I’m

greeted by two first-class athletes, eager to

show me around. Apparently I’m the only

guest in residence today, as the American Idol

contestants have just moved out and the next

group are not due for a few days. So I have the

entire mansion to myself! What, no Brad Pitt?

I’m given the grand tour and find myself

wishing I could stay longer. Even though

everything is shiny and new, there is already

a subtle sense of warmth and fun that is hard

to describe. You get a strong sense of it from

behind the backlit karaoke stage. Seriously,

this place has its own theatrette, games area

complete with billiard table, disco ball, dance

floor and bar, and a kitchen that leads out to a

beautiful pool and deck from where you can

enjoy the view of LA below. I’m thinking this

is Party Central, a ‘let’s get you fit, but let’s

have some fun in the process’ kind of place.

I am shown to my room, which is almost

as big as my entire house at home. It is more

like four rooms. The bedroom and living

area flow into a dressing room and a massive

bathroom, so big it has a fireplace, TV and

a bath clearly built for two! The walk-in

wardrobe, which is the size of a standard

hotel room, leads through to my own private

Spa suite. More about that later.

Prior to my arrival, I filled out a

comprehensive questionnaire about my

goals and current state of fitness, health and

wellbeing. From this, the Fitness Success

‘Upon arrival, expect lots of smoothies and endless sessions of weights, boot camp circuits, boxing, hiking and officially sanctioned late-night dance parties in the on-site disco.’

Teams (FST™) at Destination Fit4LA have

devised a program for me. The team includes a

personal trainer, nutritionist, counsellor, chef,

masseuse and concierge. Calorie-specific

meals are prepared fresh for guests each day.

There are even cooking classes so you can

learn how to prepare healthy meals at home

and continue on the path you’ve been set.

The huge stack of pillows on the bed looks

very tempting, but my stay here is short so

they will have to wait. Instead Lanré and I

head out for a walk/jog that takes us almost

beneath the iconic Hollywood

sign. I’m pinching myself. I

have an hour one-on-one with

the guy dubbed ‘the Dr Phil of

Fitness’, who has appeared on

TV programs such as Oprah,

Entertainment Tonight and

NBC’s Biggest Loser. I’m disappointed that

I’m suffering jetlag, but at least Lanré takes

pity and keeps me working at a pace that

allows us to have a good chat. He certainly

knows his stuff. As a fitness junky myself,

I’m in heaven and absorbing his wise words

like a sponge. He inspires you to follow your

heart and believe the impossible is possible.

Lanré is walking proof, having grown up in

Africa, where most of his family still live.

Once back at the house, we go to the media

room, which is used for educational lectures

and videos, and doubles as a good space to

do some core work and stretching. Lanré

explains it is in this room that people really

find themselves. During their stay, guests are

non-intrusively videoed. They also record

pre-program and post-program interviews.

After their stay, it is often watching their

pre-program interview that the magic really

happens. They see how far they have come

in such a short time, having achieved goals

they didn’t think were possible.

That is what feeds the passion for Lanré,

who loves to see how far a guest can change

in such a short time. “Destination Fit4LA

is about personal revolution,” he says. “Our

immersion program is based on delivering

long-term results in a short amount of time,

using both fitness and education. Our guests

fall in love with this experience.”

spalife.com.au24

After my workout, I’m in for a real treat.

This is where my private Spa suite comes in.

First up, I have an incredible results-driven

facial. After analysing my skin, my therapist

gives me one of the most intense facials I’ve

ever had. Intense in that she gives me the works,

but keeps it within the hour. The products used

are her own handmade range, and boy do they

work! Even though they were high performance

products, they had that delicious smell of pure,

natural skincare, as if the ingredients had just

been picked. It is the perfect elixir for my ‘been

in a plane for too long’ skin.

My next treat is a deep relaxing massage

from one of LA’s finest, although I must

confess my jetlag finally gets the better of me

and I fall asleep within five minutes. Clearly I

am deeply relaxed! I am awoken with a gentle

nudge and can immediately feel that the kinks

resulting from sleeping in an aeroplane seat

have been well and truly ironed out. I have the

feeling of being a new person. If you’ve ever

had that feeling after a really good massage,

you know what I mean.

Dinner upstairs at a big table in the

kitchen is the cherry on this glorious cake.

Chef Brian cooks up a storm. As I’m the only

guest in the house, Lanré invites some people

over for me to meet. I am entertained at dinner

with local gossip and entertainment industry

banter from a producer, an on-set stylist and

a musician with a bent for real estate. What a

great night with good people and fine food…

and not a drop of alcohol was had.

After a solid night’s sleep, I have a 6am

appointment with trainer Austin Wheatly, who

puts me through my paces. Austin was a pro

footballer for the New Orleans Saints and is

built like the proverbial. I love a good sweat,

so when I was greeted with a wide, wicked

smile, I knew it was game on!

Well, I think he tried to cram a week’s

worth of training into one session because

I was smacked out of the park. But gee it

felt good. I got to experience all forms of

training and utilised every muscle in my body.

It was a brilliant workout and I couldn’t help

wondering what awesome shape you’d be in

if you had a trainer like this every day. Of

course, the session was peppered with light-

hearted sledging and constant challenges – a

man after my own heart.

The fitness training here is not just on-site,

you also get a big taste of LA, with a shopping

trip or two thrown in, of course. Hills are

found to climb, there are bike paths for cycling,

beach volleyball down at Santa Monica - you

name it, these guys have it in their arsenal.

Just in case I haven’t said it enough, it is all

about Fitness with a capital F for Fun.

But now it’s time to leave and I feel very

sad that it’s all gone too quickly. I feel like I’m

saying goodbye to two brothers in Lanré and

Austin. I enjoyed my time with them so much,

their service and warmth was bigger and

more impressive than the house that bowled

me over when I arrived.

I hop back into the SUV to go back

from where I came. This time I experience

a different kind of tiredness. You know, that

exquisite tiredness that comes from using

muscles that have been idle for too long. If

I wasn’t so tired, I would have put up a fight

to stay longer!

If you want to get fit in the lap of luxury and

see LA like a local, this is the Destination! S

Destination Fit4LAHollywood Hills

Los Angeles, [email protected]

spalife.com.au 25

spalife.com.au26

escape

To ThE USA

Words KRIS ABBEY

If you want to spend time in Los Angeles away from the hustle and bustle, I suggest you head

about 15 kilometres northeast of downtown to beautiful, historic Pasadena. And to truly

capture the grace and elegance of a bygone era, you must stay at The Langham Huntington at

the base of the picturesque San Gabriel Mountains. Quite simply, it is stunning!

As I drive north along Highway 110 towards Pasadena, humming The Little Old Lady from Pasadena by the Beach Boys, I’m already starting to feel the pace slow. The streets become wider,

the homes bigger, the trees larger and more established.

I drive up the hotel’s perfectly manicured, horseshoe-shaped driveway and am struck by the

spectacular beauty of both the property and its setting. I feel as if I’ve entered a bygone era and

half expect to see horse-drawn carriages pass by.

The Langham Hotel in Pasadena is unique among LA hotels, which are mostly glitzy and

new. Set on 23 lush acres overlooking San Marino, it embraces the legendary traditions of service

and luxury of the original Langham grand hotel of 1865. Everything is big - the gardens, the high

ceilings, the beds - yet the size is perfectly balanced with a refined elegance.

The earthy warmth and genuine pleasure of good old-fashioned service welcomes you to The

Langham. Even in its opulence, I feel completely at home. I’m told this is where a lot of movie stars

came for privacy in the 1950s and 60s, and it’s easy to imagine Grace Kelly as one of its guests.

I love my suite. It has a lovely big bathroom, a huge comfortable bed and gorgeous antique

furniture. The floor-to-ceiling windows, lined with beautiful drapes for total privacy, allow full

enjoyment of the expansive view.

I am on the club level, so I can use the club lounge any time. There is a constant supply of

fresh fruit, juices, smoothies and light snacks. And if nothing takes your fancy, the chef will

create something special just for you. After 5pm you can help yourself to a constant flow of Moet

Champagne and mouth-watering sushi. I’m really falling in love with this place…

If you feel like taking in some sights, a long, leisurely walk - or a short shuttle ride - away

is Old Pasadena. This is the city’s famed dining, shopping and entertainment district, with more

than 200 buildings dating back to the 1880s and 1890s. Even if you’re not staying in the area, you

really should plan a day trip to Old Pasadena. It is here in the beautiful old buildings and hidden

step back in time

spalife.com.au 27

alleys that you will find the best restaurants,

boutiques and antique shops.

After immersing yourself in the pleasant

surroundings of Old Pasadena, there is no

more fitting end to the day than a visit to

The Huntington Spa at The Langham. It has

just undergone a major overhaul and the new

11,000-square-foot Spa features no less than

13 treatment rooms, plus a state-of-the-art

fitness centre and wet area to relax in before

or after your treatment.

Like many of the Langham properties,

they have added the Chuan Body + Soul

Spa concept, which incorporates Traditional

Chinese Medicine (TCM) services to provide

a comprehensive wellness experience. All

Chuan signature treatments are based on the

principles of TCM, which include the five

elements, breathing rituals and acupressure.

In addition to its signature treatments, Chuan

Body + Soul offers TCM therapies, including

acupuncture, Ho Guan (cupping), moxibustion,

ear seeds and other techniques.

I opt to have a facial that incorporates

ear seeds, which are little seeds of jade that

are attached to pressure points on your outer

ear. Known as Auriculotherapy in TCM,

this involves stimulation of the auricle of

your external ear for the treatment of health

conditions that may be affecting other parts

of your body. It applies the principles of

acupuncture to specific points on your ear

and, since no needles are involved, it can

be done in a Spa setting, where it is much

more relaxing.

After a wonderfully rejuvenating facial,

the seeds are applied to pressure points in

my ear. I’ve been travelling a lot, so some

rebalancing is required. I’m told to leave the

seeds in my ear and they will fall off in their

own time. They feel a little funny at first, but

you soon forget about them and you can barely

see them as they are taped on with skin-tone

tape. I love a treatment that treats and goes

beyond the superficial, although the facial

aspect is greatly appreciated and much needed.

I retreat to my room after a lazy wander

through the gardens. I haven’t felt this relaxed

in a long time. I have a deep, sound sleep and

wake up feeling like I could run to the top

of the mountains that fill my windows. I’m

not sure if it’s the bed, the seeds, the lovely

surroundings or the fact that I haven’t had to

lift a finger or make a decision the entire time

I’ve been here. But I’m not going to analyse

why, I’m just going to plan when I’ll be back! S

1401 South Oak Knoll Avenue,Pasadena, California 91106, USAT (+1) 626 568 3900E [email protected]

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CANYON RANCHpart 1: the making of

28

escape

USA

WordsKRIS ABBEY

Canyon Ranch has a reputation in

the United States as the standard to

which all other health retreats aspire.

I was recently lucky enough to conduct

a workshop at the Global Spa and Wellness

Summit in Aspen Colorado, after which one

of the Canyon Ranch directors invited me to

experience their retreat in Tucson Arizona.

Just to give you an indication of how

Canyon Ranch is perceived by the Spa industry,

I mentioned to some colleagues at the summit

that I was off to Grand Canyon. “Hmm, that’s

nice,” was the general reaction. “Oh sorry

no, I meant Canyon Ranch!” Well, that got

a completely different reaction. “That is so

much better than the Grand Canyon,” they

all agreed. Well, having already experienced

the incredible natural wonder of the Grand

Canyon, I was left thinking that Canyon

Ranch certainly had a lot to live up to.

I arrive in Tucson in the heart of Arizona

- the biggest state in America and also the

driest and hottest. It is dry for a staggering 350

days per year! The arid landscape is stunning,

the heat intoxicating, and the sky as blue as

you’ve ever seen. I feel like I’m on the set of

a Cowboys and Indians movie. I even catch

a glimpse of a giant, three-pronged cactus,

straight out of a Road Runner cartoon. It just

needed a tumbleweed to roll by to complete

the picture! The environment is so sharp,

harsh and unique, all at the same time. It is

captivatingly beautiful.

When we arrive at Canyon Ranch, I am

shocked by the sight of so much greenery. It

is literally an oasis in the desert.

Canyon Ranch was founded by Mel

Zuckerman and his wife Enid in 1979.

Before they turned it into a luxury vacation

destination dedicated to life enhancement,

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Canyon Ranch was the Double-U Dude Ranch.

Dude Ranches are similar to our Farm Stays

and became popular in the US with the rise

of Western movies. They allow their guests

to experience a somewhat edited and more

luxurious version of the cowboy life.

The main reception, dining room and

lounge area from the original ranch remains.

There is a lot of sturdy furniture, exposed

timber beams and stone walls covered in clay.

Very warm and earthy, like most things here.

Mel’s story is an interesting one, and I was

fortunate enough to hear it from the horse’s

mouth. Mel, now 82, looks as fit as a fiddle

and as vital as most men half his age. When

he speaks, it is with humility and passion, and

with much compassion for people with health

struggles and weight-loss battles.

He makes it clear that if you want

something bad enough, you have to work for it.

It all comes down to believing. Believing that

you can be an active participant in creating

your own good (or bad) health. You can’t beat

mortality by an act of will, but you can prevent,

delay or eliminate many of the ill-effects of

an unhealthy lifestyle. The basics of living a

healthy lifestyle are, in fact, quite basic! Get

off the couch, put down your fork or glass,

and find some creative outlet to deflate your

stress. This advice comes from experience.

In a past life, Mel was an accountant for

a real estate company, after which he became

a home builder, then a property developer

in Tucson when the area was enjoying a

population boom. He enjoyed a rags to riches

life, but then back to rags. Each time he had

a property development win, he would make

the next gamble with higher stakes.

He enjoyed the good life, but when the

economy took a battering in 1963, so too did

Mel. He weathered the storm for a few years

to keep afloat, but the stress of it all was

slowly killing him. At just 5 foot 9 inches, he

weighed in at 100kg. His stress release was

food, and by his own admission, Carnation

Rocky Road Ice-cream was his drug of choice.

Poor diet, financial struggles and copious

amounts of stress put him on the path to a

breakdown - adrenal overload, high blood

pressure, flirting with Type 2 diabetes, not

to mention the pressure his poor mood was

having on his marriage. >

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“I’d always thought of health as something that happened to you, like having blue

eyes, or being tall or short, or being good with numbers. Now I know better.”

Water flows to feed the iconic Wentworth Falls

On the eve of his 40th birthday, he was

in his doctor’s office awaiting the results of

some health tests, imagining he was about to

be told he was living in the body of a 45-year-

old, or at worst 50. He was shocked to be told

his biological age was that of a 70-year-old.

“I was more fearful in that moment than I had

ever been in my life,” says Mel. Not even

declaring bankruptcy had been as scary. “But

then my doctor said the magic words: ‘There

are some things we can do about this.’”

As often happens with traumatic events,

this one had a momentous effect on Mel’s

life. Staring at a death

sentence, Mel decided

to turn the negative

into a positive. At

Enid’s insistence, he

checked into a fat

farm in Mexico for

two weeks to lose some weight, hoping it

might be the catalyst for getting on the path

to good health. He was the only male guest

and none of the staff knew how to deal with

him, let alone have a specific program to meet

his needs. Mel, who is eloquent and charming,

was out of his depth talking C-sections and

baby fat with the other guests. On day three,

he hitchhiked out of there and returned home,

not having lost a pound.

Enid was angry, he was defiant, and the

merry-go-round of poor communication and

angry outbursts picked up pace. A mid-life

crisis, a marriage breakdown, a new wife and

building another business up from scratch did

not help improve his health. It’s a familiar

story, and a story that usually ends in one

of two ways.

Mel and Enid began missing each other,

and the reasons they were a couple in the first

place began to gnaw away at Mel. He left his

second wife to rebuild his relationship with

his true love, and eventually Mel and Enid

remarried.

This is when things started to turn

positive for Mel. Business was back on track

and, by 1978, he had a little empire going

again. He had built a large portion of the

houses and apartments in Tucson, but his

health was not thriving to the same degree.

One day, Enid planted the seed that they

should build a fat farm in Tucson. At the time,

this didn’t register with Mel.

Another little poke came when Mel’s

father, aged 76, was diagnosed with lung

cancer and given two months to live. He quit

smoking on the spot and fought bravely for

six months. His last months of life were filled

with ‘If onlys’.

Approaching his 50th birthday, Mel

decided he didn’t want to live with regret

and ‘If onlys’. He set himself a goal of losing

30 pounds (12.5kg). Flicking through a

magazine, he was lured by an ad that said

“Lose a pound a day with Sheila.” It was for

a Spa in California, the Oaks at Ojai, owned

by Sheila Cluff. Mel thought he might be able

to lose 10 pounds and signed up, except this

time he took his own car as a getaway vehicle!

Upon arrival, Mel was introduced to the

Oaks fitness director, Karma Kientzler. It was

at that point that good Karma showered upon

Mel. She wouldn’t let him give up on himself.

She could see an unhappy, overweight person

and wanted to know more about him and what

he wanted to achieve during his stay. She

showed him how he could do it and, most

importantly, met every one of his “I can’ts”

with a “You can”. She pushed him to jog for

the first time in his adult life. By day 10, he

had lost 13 pounds and could run a mile

without stopping. The exhilaration of jogging

a mile for the first time since he was a kid

was the highest of highs for Mel.

This time, rather than checking out early,

he stayed another two weeks. During this time,

he learned that the two things he’d always

believed about himself – that his body was

a curse, and that it would always fail him –

were wrong. As he says, this was his ‘Aha!’

moment. “I’d always thought of health as

something that happened to you, like having

blue eyes, or being tall or short, or being good

with numbers. Now I know better.”

On the drive home, Enid and Mel talked

non-stop about opening their own fat farm

in Tucson. For the first time in their married

life, they agreed on everything. They shared

a vision. They knew they would have a place

with staff who genuinely cared about their

guests and who understood what they wanted

to achieve during their stay. 30 years ago, that >

spalife.com.au 31

ADVENTUROUS READER

Abbeys-SpaLife-FP-01.indd 1 7/01/13 1:01 PM

spalife.com.au32

was pioneering stuff. Today it is the standard

for all good health retreats.

After intense planning and research, they

had a reasonable idea of what they wanted

their fat farm to offer. Now they just needed

the location. A real estate buddy told Mel that

an old Dude Ranch was for sale, but it was

in a state of disarray. It turned out to be very

run down and in need of love, but even then

both Enid and Mel could feel the magic, the

powerful energy this land held. You can still

feel it here today.

Immersed in their vision, they never

once stopped to think “We’ve never run a

hotel, or a restaurant, and we’re about to do

both!” True greenhorns, they didn’t know

what they didn’t know. But passion, guts and

belief got them through, and on 20 December

1979, Canyon Ranch opened with 88 staff

and eight guests (of whom only one was a

paying guest). And the rest is history. And

yes, Karma Kientzler is an integral part of

the Canyon Ranch team. Even today, in her

80s, she plays an important role.

I heard Mel tell this story to a room full

of students who had enrolled in one of the

speciality programs they offer at The Life

Enhancement Centre, which is like a mini

university at Canyon Ranch. In an intimate and

professional environment, you can do various

courses ranging from Weight Loss and Stress

Management to Awakening Your Spiritual

Beliefs and Reaching Your Personal Potential.

I sat in on the orientation session for the

Weight Loss Program. The anxiety in the

room was palpable. Most of these people

were about to take their first step on an

incredibly confronting journey. Mel shared

his story with great clarity and honesty,

causing plenty of goosebumps and tears, but

above all, inspiration. By the time he had

finished speaking, the anxiety in the room

had been replaced by a wave of excitement

and self-belief. If I had to leave Canyon Ranch

right then, after less than 12 hours, I would

have thought it was well worth the trip, just

to have had the experience of hearing Mel

Zuckerman’s story. Thankfully, I had three

more days left…

Here’s what I want you to take away, says

Mel: “Don’t do what I did for the first 50 years

of my life. Do what I’ve done since.”

Next issue: I share the details of my

time at Canyon Ranch, including two of the

most incredible healing experiences I’ve

ever had. What I love about this place is

the wonderful fusion of natural therapies

and cutting-edge science, packaged around

fantastic accommodation and mouth-watering,

nutritious food. In the middle of the Arizona

desert, in a place developed out of a passion to

inspire guests to be active participants in their

own health, magic truly happens. The ‘old

you’ vanishes and the ‘new you’ is appears! S

Canyon Ranch, Tuscon8600 East Rockcliff Road

Tucson, AZ 85750(520) 749-9000

canyonranch.com

spalife.com.au 33

Amazing serenity away from the hustle and bustle.

There’s something about Thailand that can almost immediately have you feeling more calm, content, healthier and happier than you have in a very long time. There’s a sense of tranquillity and balance here that is so easy to tap into the second you arrive. Leave the stress and clatter behind at home and immerse yourself in indulgent bliss. Think massages and spa treatments like you’ve never had before. Think reading a book on a gorgeous beach by the aqua blue water. Think relaxing in a hammock. Think nothing. Take the opportunity to re-energise and revitalise your body and soul. You deserve it and you know you need it.

Tourism Authority of Thailand, Level 20, 56 Pitt St Sydney, NSW 2000, +61 2 9247 7549

www.thailand.net.au

Thai_SpaLife_FPC.indd 1 18/05/11 10:12 AM

spalife.com.au34

escape

ThAILAND

Words & PhotosGAYE GERARD

MELATI the Scent of

Calmness

spalife.com.au 35

“Would you like fresh lime in

your juice, madam?” asks the

bartender softly as I float in

the warm water of the tropical pool at Melati

Spa Resort on the stunning island of Koh

Samui, Thailand.

Surrounded by palm trees, the blazing

island sun caressing my shoulders, I begin to

unwind and take in the stunning view of the

beach as the crystal clear, light-blue water laps

the shore. There is a real sense of seclusion

here. You feel like you’re miles away from

the rest of civilisation. And yet the fine dining

restaurants, nightlife, markets and boutiques

of Chaweng Beach are only a 20-minute drive

away, so you have the best of both worlds.

This idyllic beachfront resort, set on

flourishing manicured gardens overlooking

Thongson Bay, features an harmonious blend

of traditional Thai architecture - creating a

village feel - with all the sophistication of

a modern 5-star resort. The premium luxury

villas and suites average a minimum 77 square

meters of indoor and outdoor living space, and

the oversized bathrooms, generous wardrobe

space, soft robes, sandals and stylish woven

beach bag provided in each villa make you

feel like you’re in your own private oasis.

But what is a truly fabulous touch are the

traditional Thai sweets that are meticulously

prepared and delivered to you each evening

at sundown.

Honeymooners flock here, inspired by

the intimate romantic setting of the luxury

villas, complete with private plunge pool and

day bed. Families are also well catered for

with an excellent kids’ club offering a range

of activities to keep the little ones completely

entertained while you take a dip in the pool,

or lunch in the superb beach-view restaurant.

Meandering through the tropical

walkways from my villa, a friendly gardener

waves hello as I pass by. With no one else in

sight, no clock ticking, no schedule to follow,

I stop for a minute, close my eyes and gently

breath-take in nature’s splendour. Brightly

coloured flowers in full bloom blend into

the beautiful landscape and a picturesque

waterfall outside the main Spa pavilion makes

me feel like I’m in another world.

From the moment I enter the main Spa,

the aromatic oils, ambience and fresh flowers

at reception transport me into a state of bliss.

One of the staff offers me a cold face towel

and ice tea while I select my treatment from

the extensive Spa menu. I choose the Aroma

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Massage, followed by an exquisite Fruit Glow

Facial which delights my senses with the local

ingredients used to cleanse, exfoliate and

revitalise my skin. This wonderful experience

leaves me feeling deeply relaxed and my skin

looking and feeling radiant.

‘Melati’ is Indonesian for Jasmine, also

known as the scent of calmness, which is the

essence of the Spa, where they offer a range of

treatments including massages, wraps, body

scrubs and deluxe rejuvenating facials which

can be enjoyed in the privacy of your air-

conditioned villa or in one of the Spa villas.

The resort also features two Spa pavilions

by the main pool overlooking the uncrowded,

pristine white sandy beach where Thai

massage can be enjoyed throughout the day,

in between a soothing swim in the sea or

reclining on the pool lounges as you soak up

the golden rays with a good book.

After my Spa treatments, I take a tour

of the well-equipped gym, which hosts a

comprehensive list of activities including

yoga and fitness classes for those wishing to

maintain their health regime while on holiday.

There are two restaurants: Kan Sak Thong

restaurant specialises in traditional Thai and

Asian delicacies. Located at the top of the

resort, it overlooks a stream of water that

gently flows down through the lush gardens

filled with lotus ponds, flowers and wooden

bridges, which are lit up at night, creating a

tranquil and tropical ambience.

The poolside restaurant, View Pha Ngan,

has a spectacular view over the beach at

sunset and offers a range of Western food,

including an impressive wood-fired pizza

menu. Breakfast is also served here with

a large array of fresh fruit, juices and eggs

prepared to your liking by the chef.

If you choose to venture out of the resort,

the concierge can organise a tour to the Big

Buddha, a short drive away, where you can take

photos of the impressive Buddha and purchase

locally-made souvenirs and handicrafts at the

market. Be sure to sample the banana pancakes

at one of the stands at the bottom of the Buddha,

they are deliciously sweet!

If you are in Samui on a Friday night, I

suggest a trip to the local fisherman’s village

market at Bophut Beach, not far from the

resort. You can have dinner at one of the many

restaurants lining the beach and enjoy a stroll

through the lively street scene. You will find

an array of bars with bands playing and can

sample many dishes at the Thai food stands

or just browse the boutiques. If you’re up for

an adventure, visit one of the Fish Spas found

at Bophut and also Chaweng Beach. You sit

comfortably on a cushion on the edge of a large

tank of water and immerse your feet or hands

so the little fish can suck off any dry, dead skin.

At first it’s a rather strange, tingling sensation,

but becomes more enjoyable and leaves your

feet soft and supple.

In the afternoon heat, I decide to take a

swim in the warm sea, which feels more like a

large bath. I swim out a short distance and do a

few gentle laps of freestyle before returning to

the sun lounges by the pool bar. Grabbing my

towel, I walk over to the shade of a thatched roof

gazebo bar and enjoy a sweet mango cocktail.

GEttING tHERE

Thai Airways flies to Bangkok and Phuket from capital cities. From these

locations there are several flights direct to Koh Samui. There are currently

no direct flights to Koh Samui from Australia or New Zealand.

Melati Beach Resort is located right on a secluded stretch of pristine

beach with the crystal clear blue sea of Thongson Bay on the Northern

Coast of Samui Island. Melati Resort is conveniently located just 15 minutes

away from the Chaweng Beach shopping and entertainment venues,

restaurants and a 10-minute drive from Samui Airport, as well as Fisherman’s

Village. Choeng Mun Beach and Big Buddha Statue are close to this resort.

spalife.com.au 37

The bar is conveniently designed as a

swim-up bar to service the resort’s main

pool and beach lounge, serving a light menu

throughout the day. Sitting here I find myself

in a dreamy, chilled-out state, staring into

the azure water of the swimming pool as

the leaves of the palm trees sway and gently

whisper all around me.

I look up as I hear a familiar-sounding

Australian accent. Ben and Danica, a couple

from Perth, say hello and we get acquainted,

sharing tales of our holiday over a beautifully

garnished cocktail. They are on their

honeymoon and are very impressed with

the resort’s tranquil location, their lavish

pool villa and the friendly service of the staff.

“Starting each morning with the delicious

buffet breakfast at the View Restaurant, with

spectacular views overlooking the beach, is

heavenly,” says Danica. During their stay,

they were treated to a very special romantic

candlelit dinner for

two, with their table

set up on the sand at

the water’s edge, the

sun fading and the sky

turning from shades

of pink to shimmering

shades of blue. The chef prepared exquisite

traditional Thai dishes and sweet desserts,

introducing their palates to a world of flavour

as they enjoyed an enchanted evening under

the stars.

Melati is truly a place of relaxation

where you can let yourself go, embrace the

sumptuous cuisine, the stunning views and

the lavish accommodation. It is a place you

will surely want to revisit. S

‘Melati’ is Indonesian for Jasmine, also known as the scent of calmness, which is the essence of the Spa

spalife.com.au38

Is there such a thing as feeling good and feeling grief… simultaneously?

It hasn’t happened for me yet.

But then, I’m a long way from sainthood and must confess to still dropping to my

knees in dysfunctional despair from time to time. Less and less these days, but it still happens

every now and then. Actually, it happened just yesterday…

Regardless of what we grieve for, if we don’t process our grief, we get stuck in it. Becoming

frozen in one of ‘the seven stages of grief’ immobilises our hearts, preventing us from moving

forward. And getting stuck can be just as painful as the grief itself!

The grief may be for the death of a loved one, or the death of a relationship - with a

spouse, a lover, a family member or a friend - or even the death of an addictive lifestyle. Or

it may be caused by trauma related to violence, abuse, neglect, abandonment or even an act

of God, such as an earthquake, fire or flood. All these human challenges require us to deal

with some form of grief.

Dealing with grief, loss and trauma has been a big part of my work over the past 15 years.

Those of you who know of my work with Emotional Fitness techniques know I am not a

good grief?

escape

GRIEF

Words & PhotosCYNThIA MoRToN

spalife.com.au38

spalife.com.au 39

therapist. Just as Nigella Lawson is not a chef,

but rather a cook who has become an expert

through her love of cooking and dedication to

her craft in her own home, I am an Emotional

Personal Trainer who has learned how to

help and support others through my love

of recovering hope in my own life, and my

vigilant dedication to practicing the craft of

Emotional Fitness in my own life and in my

own home. And yes, I have studied extensively

at the University of Life!

But if you saw me yesterday - sitting like

a child on the floor beside my bed, hugging

my knees and sobbing with grief - you would

be forgiven for thinking there was nothing

emotionally fit about me at all.

However, I - the emotionally fit - am not

always smiling, just as the physically fit are

not always punching the air. Often they are

facing their fears and dealing with the messy

stuff in their relationships that the emotionally

unfit will not.

The only way to process emotional shit

is to wade through it.

Like that boy in the movie Slumdog Millionaire, the only way to hold on to his

dream was to endure the stench of his own,

and others’, raw sewage. Recovering hope

is not always a pleasant journey every step

of the way, but it is most definitely worth it.

After I put down drugs and alcohol as

emotional anaesthetic, grief has always

appeared like a huge wave that would drown

me. I would feel a swell of anxiety begin to

rise and build until it surged up my throat

from inside. As the grief bubbled within me,

I would become mute, unable to speak. Which

is why I started researching ways to become

emotionally fitter. I honestly believed my

grief would overwhelm me and I would die if

I didn’t learn to manage and endure it.

In my experience, grief does not just

visit once. As the years pass, Mother Nature

and Father Time set consistent emotional

homework. But over time, all the grief about

the loss or trauma will be flushed out, gone

once and for all.

I’m not quite there yet, but I’m definitely

on my way.

I remember my therapist in the early days

telling me that the grief I had to process was

the 7 StAGeS OF GrIeF

1. ShoCK & DENIAlYou will probably react to learning of the loss with numbed disbelief. You may

deny the reality of the loss at some level to avoid the pain. Shock provides

emotional protection from being overwhelmed all at once. This may last for

weeks.

2. pAIN & GuIltAs the shock wears off, it is replaced with the suffering of unbelievable

pain. Although excruciating and almost unbearable, it is important that you

experience the pain fully, and not hide it, avoid it or escape from it with alcohol

or drugs. You may have guilty feelings or remorse over things you did, or

didn’t do, with your loved one. Life feels chaotic and scary during this phase.

3. ANGER & BARGAININGFrustration gives way to anger. You may lash out and lay unwarranted blame for the grief and loss on someone else. Try to control this as it can cause

permanent damage to your relationships. This is a time for the release of

bottled-up emotion. You may rail against fate, asking “Why me?” You may

try to bargain in vain with the powers that be for a way out of your despair;

“I’ll never drink again if you just make this pain go away.”

4. ‘DEpRESSIoN’, REFlECtIoN & loNElINESSJust when your friends think you should be getting on with your life, a long

period of sad reflection will likely overtake you. This is a normal stage of grief, so don’t be ‘talked out of it’ by well-meaning outsiders. Encouragement

from others is not helpful during this stage of grief.

During this time, you finally realise the true magnitude of your loss and

it depresses you. You may isolate yourself on purpose, reflect on things you

did before the loss, or focus on memories of the past. You may have feelings

of emptiness or despair.

5. thE upWARD tuRNAs you start to adjust to life without the old lifestyle and people, your life

becomes a little calmer and more organised. Your physical symptoms lessen

and your ‘depression’ begins to lift.

6. RECoNStRuCtIoN & WoRKING thRouGhAs you become more functional, your mind starts working again and you

find yourself seeking realistic solutions to problems posed by life without

your previous support systems. You start to work on practical and financial

problems, reconstructing yourself and your life.

7. ACCEptANCE & hopEDuring the last of the seven stages, you learn to accept and deal with the

reality of your situation. Acceptance does not necessarily mean instant

happiness. Given the pain and turmoil you have experienced, you can never

return to the carefree, untroubled you that existed before your tragedy. But

you find a way forward.

spalife.com.au40

Cynthia Morton is a bestselling Australian author. She is also a painter, public speaker

and mother of two sons.

Cynthia is CEO and founder of the Emotional Fitness Foundation. Having

worked with over 7,000 Australians facing emotionally challenging life issues, such as

addiction, abuse, self-sabotaging cycles and depression, Cynthia is in high demand

as an Emotional Fitness expert. www.emotionalfitness.com

be unlovable. They don’t think I’m worth it.

How could they have stood by and watched

while I was being beaten?”

You start to look forward and plan things

for the future. Eventually, you will be able

to think about your lost life without pain.

Sadness, yes, but the wrenching pain will be

gone. You will again anticipate good times

to come and again find joy in the experience

of living.The Upward Turn (steps 5, 6 then 7)

happened for me late yesterday afternoon.

My darling husband, in all his wisdom, after

sitting through this storm with me, lovingly

lead me out the other side with his hugs,

holding my hand and enjoying a movie and

some divine ice cream.

I’m getting really efficient at processing

bigger chunks of grief in shorter spaces of

time. In the past, the grief I felt over the

weekend could have taken me weeks to work

through, with lost days of work and endless

days of sobbing and anger. But this morning

I again felt happy and hopeful.

So was it good grief? Well, yes it was

good, but I’m glad now that it’s over. I feel

lighter, more relieved and less stressed, as

if a long, sharp shard of glass has finally

been removed from the depths of my heart.

I was neither graceful nor attractive as this

shard came up and out, but thank God for

those who love us when we believe we are

unlovable, struggling to swim in the ocean

of life. Thank you my darling Mr Delicious

for sitting with me in my darkest hours as

you have so loyally done over the past seven

years. What a blessing.

I will leave you with these Word Vitamins

today and send you my heartfelt love if you

are working through one of these seven stages.

If you are stuck, seek an elder or loved one

who understands these stages to help you

through. The pain and darkness will pass

and your heart will smile again. I myself am

booked in to see my wise elder next Monday.

So until next time..

There is a great step-by-step manual

called Back to Life: Your Personal Guidebook to Grief Recovery by Jennie Wright - available

as a downloadable PDF or hard copy from

www.recover-from-grief.com. S

multifaceted and intense. He told me it would

take years and that I would only be able to

process it a little bit at a time, like squeezing

toothpaste out of a tube. This is because grief

is very toxic and the human heart can only

manage it functionally in small pieces. He

explained that when an emotional trigger

arises, a little more grief is released, and that

I would move through the seven stages with

each piece I processed, and I would come out

the other side a stronger person.

He was right.

Over the years, the grief - like bullets, or

shards of glass, from my heart - have been

removed one by one. For the last few years,

I don’t think I’ve had to deal with any grief

that I felt I couldn’t work my way through

on my own.

Until this weekend.

The grief had been gradually rising since

November 2010 when my husband’s mum

decided to travel from the UK to Australia

to be with her son. She is a wonderfully

dedicated mum, and being around the two

of them is truly heart-warming. In fact,

witnessing their love massaged some deep-

rooted glass splinters that were wedged way,

way down in the depths of my heart up to

the surface. I have felt their painful presence

and, quite frankly, my ego was shocked that

there was still more grief work for me to do

around female elders.

I’m expert in the art of denial, so I’d been

pushing this grief back down, convincing

myself I was too busy with my hectic schedule

of travel and work to deal with them. I had

also dropped off on working with my clinical

elder as I’d been away and we were unable

to coordinate our diaries. As I hid myself in

work, my pain and guilt were progressively

haunting me.

Then yesterday on the weekend, when I

finally gave myself some time off from work,

the anger became unbearable. I felt outraged,

like a wounded animal caught in a trap. I

screamed like a wild banshee at my darling

husband. Soon after, the depression hit and I

was inconsolable. The little girl in me hugged

her knees and sobbed. Flooded in tears and

snot, I kept saying to my hubby, “I’m not lying.

It’s true. It happened. Why would I lie? I must

Grief is itself a medicine.William Cowper

spalife.com.au40 The Friendliest Way To Fly! www.norfolkair.com

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spalife.com.au 41The Friendliest Way To Fly! www.norfolkair.com

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THETHE

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Welcome to the World of Norfolk......where you can be as laid back

or busy as you want to be.

spalife.com.au42

come up for a fresh look fairmont resort

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spalife.com.au 43

The Fairmont Resort MGallery in the Blue Mountains is set

to reclaim its position as one of Australia’s premier leisure,

conference and event venues, with its inspirational outlook over

the Jamison Valley and its vast range of leisure facilities and activities.

The iconic hotel recently completed a $10 million renovation that

saw a complete transformation of its guest rooms and public areas.

There will also soon be a major new Day Spa where the fitness centre

and indoor heated pool complex are currently located.

The renovation project is part of the resort’s rebranding to the

boutique MGallery label of distinctive hotels. This will see the hotel

introduce a stronger regional focus that makes the most of its World

Heritage-listed setting and its ethos of relaxation, rejuvenation and

reconnection with nature.

The entrance lobby now features deep leather armchairs with new

tables and lamps to reinforce the rustic, country club theme and create

a welcoming atmosphere upon arrival. To create a feeling of warmth

and comfort, there is an emphasis on natural materials, including

polished, recycled timber boards and a firewood motif on the carpet.

The area is anchored by a dramatic, elk-horn chandelier suspended

over Embers Bar, which now has a new balcony overlooking the valley,

blending more seamlessly with its spectacular setting and providing

outdoor dining directly accessible from Jamison’s restaurant. The

décor draws from nature for its inspiration with a real sense of drama.

All 13 meeting rooms and the Grand Ballroom have been upgraded,

with new furniture and cutting-edge technology, including a 128-seat

come up for a fresh look fairmont resort One of the many breathtaking views of

the Blue Mountains

spalife.com.au44

auditorium. Guest rooms have new

bathrooms, bedding, joinery and carpeting,

while hallways have been refreshed with new

lighting, paint and carpets.

With food such a vital component in

the success of the resort, the Fairmont has

hired executive chef Rebecca Kaye, who

sources ingredients from local producers

and suppliers to ensure her menus provide the

freshest, healthiest and most authentic tastes

of the Blue Mountains region. For a touch of

luxury, the new Sublime

Lounge offers decadent

high teas showcasing

specially created treats

and specially blended

teas. So the Fairmont now

celebrates the culinary

treasures of the Blue

Mountains, as well as its

natural and cultural treasures.

The extensive leisure facilities make the

Fairmont a destination in its own right – with

indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis

courts, billiards room and kids’ games room.

The extensive gardens have been returned to

their best, providing a range of colourful and

inspiring settings, with many lakes, fountains

and waterfalls to make those walks in the

fresh mountain air even more enjoyable.

Some of Australia’s most dramatic natural

wonders are also right on your doorstep, with

rainforests, canyons, hidden caves and endless

walking trails to explore.

New owner Jerry Schwartz has also

purchased the adjacent Leura Golf Course,

where the 18-hole championship course

features breathtaking scenery to rival any

course in the world.

From bushwalking and hiking to

mountain biking, horse riding, canyoning

and abseiling, a conference at the Fairmont

provides endless activities for team-building

in spectacular surrounds. A range of team-

building activities, including Segway Tours,

can be arranged to suit every taste and budget.

The Fairmont remains a natural meeting

point, with a warm, inviting atmosphere and

conference facilities that can cater for up

to 800 delegates. With direct access to one

of the world’s true natural treasures, the

Fairmont offers the opportunity to connect

this iconic 210-room resort is back as the premier Blue mountains conferencing destination after completing a major

$10 million transformation as part of its inclusion into accor mGallery’s collection

of hotels with plans of a major Day spa development.

A standard King Room ABOve: Looking up from embers bar to the lobbyWater flows to feed the iconic Wentworth Falls

spalife.com.au 45

with nature in more meaningful ways so delegates can gain a true

sense of regeneration and rejuvenation.

With the rejuvenation of the hotel has come a regeneration of the

spirit of its staff and a commitment to providing the highest levels of

service. As the hotel enters a new phase, event organisers will notice

the little differences that can take a conference to the next level.

The Fairmont Resort joins a number of renowned hotels in Accor’s

prestigious MGallery collection, which are selected based on their

vision, history, design and outstanding location. MGallery hotels

are remarkable in their personality and appeal to travellers looking

for distinctive services or seeking a place with a true soul. The hotel

boasts a spectacular setting, glorious gardens and country-manor style

architecture that makes the most of its peerless location.

It is the third MGallery in Australia, in addition to the Grand

Hotel in Melbourne and Cradle Mountain Lodge in Tasmania, and

the 20th MGallery in the world, joining others such as the Hotel St

Moritz in Queenstown (four times awarded New Zealand Hotel of the

Year), the Baltimore in Paris, the Convent Hotel in Amsterdam and

Vie Hotel in Bangkok.

The Fairmont Mountain Resort epitomises a mountain hideaway

and oozes comfort and warmth. It’s an easy two hour drive from Sydney.

So why not pop in for high tea or even stay awhile. It’s certainly worth

a visit, and the fresh look is as clean as the mountain air.S

GETTING THERE

From Sydney it is an easy drive following the Great Western Freeway. Road works are nearly complete and it’s dual carriage most of the way. Once you are Leura, follow the signs to the resort. You can also catch a train and disembark at Leura. Leura is a quaint mountain village with lovely boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants.

Fairmont Resort1 Sublime Point RoadLeura NSW 2780Ph 02 4785 0000www.fairmontresort.com.au www.peninsulahotsprings.com

Relax, escape,rejuvenate

Entering the bathing area is like

stepping into another world

… it’s a place where time is forgotten

Springs Lane, Fingal (Rye), Mornington Peninsula

BATH HOUSE Open 7.30am-10pm, 7 days a week. Social relaxation, family-friendly, fun & revitalising, 20+ bathing experiences, café

SPA DREAMING CENTRE Open 9am-9pm, 7 days a week. Day spa & massage centre, unique dining, serene bathing, 16+ years only

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October 4-7th, 2013 - Jaipur, India“A Defining Moment”

Learn more at www.globalspaandwellnesssummit.org

India 2013

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spalife.com.au 47

“The minute you really begin to do what you really want to do, it’s a really different kind of life.”

R Buckminster Fuller

experience


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experience

GoLD Coast, QLD

Words Kris aBBeY

two nuggets of gold on the

GoLD Coast

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The Gold Coast and all its theme parks, nightclubs and

busy tourist scene is not the first destination that comes

to mind when you think ‘relaxing holiday’. But I’ve

found a couple of little hideouts that you can escape to while

the kids take to the rides.

On the QtIf good food, friendly service with a smile, a touch of the quirky,

lots of colour, cuteness, uniqueness and eclectic art are your

thing, then QT is the place for you. The minute you enter the

front doors, you feel like you’re in a time warp that is taking you

back to the 1960s. Think brightly coloured melamine furniture,

caramel milkshakes in giant aluminium tumblers, homemade

lemonade and candy stripes. If you can capture all of that, you’ve

come close to feeling the vibe that QT has created. They would

say “Nostalgic surfer chic meets Miami catwalk”. I would say

“Happy Days meets Vogue”. It is uber-cool laced with fun.

Your mood is elevated the instant you arrive. You can’t help

but chuckle when you’re greeted at reception by someone wearing

an aqua jumpsuit! I love that they’ve gone the polar opposite

to what we have come to expect from five-star hotels. They are

about as far away from that cookie-cutter sameness as you can

go. There is still a strong focus on service and making each guest

feel welcome, and a make-yourself-at-home energy surrounds

you. Put your feet up and don’t stress if the kids touch things.

I just love this place. From the black-and-white-striped

bedspreads to the cruisers freely available to

guests so they can ride along the Gold Coast

promenade in QT style. Just when you think

you’re getting used to it, you’ll be surprised

again, like when you get into a lift and say hi

to the American tourist inside, before realising

he is simply a life-sized image superimposed

on the mirror!

But it’s not just the décor and art that

lures you in, special mention must go to the

food. This is truly a foodie’s heaven! Creating

a growing buzz since its opening, Bazaar

recreates a traditional marketplace style of

eating, with a modern twist. It is a totally open

restaurant with floor-to-ceiling glass so you

can soak up the view as you dine. That said,

you are often distracted by what is going on

in the kitchen. Everything is prepared before

your eyes. Even the cool room with all the

fresh produce is glass so you can look inside.

I’m not a smorgasbord fan. I usually

equate them with overcooked food sitting

in a bain-marie under bright lights that are

zapping all nutritional value and flavour, so

all you’re left with is a tummy ache from

eating too much. That was until I experienced

Bazaar – one of the three dining experiences

at QT. You can go healthy and enjoy a mosaic

of salads, all prepared before your eyes with

colourful, fresh, organic ingredients. There is

wood-fired pizza with your choice of topping,

or the classic pot roasts with an assortment

of condiments. You can even ask for your

preferred cut of meat cooked to your liking.

There are Asian wok stations for noodles and

stir-fries, a fine selection of sushi and sashimi,

and my favourite, the seafood! Oh my god,

the seafood! And a note to the rookie – leave

some room for the wide array of deserts. If

you’re not sure about anything, just ask the

chefs. They are up close and personal and

love spreading their contagious passion for

good food, especially when it’s appreciated.

Breakfast is eagerly anticipated and does

not disappoint. In fact, I would say this is the

best hotel breakfast I’ve ever had in Australia.

Again, everything is prepared before you. You

get to choose what you want and how you SpaQ reception screams ‘Welcome’!

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So that’s exactly what I do, opting for the

freshly-picked experience, and I look forward to

it with anticipation. I allow plenty of time before

my treatment so I can enjoy the hammam and

ice fountain, setting the scene. Once I’m in my

treatment room, I chat with the therapist about

how she can best meet my needs. I’m a ‘have

my cake and eat it’ girl, so we go for a power

facial to get maximum results in minimum

time, leaving plenty of time for a good, much-

needed remedial massage. I’ve hit pay dirt with

my therapist. She was previously the product

trainer for the range she is using on me, so she

knows exactly what is best for me, and has a

deft hand when applying them. Rock and roll!

I wouldn’t normally use words like ‘groove’

or ‘mojo’ when talking Spa experiences, but

I honestly feel like a new person with more

skip in my step. I can relate perfectly to how

they conclude the spaQ menu: “With spicy

and soothing refreshments, smooth tunes, a

stylishly vibrant look and an awesome team

of Spa specialists, spaQ takes a playful, frisky

and light-hearted approach to feeling well

and looking great. With the help of natural

Spa product creator Uspa, our mission is to

help you shine.”

And shine I do!

want it. I especially love the daily juices and

smoothies served in recycled bottles – again

with that sense of fun.

Like the food, the Spa does not disappoint

and the menu is equally enticing. The Spa,

as I’ve come to expect with QT, is not what

you expect! It is colourful, open and there is

no code of silence. The change room is like

a funky, high-school locker room with good

old-fashioned metal lockers. No muted tones,

it is all vibrant and cheery. Even the menu is

written without the usual political correctness:

“Just like your mind, your body isn’t static.

At spaQ we get that, and so we decided to do

things a little differently ourselves to fit in with

your individual groove. As well as packing

our menu with some serious therapeutic punch,

we made room for flexibility, customisation

and individualisation.

“For a start, we don’t pressure you to

make your treatment selection in advance.

Just reserve your time and then, with the help

of your therapist, you can choose a treatment

experience when you arrive. That way you

get exactly what you need on the day, rather

than something that feels so… umm, last

week. That’s what we call a freshly-picked

Spa experience!”

QT Gold Coast7 Staghorn Avenue

Surfers Paradise, QLDPhone: 61-07-5584 1200

qtgoldcoast.com.au

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ClassiC 5-starRight in the heart of Surfers Paradise there

are two towers that literally, well, tower over

the rest of the properties in the neighbourhood.

That’s the Hilton Hotel.

It is a combination of high-end retail and

restaurants at the base, with two tall pillars of

accommodation on top. They are a beacon in

the skyline, similar to Centrepoint Tower in

Sydney or the Chrysler Building in New York.

One pillar is the hotel, the other is apartments

(or residences, as Hilton call them).

We are lucky enough to stay in one of the

residences on the 33rd floor, from where you

can almost see New Zealand! Everything is

still shiny and new, complete with all the mod

cons so you want for nothing. And if you do,

anything you could possibly need is at your

doorstep – just 100m from Cavill Avenue, the

main strip on the Gold Coast, and the same

distance to the beach.

Apart from the location, one of the

attractions for me is the eforea Spa. There

has been a lot of buzz around this concept and,

since its development, many hotel chains have

followed suit in creating their own Spa brand,

yet it is the eforea concept that is winning the

global Spa awards.

They have kept the concept simple, yet

there is something for everyone and it is easily

transferable to any of their hotels around the

world. It’s probably not the best analogy, but

it’s a bit like the McDonald’s concept: whether

you’re in Surfers Paradise or Queenstown,

there is a consistency in the level of Spa

service and treatment you receive. Hilton

have taken it a step further by being the first

hotel group to align themselves with a Spa

training school (Australia’s William Angliss)

to ensure their level of service is not only

consistent, but the best, and their Spa staff

are continually trained to hone and develop

their skills.

Hilton have adopted the butterfly as the

theme for their global Spa concept. You can

cocoon yourself in the sanctuary of an eforea

Spa and emerge feeling lighter, brighter and

all butterfly-like. After all, when you go to a

TOP: SpaQ treatment room abOve: Relaxation loungeTHIS IMaGe: The locker room

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their treatments have a purpose, it’s not just about pamper!

Spa, your number one goal is to leave feeling

and looking better than when you went in.

Simple really.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts have spent nearly

two years developing a Spa concept that brings

rejuvenation to your body, so you emerge in

a better state than when you went in. They

have drilled down to their core market and

individual needs to create a concept that is

right on the money. They have

kept it simple and, at the risk

of sounding clichéd, they have

kept it real. No intimidating

spiritual awakening or

complicated treatment menus, just a new

concept to take us into the future of Spa.

There is certainly no sign of sexual

discrimination and men can feel equally at

home as women. In fact, as I wait for my

therapist in the relaxation lounge, there are

as many men robed-up ready and waiting as

women. That says something.

Part of the concept is that you begin your

transformation from the moment you step

over the threshold into the Spa reception.

You are already well and truly relaxed when

you lie face down on the treatment bed in

anticipation of the state of relaxation that is

about to wash through you.

The Spa itself has been carefully designed

to take you further and further from the real

world and into the wonderful word of ‘you’,

with ruling planets Relaxation and Bliss. As

you move from one space to the next - from

the reception area to the change rooms to

the relaxation lounge - each space takes you

on a subliminal journey of relaxation using

lighting, aroma and music. You don’t have to

force it to happen, it just does.

Of the three journeys - Essentials, Escape

and Men’s - I choose a treatment from the

Escape Journey, an holistic one fusing organic

plant ingredients with traditional healing

practices. The products used are from the

Australian indigenous organic range, LI’TYA.

It starts with a smoking ritual to cleanse the

air, followed with a warm, soothing footbath.

OK, I’ve escaped!

After an invigorating exfoliation with

Australian desert salts, I’m caked with a

warm, mineral-rich Mapi body mud. While

I’m wrapped in my cocoon so the mud can

do its work, I enjoy the most divine scalp

massage, and escape even further.

A warm in-room shower, then I surrender

to the healing, grounding and spiritually

uplifting rhythmic massage with warm oil.

I have now escaped so far into the land of

Zen, I find it hard to walk in a straight line!

It’s amazing the journeys you can enjoy

when your mind is quiet and you allow

yourself to relax. On the surface, my skin

feels silky smooth. Deep in my soul, I feel

like I’ve travelled to a place made from silk

clouds. Like all good journeys, I’m much

richer for the experience. S

Hilton Surfers Paradise6 Orchid Avenue

Surfers Paradise QLDPhone: 61-07-5680800

hiltonsurfersparadise.com.au

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Forget white walls, whale song and lashings of herbal tea. Australia’s Spa industry has

rapidly evolved from an austere, no-nonsense enterprise to become one of the most

inventive and responsive businesses in the world thanks to changing lifestyles and

generational demands.

Hilton Worldwide Director of Spa Development & Operations, Vanessa Main, has been

part of the booming sector for more than 15 years and says the rigid services of old have

been cast aside.

“Wheatgrass shots and cold showers are long gone,” she says. “Now blokes can bring a

beer and choose their massage music, hen’s parties can have manicures and martinis by the

pool, and Baby Boomers can network over a pedicure in the Pinot pit.”

Strict rules, hushed tones and an exclusive stigma have been replaced by a warm, social

atmosphere and an emphasis on complete customisation for the client.

“Spas went through a stage where they were very wellness driven,” she says. “No mobile

phones, no noise, no alcohol. Naturopaths made their way into the arena and treatments took

on a really holistic view. It was all about the quiet time.

“These concepts still have their place, but there’s so much more depth to the industry now.

People used to just look for an experience, now they demand results and customisation – a

unique, efficient journey that delivers an immediate and noticeable change to skin or muscles.”

The ‘encounter’, as Vanessa describes it, has evolved and so has Spa etiquette. Generic

ambient music and one-size-fits-all packages have been reworked to cater for the individual

needs of each client.

“It used to be very much one flavour of herbal tea and one way of doing things,” says

Vanessa. “But these days, clients are offered a beverage menu, a music menu, a choice of

lighting and room temperature. You can have a tipple and lunch.

today’s spa

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today’s spa “The lads can man up for a warm bamboo

massage, catch up over a beer, then go off to

a sporting event or a night on the town.

“The atmosphere is less fluffy and much

less clinical.”

That change is reflected in unisex design,

which has helped draw more men into Spas.

Vanessa says the men’s market has grown

to at least 30% of clientele.

“At the start, Spa design and layout

was really geared towards females,” she

says. “Today there are dedicated male skin

care lines that cater to their specific needs.

Men’s skin is thicker and more porous than

women’s. Experiences are crafted for men,

with treatments customised to target the back,

neck and shoulders - where men really need

stress relief.”

Research shows men are more impulsive

about booking and are more interested in

rejuvenation than pampering.

“A lot of wives and girlfriends are

encouraging men to look after themselves in

that regard. The stigma is gone,” says Vanessa.

Hilton’s 2012 Blue Paper on Emerging

Spa Trends outlines the changes being

driven by generational demands with the

hyper-critical Generation X expecting Spa

experiences to be environmentally friendly

as well as on-trend.

“Gen X clients want to know the products

are organic and the Spa has sustainability

measures, such as reducing water and energy

use,” explains Vanessa. “They also like to

bring their smart phone to instantly share the

experience on Twitter or Facebook.

“Baby Boomers are more interested in

results. They have the time and income to

focus on long-term health and wellbeing, and

they want Spas that offer more than just quick-

fix wrinkle treatments.”

Along with evolving service, Vanessa

says training and technology have undergone

a major overhaul.

“Around 10 to 15 years ago, there wasn’t

much technology in a Spa,” she says. “It

was all about touch – water therapy was

about as far as it went. Now you’re looking

at everything from laser to micro-current

technologies geared to give you top results.

Because of these constant innovations, you

have to be very dynamic with training and it

needs to happen more frequently.

“The whole process we now take our

guests through is completely unique. It means

therapists need to be flexible, think on their

feet and work to a schedule, while still giving

personalised service.

Customers also want their service to be

far more accessible – booking online at a time

that suits them. We have to be more in-tune

with all of those things.”

After 30 plus years in Australia, Spas have

evolved remarkably from their conservative

beginnings. Vanessa says the industry is now

a completely different beast.

“In the beginning, people didn’t know

what disposable underwear was or what a

body wrap or scrub was,” she says. “There

were a lot of foreign treatments and services

people were curious about.

“You now have to be immediately in

tune with what the customer requires. You

really need to be onto it before they realise

they are after it! It’s a dynamic industry and

the consumer is now far more educated and

sophisticated. Spas need to be too.” S

strict rules, hushed tones and an exclusive stigma have been replaced by a warm, social atmosphere and an emphasis on complete customisation for the client.

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exotic

“Whatever I am doing at the moment is the biggest thing in life - whether it is conducting a symphony or peeling an orange.’

Artuso toscanini

exotic


“An unhurried sense of time is in itself a form of wealth.”Bonnie Friedman

THe eXTReMLY HeAVeNLY AND HeALING WATeRS OF AMANGALLA, SRI LANKA

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The location is stunning, the pristine blue waters glitter in the sun, the lush palm trees extend their

arms to welcome you to paradise… and then you arrive at qualia…

Quiet Times at qualiaWords: kris abbey

exotic

sri LanKa

Words & PhotosLisa DoUst

You can literally feel the fresh winds of change breezing through Sri Lanka. After

almost 30 years of civil war, followed by the devastating tsunami in 2004, this glorious

teardrop-shaped island is quite literally buzzing with renewed vigour.

There are countless reasons to visit the land named ‘Serendib’ by early Arab traders.

During our 10-day stay, my partner and I saw most of the country’s south-west region. We

visited an elephant orphanage, turtle sanctuary, tea plantation and fragrant spice garden. We

got up close to the only existing relic of Buddha at Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth, marvelled at

1,500-year-old frescoes painted on cave walls, and walked amid the ruins of ancient kingdoms

in the Cultural Triangle.

We were taken in by the natural beauty, adored the friendly locals, loved the distinct

colonial style that prevails in hotels and restaurants, and were delighted to find that the age-

old tradition of Ayurveda forms the basis of treatment menus in most Spas.

This beautiful country had everything we needed to feed our souls and eradicate our

stress. The four glorious Spas we visited were perfect examples of all that makes Sri Lanka

the ultimate holiday destination.

spicy spas of sri LanKa

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ayuRveda NIvaSa, JeTWING ayuRveda PavIlIONS

An Ayurvedic treatment is just what

everyone needs after a long flight, which

made Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions the perfect

choice for our first few days in Colombo.

After a reviving sleep in our heavenly four-

poster bed and a light and fruity breakfast, it’s

time to have a chat with one of the resident

Ayurvedic doctors to determine my dosha

(my Ayurveda mind and body type). There

are three types - Kapha, Pitta and Vata.

So my dosha is Pitta (determined by a

visual assessment and my pulse). Although

I’m in good health, I’m clearly a little travel-

weary and the good doctor recommends

the Stress Relief Day Package, a 2.5-hour

treatment that serves as a gentle introduction

to Ayurveda and will take my dosha into

account. And I don’t even have to leave our

beautiful room for the treatment.

COOl and CalmMy strong and competent massage therapist

decides on coconut oil (for its cooling

properties). She uses firm pressure to enhance

my circulation, eliminate toxins and leave me

feeling rejuvenated. After deeply massaging

the tight muscles in my neck, shoulders and

back, she asks me to turn over. It’s time for my

‘third eye’ - the middle of my forehead - to be

stimulated by Shirodhara, a classic Ayurvedic

treatment whereby warm oil is poured slowly

onto this point in a continuous stream.

As the vessel is positioned above my

head, I close my

eyes and focus on

the wonderfully

comforting sensation

that the warm oil

imparts. Shirodhara

is said to calm the

central nervous system and integrate mind

and body. It is so relaxing that I drift far, far

away as the circulation in my arms, legs and

feet is gently restored.

Waking from my slumber, I feel

physiologically different somehow, as though

I’ve been realigned from head to toe and my

body rhythms reset. All brain chatter has

vanished and I’m no longer making mental

lists or planning three days ahead.

I’m given advice on how to maintain the

balance. It’s important to avoid spicy foods

for a couple of days (as they can quickly

unbalance the already warm Pitta body). I

should prefer cooling, sweet and bitter foods,

spend plenty of time in nature, and enjoy

moonlight walks and plenty of laughter. I

should also dab on oils that are cooling and

sweet, such as lavender, sandalwood, rose,

jasmine or mint. It sounds good to me so I

promise to do all of the above.

The next day I’m feeling completely

jetlag-free and amazingly energetic. The key

kapha - tend to have a heavier frame with good physical strength, are stable by nature and live life at a leisurely pace. Calm, positive, affectionate and healthy when balanced. Can gain weight and become stubborn and lazy when out of balance.

pitta - tend to be muscular, determined by nature and have a sharp wit. Warm, kind and good leadership skills when balanced. Aggressive, irritable and critical when out of balance.

Vata - tend to be thin, quick in thoughts and actions, and like a lot of change. very creative when balanced. Anxious and tire easily when out of balance.

shirodhara is said to calm the central nervous system and integrate mind and body.

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here, says my sensible doctor, is to retain

these benefits by not overdoing things for the

next couple of days (as is my nature). This

is music to the ears of my Kapha man, who

is happy to kick back and take life easy in

our tranquil surrounds before we enter the

adventurous phase of our holiday.

Although there’s no time on this trip, I

love the idea of experiencing the total mind,

body and soul rejuvenation of one of the Spa’s

comprehensive Ayurveda programs, which

run for 14, 21 or 30 days. The results are said

to be astounding – purified organs, reduced

body weight, stress-free mind, sparkling eyes

and dazzling complexion. So where do I sign?

Why stay hereAs well as being a peaceful haven in the heart

of Colombo, the accommodation is spacious

and lovely, with private walled gardens and

divinely comfortable beds. The restaurant

serves delicious seasonal fare and the staff

could not be more attentive.

Why spa hereThis is a serious Ayurvedic treatment centre.

Access to resident doctors means the holistic

treatments are specifically tailored to your

needs. Just perusing the extensive Spa menu

is enough to set your toxins running for cover!

For a fully rounded experience, you can also

take part in yoga, Ayurveda awareness classes

or cooking lessons.

take aWayAn invigorated body, cleansed mind, glowing

complexion and readiness to explore the

colourful island.

Jetwing Ayurveda PavilionsEthukale, NegomboSri Lanka ph +94 31 2276719jetwinghotels.com/jetwingayurvedapavilions/

SIx SeNSeS SPa, THe HeRITaNce KaNdalaMa

No visit to Sri Lanka is complete

without a tour of the Cultural

Triangle, home to five UNESCO

World Heritage sites. And no hotel in this

part of the country is more splendid than The

Heritance Kandalama, an eco-friendly hotel

that is literally built into the rocky landscape.

Designed by renowned architect Geoffrey

Bawa and built in the configuration of the

outspread wings of a bird, the hotel sits

between two giant rocks, looking out over

Kandalama Lake. It spans one kilometre from

end to end. There is an abundance of native

plants and birds, and our knowledgeable hotel

guide reminds us to lock the balcony doors

on our ever-so-chic room so monkeys don’t

sneak in!

must-try treatmentThe Stress Relief Day Package is a great introduction to Ayurveda and

includes a consultation with one of the resident doctors, treatment in

the comfort of your own villa and a healthy lunch or dinner.

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We spend three days in this sanctuary,

using it as a base from which to explore the

wealth of cultural and archaeological riches

on its doorstep. Once the seat of powerful

kingdoms, this is where some of the world’s

finest ancient art is clustered and there are

many magnificent sights to behold.

During our stay, we marvel at the sublime,

ageless buddhas lining the walls in the sacred

cave temples of Dambulla, ponder medieval

Sri Lankan life as we walk through the ruins

of Polonnaruwa and commit to climbing to the

very top of Sigirya – the astonishing Lion Rock

fortress replete with well-preserved frescoes of

topless beauties said to have been commissioned

by a rebel prince named Kashyapa.

BOdy Of evidenCeAt the end of each day, we are happy to retreat

to the hotel, where we refuel with a refreshing

avocado juice or two, eat from the innovative

menu at Heritance Cuisine and book our

exploration-weary bodies in at Six Senses Spa.

While I love the idea of taking a Couple’s

Journey (a romantic joint massage for the

loved-up, complete with chocolates, fruit and

Champagne), what my aching muscles really need

is the Kandalama Massage, during which two

therapists work in harmony to iron out all tension.

My man agrees and we temporarily part ways.

The Kandalama Massage is one of this

Spa’s signature treatments. It unites five

massage styles – LomiLomi, Shiatsu, Thai,

Swedish and Balinese. There is nothing quite

like having two people tend to your body at

the same time. The experience is nothing short

of euphoric. The complimentary pre-massage

sauna and steam is a nice touch, serving to

stimulate lymphatic circulation.

Afterwards I regroup with my loved one

as we sit in the reception area, sip on ginger

tea and rave about our massages. Our bodies

have been miraculously rejuvenated and, after

taking the lengthy walk back to our room, we

both fall into a deliciously deep sleep.

Why stay hereThis award-winning architectural masterpiece

caters for visitors of all ages and is central to

the island’s Cultural Triangle. Look across at

Sigiriya Rock, the eighth wonder of the world,

as you float in the Infinity Pool…

Why spa hereSix Senses Spas are renowned for applying

feng shui design principles and providing the

world’s finest therapists to deliver exceptional

Spa services. Specialist treatments include Jet

Lag Recovery, Pregnancy Massage, Indian

Head Massage and a Hot Stone Massage that

utilises Tibetan techniques to eliminate stress.

take aWayIncreased energy, relaxed muscles, radiant

skin and an appreciation for Sri Lanka’s

natural splendour. >

must-try treatmentThe Kandalama Combo, which combines a full body massage with

a refreshing facial or rejuvenating foot treatment. You can choose

from three massage styles – Balinese, Swedish or Holistic.

Heritance KandalamaDambulla, Sri Lankaph +94 66 5555 000heritancehotels.com/kandalama

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THe baTHS, aMaNGalla

It is 8am and I’m doing yoga in a small

open pavilion in the hotel garden. Birds

are twittering, flowers are unfurling

and our yoga teacher is easing us into the

day. Stretching out is the perfect antidote

to yesterday’s long drive south to the 17th-

century fort town of Galle.

We’re staying at Amangalla (formerly

the New Oriental Hotel), which is Asia’s

oldest operating hotel and sits within the

well-preserved Dutch

fort. With its graceful

archways, pillared

verandahs, polished

jack-wood floors, tall

ceilings, oversized

light fixtures, wicker

furniture, grand dining

room and butlers in

crisp white, the hotel is a classic example of

subcontinental elegance.

We only have a couple of days here so

decide to spend them entirely within the

36-hectare hexagonal stone fort. Its beautiful

colonial buildings are still in use today, with

quaint shops selling all manner of crafts and

upmarket homewares, where I picked up a

couple of beautiful silky kaftans at Mimi

Mango on Lighthouse Street. A walk to the

end of the narrow streets leads to the old

Dutch ramparts and seawall, where locals

gather at the end of a sultry Sri Lankan day

to play cricket or just socialise in the cool

ocean breeze.

healing havenAfter a delicious lunch in the hotel’s splendid

Dining Room and a leisurely stroll along

the fort’s cobbled streets, it’s time for my

appointment at The Baths, Amangalla’s serene

Day Spa. I’ve chosen the signature Amangalla

Massage, but first I’m invited to use the sauna,

steam room and hydrotherapy baths that give

the Spa its name.

The high ceilings, traditional archways

and candlelit recesses leading to the

hydrotherapy area are reminiscent of an

ancient chamber of wellbeing, somewhere

Sri Lanka’s kings and queens may have once

visited to escape the pressures of leadership.

After opening up my skin’s pores in the steam

room and dipping in and out of the pools set

at different temperatures, I’m taken to my

treatment room, a softly-lit haven filled with

the sweetly seductive aromas of essential oils.

Eni, my therapist, restores my travel-

weary body with a heady mix of cinnamon

and geranium, and a rejuvenating deep-muscle

massage. Unusually, no music is played during

my treatment. Eni is so intuitive that she

barely utters a word, yet knows exactly where

my body’s trouble spots reside. The silence

is golden and the face and scalp massage

I’m treated to is sensational. The circular

motion and light pulling of my hair has a

stimulating effect and I emerge feeling

thoroughly enlivened.

Along with numerous body and beauty

treatments, the Ayurvedic menu at The Baths

is extensive, including treatment programs for

three, seven or 14 days. The best thing about

staying longer would be the extra time you’d

have to explore every aspect of Amangalla

– the library, pool, meditation class, guided

tour, live jazz and fresh fruit cocktails at

sunset. It’s one of those idyllic places where

service and attention to detail is paramount,

yet everything is delivered with such subtlety

and style that you feel completely relaxed

and at home.

As the gracious staff bid us farewell, I

notice that leather Amangalla nametags have

been attached to our luggage as a parting gift,

a gesture as lovely and chic as the hotel itself.

Why stay hereAmangalla is not just a hotel, it’s a destination

in its own right. The location is fabulous, the

suites are exquisite, the food is outstanding

and Aman’s impeccable service standards

prevail. The hotel also features a lovely library,

plus a Barber Shop and Salon for men who

like to be well groomed.

Why spa hereAlong with an enticing menu of beauty and

body treatments, The Baths provides a range

of personalised Ayurvedic treatments that

are steeped in tradition, but delivered with

modern touches. >

Amangalla 10 Church Street

Fort, GalleSri Lanka

ph +94 91 223 3388amanresorts.com/amangalla/home/aspx

the best thing about staying longer would be the extra time you’d have to explore every aspect of amangalla – the library, pool, meditation class, guided tour, live

jazz and fresh fruit cocktails at sunset.

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must-try treatmentIf you have time, commit to the Ayurvedic Taster, a three-day program

incorporating consultation with an in-house doctor, daily Ayurvedic

treatment, Ayurvedic tonic and Hatha Yoga class, a personalised diet with

daily herbal teas and a prepared herbal bath. You can also use the Spa’s

hydrotherapy facilities for the duration of your treatment.

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take aWayA deep sense of relaxation, interior-design

inspiration and something lovely from one

of the stylish shops within Galle Fort.

Z SPa, THe WallaWWa

The Wallawwa is our last stop and proves

to be the ultimate pre-flight destination.

Secluded among acres of beautiful

gardens on the outskirts of Colombo, just 20

minutes from the airport, this 18th-century

manor is the epitome of Sri Lankan style

and charm.

We have just over 24 hours to enjoy our

luxury hideaway and we decide to do very

little but eat, read and spa. After a quick

chat to Maggie Roman, the delightful Spa

Manager, I discover that Z Spa does not

have set opening times. But because the

hotel is close to the airport, it has become

the destination du jour for those seeking pre-

flight or post-flight pampering. “Our therapists

are happy to work around the flight times

of hotel guests,” explains Maggie. “Guests

simply have to book in advance and we’ll be

ready and waiting for them.”

Knowing that we’ll be taking a long flight

the following evening, Maggie recommends

I book in for the Z Signature (a full-body

massage designed to rejuvenate the body and

stimulate blood flow), then follow up with

an Aromatherapy Facial just a few hours

before boarding the plane. My partner opts

for the Back, Neck & Shoulders Massage

and 40 minutes of Foot Reflexology, which

he later describes as “an energising mix of

pure pleasure and pain.”

My massage is sensational. The blend

of traditional Ayurvedic and circulatory

stimulation techniques are executed with

tender loving care. After an hour, I feel both

relaxed and revitalised. Apparently I also

smell like a field of flowers, thanks to the

intoxicating mix of locally sourced products

that soak deep into my pores.

The 70-minute Aromatherapy Facial

is one of the most relaxing I’ve ever had.

After a deep-cleansing steam and exfoliation,

my therapist’s gentle hands pamper every

millimetre of my face with a soothing blend of

oils, leaving me in a state of total bliss. By the

time the replenishing clay mask comes off, I

look and feel shiny and new. My now blemish-

free skin glows for a good few days after.

must-try treatmentThe Z Signature Massage stimulates blood flow and

leaves your body feeling utterly relaxed. The Coconut

Scrub is also said to work wonders.

The WallawwaMinuwangoda Road, Kotugoda

Katunayake, Sri Lankaph +94 77 363 8381

thewallawwa.com

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dining delightsAs chef Peter Kuruvita promised on My Sri Lanka (his SBS television

show), we have sampled some of the most flavoursome cuisine imaginable

during our Sri Lankan holiday. We’ve eaten everything from egg hoppers

for breakfast in boutique hotels to spicy samosas at hole-in-the-wall cafés

to seafood skewers on the beachfront in Colombo to 10-course curry feasts

in upmarket restaurants.

The Verandah, the onsite restaurant at The Wallawwa, serves Asian-

fusion fare and is reason enough to stay here! You can order a meal at

any time or have a table for two set up in the spot of your choice among

the gardens. Taking our seats for an early dinner, we can tell just by

perusing the menu that our trip will be ending on a high foodie note.

We decide to go all out with a three-course feast. Chef Gayan Perera’s

reputation precedes him and we are totally impressed with every one

of his beautifully presented dishes.

The fragrant Coconut Crumbed Tiger Prawns are cooked to

perfection, the Cashew & Green Pea Curry is bursting with unexpected

flavours and the Grilled Mahi Mahi is possibly the tastiest piece of fish

I’ve ever tried. Then there are the heavenly desserts – Cardamom &

Wasabi Ice-cream, Mango Crumble with Vanilla Custard and Orange

Leaf & Lemongrass Panna Cotta. Yes, we indulged in all three!

Clinking our glasses, we agree to return to Sri Lanka in the near

future to unearth more of this magical island’s treasures.

Why stay hereThe ultra-chic accommodation is divinely romantic, the restaurant is

first class, the staff are fabulously friendly and the library is filled with

fascinating books on philosophy, politics and religion. Do your soul a

favour and spend a couple of days absorbing the peace before venturing

into the heart of Colombo or heading home.

Why spa hereThe passionate Spa team offer everything from shiatsu, Balinese deep

tissue and sports massage to scrubs and body wraps, with many treatments

incorporating Ayurveda. There is even a 20-minute Kid’Z Massage for

children aged two to 17.

take aWayA refreshed mind and body, a satisfied appetite and a locally made

trinket or two from the hotel’s sweet little boutique.

Note: If you like the idea of having a complete Sri Lankan itinerary organised by those in the know, contact the expert team at Banyan Tours. They book everything - from accommodation, cultural tours and Spa visits to cars and drivers - allowing for your specific requirements. Simply outline what you want to see and do, and your every whim will be catered for! www.banyanlanka.com S

Phone (02) 6646 [email protected]

166 Angourie Road Yamba, NSW

AWARD WINNING 4.5 STAR RESORT

LADIES PAMPER & COUPLES ESCAPE

STAY & SPA PACKAGES FROM $235

ladies weekend pamper retreats

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exotic sailing on the asian seas

EXOTIC / eg zotik / adj: introduced from, or

originating in, a foreign country; attractive or

remarkably strange or unusual; bizarre.

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exotic sailing on the asian seas

AlilA PurnAmA

if you’re up for some smooth sailing and you have a cool uS$54,000 at your disposal, you can be aboard Alila Purnama for a week of absolute indulgence and unforgettable experiences. Translated as The Full moon, Alila Purnama is the most luxurious live-aboard Phinisi ship in Asia, providing ultra-modern and relaxing accommodation for up to 10 guests. The 46-metre ship consists of three decks and was built by hand in the traditional style of a Phinisi.

in keeping with Alila’s emphasis on style and sustainability, the furniture throughout the ship is custom-made from teak, rattan and other locally sourced materials from indonesia. Onboard are five well-appointed cabins designed to bring the outside in, with large wraparound windows offering 270-degree views of an incredible, ever-changing seascape. it comes with 16 staff, fully licensed PADi dive centre, Spa therapist and plenty of space for wining, dining and relaxing, while enjoying the sea breeze. For those with a taste for adventure, kayaking, fishing, snorkelling, visiting local islands and pearl farms, picnic lunch or BBQ dinner by the beach are among the many other pursuits on offer. if only...www.alilahotels.com/purnama

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Image courtesy of Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen www.olelynggaard.com

enhance


“An unhurried sense of time is in itself a form of wealth.”Bonnie Friedman

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reward yourself and be pampered - you deserve it

Relax your body, soothe your soul and uplift your spirits with a visit to Tea Tree Spa at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley.Indulge in our extensive spa menu or be pampered in our Spa Sanctuary or VIP suites, perfect for couples and hensgroups. Our friendly, professional and highly qualified therapists are dedicated to your relaxation. Choose from theEminence Organics or Dermalogica skin care products.

Tea Tree Spa at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, call +61 2 4991 0959 to book.

feeling good, made simple

Tea Tree SpaCrowne Plaza Hunter ValleyWine Country DriveLovedale NSW 2325www.teatreespa.com.au

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Figs are believed to have originated in the Middle East, but are now grown in many parts of the world, including Australia. They are in season in Australia from late summer to mid-Autumn, so enjoy them fresh while you can. Figs are one of the highest plant sources of calcium and fibre, and contain potassium, magnesium, Vitamin B6 and antioxidants. They are rich in iron, copper and contain traces of zinc, with a mineral content much higher than most other fresh foods. Only cheese and a few nuts have a higher calcium content, and funnily enough figs are a great accompaniment to cheese for an ultra-hit of calcium! They can be included in sweet or savoury dishes, or enjoyed simply on their own.

lets FIGure it out

DID YOU KNOW?• Sincefigsareabundantinphenolsandflavonoids,theyprovideexcellentanti-ageingeffects.• Bakedfigsappliedontheskincancalmskininflammations.• Sincefreshfigscontainagoodamountofwater,theymakeagoodskincleanser.Andfreshmashedfigsappliedontheskin

canhelpskinproblemslikeacne.

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beauty spot

enhanceNATURAL BEAUTY

Words KRIS ABBEY

Roses have antioxidant, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. On top of this, rose oil contains Retinol, a powerful wrinkle reducer, along with Vitamin C, omega-3, omega-6 and linolenic acid. Having all these nutrients makes rose oil a wonderful ingredient in skincare products. And of course the smell of roses is hard to beat. One deep breath of its sensual aroma gives your mood a boost. So let’s make time to smell the roses, don rose-coloured glasses and add some of this sweet smelling flower to our skincare regime. Here’s some great Aussie products that come up smelling roses...

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While the rose bears no fruit, the rose hips (the part left on the plant

after a rose is done blooming) contain more Vitamin C than almost

any other fruit or vegetable!

sodashi.com

venustus.com.au

sasynsavy.com

Sodashi sources its therapeutic-grade Rose Oil from the beautiful Isparta Valley in Turkey. At $8,400

a litre, it is arguably the purest and most potent Rose Oil in the world.

Here are some of my favourite Aussie brands that use

pure, natural, high-grade organic Rose Oil in their products. Subtle energieS rose &

Cardamon Hand Cream ($39.95) for rose-petal smooth hands, the perfect remedy after a day in the garden trimming

the roses!

To turn back the years, SODASHi’s Samadara ultimate Age-Defying Crème ($495) is quite simply a facial in a jar! It doesn’t come cheap, but

it gives your skin a noticeable lift in minutes, especially when applied with the Rose Quartz disks that come with every jar.

To spread the love to your body, I’m enjoying the romance body Polish by VenuStuS (from $25). The gorgeous thing about this polish is once you’ve rinsed it off, you don’t have to moisturise your skin since it contains Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter. A two-in-one product... love that! It gives new

meaning to ‘a rosey glow’.

And finally my must-have and carry-it-on-you-always product is SASY n SAVY rose Petal balancing toner ($44). More than

just a toner, I regularly apply this beautiful rose-scented spray throughout the day to keep my skin hydrated, to

reduce shine and to smell like a bed of roses. Simply divine!

subtleenergies.com.au

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DiD YOu KnOw?

Patchouli oil is used to treat dry skin and cellulite when blended with cypress, rosemary and juniper oils. Just add to a carrier oil (such as almond, cold-pressed soya or wheatgerm), then massage into those areas in need.

Sinceancienttimes,bathinghasbeenaritualwithspecialmeaningandthewonderfulpropertiesofwaterhavebeenunashamedlyembraced.Fromhealing,cleansingandrelaxinginmineral-infusedhotsprings,tomoresocialritualssuchastheRomanBathsandTurkishHamman,bathinghasstoodthetestoftime.Thebenefitsofbathing,whetherinhotandcoldwaters,naturalspringsortheDeadSea,haveneverneededtobeproventothescientificworld-theyareacceptedastheycanbefelt...fromthe

momentyoufirstdipyourtoeintothecalming,soothingwaters.

Inthehome,oneoftheeasiestwaystounwindandrelaxistodrawyourselfabath.Addbathsaltsorafewdropsofessentialoil(orboth)tothewater.Saltsandoilshavewonderfulhealingproperties,nottomentionagorgeoussmell.TocreateaSpa-at-homefeel,lightafewcandles,coveryoureyeswithaneyepillowandlockthedooriflittleintrudersliketoknowwhatyou’reuptoandwanttojoinin!Letyourritualbegin.

BATHIngTIpS

• Don’thavethewatertoohot,asthiscandamagesurfacecapillariesinyourskin.• Haveabigglassofwaternearbytosipon,especiallyifyouaddsaltstoyourbath.• Afteryourbath,finishwithacoldshowertokick-startyourcirculation.Thisisgreat

foryourlymphaticsystemandhelpscleartoxins.

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bathing times

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All of our products are made from natural ingredients to nourish, exfoliate, soothe & replenish your skin without stripping it of its natural oils. At 1 Skin Solution we want to give you the ultimate home 1spa experience. Our range of luxury bath and body products is designed to leave your skin feeling soft & smelling gorgeous, while your body is left feeling relaxed & pampered.

1skinsolution.com 1800 033 082

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After months of hiding away under layers of clothes in winter, it’s time to start showing some more skin. As the weather warms up, wouldn’t it be nice to get a healthy summer glow… overnight? By healthy, we mean fake tanning without the nasty chemicals. Two Australian brands are primed and ready to help you attain that beautiful bronze glow, naturally, while also maintaining your health and the health of our environment.

naturally bronzed aussie

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Similarly, POD believes that small things make a big difference and are currently seeking carbon neutral accreditation, measured through Climate Friendly’s carbon credits scheme.

Sukin and POD have procedures in place at every point of their manufacturing processes to ensure their businesses are carbon neutral. The steps they have taken to do this are not radical, but reflect thoughtful approaches to sourcing, producing and packaging their products.

You may be swayed to choose a product due to the aesthetic appeal of its packaging, but the less attractive side is that this may end up contributing to landfill. POD manufactures products in the carbon neutral industrial estate of Stapylton in Queensland that uses renewable energy. They source ingredients locally to minimise carbon emissions via transport and make their packaging from recycled materials.

Sukin’s impressively low level of carbon emissions is attributed to the use of natural ingredients that require very little processing, as well as strict recycling and energy efficient manufacturing operations. To put these initiatives into perspective, Sukin’s latest carbon offset report in July 2012 explains that the company’s efforts are equivalent to removing more than 2,570 cars from the road for one year.

If a product with a kind approach to the environment, but none of the ‘nasties’, is not enough for you, then perhaps the appeal is in the results themselves.

POD’s natural fake tan not only gives you a great natural colour, it also outlasts chemical-based brands. An independent study has shown that POD SPF 15 Liquid Tan lasts longer than the two leading premium fake tans.

Sukin’s new Sunless Bronzing Gel is a gentle bronzing gel with aloe vera for skin hydration, plus Australian lemon myrtle and lime oils for an invigorating fragrance that leaves it free from the unpleasant smell usually associated with fake tanning products.

So do your part to combat climate change in style by stepping out this summer in a guilt-free, natural fake tan that is good for both your skin and the environment! S

Bronze skin can make you feel healthier and more confident about stepping out in more revealing summer fashion,

but we all know how damaging the real deal can be. Fake tanning is better for your skin than harmful rays, but there are more fake tans available than you could count, many of which contain undesirable ingredients. Your body is too valuable to douse with unnatural and potentially harmful chemicals, and the same goes for our environment.

Aussie brands POD and Sukin are now pioneering a new approach to beauty. Their product ranges are made from natural ingredients and are 100% carbon neutral.

POD is pioneering the concept of Puraceuticals - pharmaceuticals or cosmeceuticals without the toxins. But it’s not just important what they’ve left out of their products, it’s what they put in that counts too.

Alison Vickery, founder of POD, built her company with her customers at the forefront of her concept. “It’s my experience that most women have an inclusive view of the world,” says Alison, “which means they take into account their environment. So although women want a product that works, they also want to feel good about their purchase, or at least not feel guilty.”

Sukin is an environmentally conscious skincare company offering products which have been carefully crafted with ingredients that are the best nature has to offer. Lindsay Quanborough from Sukin also believes in the real advantages of natural products.

“We know that our skin, as our largest organ, readily absorbs anything applied to it, be it moisturiser or tanning product,” she says.

“In relying on safe, natural ingredients in our formulations, we can provide the ultimate in gentle skin care.”

A strong commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices is evident in the philosophies of both companies. Sukin led the way and in 2008 was the first skincare brand in Australia to gain 100% carbon neutral accreditation from the Carbon Reduction Institute. Their tagline is “Skincare that doesn’t cost the earth”, reflecting their commitment to making affordable products, but with minimal cost to the environment.

Stockists:POD PUraCeUtICaLsLiquidTan$55LiquidTanFaceSerum$40podpuraceuticals.com

sUKINSunlessBronzinggel$16.95sukinorganics.com

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by Christine Clais

To achieve a flawless complexion in time for a big event, start the following skincare regime four months beforehand.

1 Book yourself in for a professional skin analysisRather than self-diagnosing your skin, it is best to leave it to a professional facialist to perform a thorough skin analysis. It is paramount to use the right skincare for your particular skin type and condition. To get the best out of your session, take along the skincare products

you have been using so your therapist has a clear understanding of what you have been doing with your skin.

2 Adopt a personalised daily skincare regimeDuring the consultation, your facialist will recommend skincare products suited to your skin type and condition - so use them! You do not need to spend hours every day on your skin to get visible results, but you certainly need to create a twice-daily habit comprised

of the following steps: cleansing your skin, applying some eye cream and applying a treatment cream to your face and neck. Of course, you must also use a sunscreen when exposing your skin to the sun.

3 Perform a weekly mini facial treatment on yourselfVery importantly, following the weekly habit of exfoliating your skin and applying a mask will have a positive impact on your skin. Make sure you also obtain a professional recommendation for these products. Exfoliating your skin leaves it looking fresh and clean,

and gets rid of any surface flakiness, as well as allowing deeper absorption of the active ingredients in your skincare products. Facial masks can have many benefits, depending on their formulations, including cleansing, nourishing, soothing, healing and stimulating.

4 Book yourself in for three-monthly professional facial treatmentsA series of three professional facial treatments will take your skin to the next level of rejuvenation. Select a facial that includes the following steps: cleansing, exfoliation, steaming, extractions (no blackheads allowed by D-Day!), facial massage, mask application and

moisturisation. Book your last facial two days before the big event, but omit the extraction stage! Instead, select a non-thermal skin restoring treatment as an add-on (ask your professional for LED or low-level laser modalities).

5 Eat nutritional, plant-based foodsEating a plant-based diet provides your body with thousands of phytonutrients essential for the proper functioning of your skin and, as a result, enhances the way it appears, contributing to healthy, younger looking skin. The Australian National Health and Medical

Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines recommend that adults eat at least five kinds of vegetables and two kinds of fruit every day. A good way to make sure you consume these daily requirements of fruit and vegetables is to drink them! So get into those juices and smoothies!

6 Get some beauty sleepIn order to function well, our bodies need about eight hours of sleep every night. The first visible signs of sleep deprivation usually show as dark circles and bags under the eyes, as well as dull or drawn looking skin. This causes increased inflammation within the

skin, subsequently leading to accelerated skin ageing and wrinkling. Here are a few ideas for a good night’s sleep: avoid caffeine four to six hours before bedtime, develop a regular bedtime schedule so your body clock is well regulated, and place a few drops of lavender pure essential oil on your pillow. S

ChristineClaisisaFrench-bornskinexpert,educator,speakerandauthorwithover20yearsexperienceinthebeautyindustry.Internationally,Christineisregardedasoneoftoday’smostwell-respectedandsoughtafterfacialists.Anadvocateofintegrativeskincare,Christineeducateswomenontheimportanceofskincareandthefundamentalsofcaringforyourskinfromtheinsideout.www.thefrenchfacialist.com

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Suite 302/393 Bourke Street Darlinghurst 02 9357 7557 13A Buller Street, North Parramatta 02 9890 9977 Email [email protected] www.allsaintscosmedical.com.au

All SaintsC O S M E D I C A L C L I N I C

Our wide menu of aesthetic treatments include:Expert anti-wrinkle and dermal filling injections,laser skin resurfacing,paramedical facials,permanent hair reduction.

a full range Mind Body & Soul treatment menu.

Face Body Skin Rejuvenation

Choose All Saints Cosmedical for the latest in anti-ageing and skin rejuvenation solutions.

skin prep tips for a special event

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Suite 302/393 Bourke Street Darlinghurst 02 9357 7557 13A Buller Street, North Parramatta 02 9890 9977 Email [email protected] www.allsaintscosmedical.com.au

All SaintsC O S M E D I C A L C L I N I C

Our wide menu of aesthetic treatments include:Expert anti-wrinkle and dermal filling injections,laser skin resurfacing,paramedical facials,permanent hair reduction.

a full range Mind Body & Soul treatment menu.

Face Body Skin Rejuvenation

Choose All Saints Cosmedical for the latest in anti-ageing and skin rejuvenation solutions.

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FACEThe new Medik8 Skin Remodelling System™ (SRS) treatment combines skin cell stimulation with high performance products from Medik8.

In under one hour, your face will be rejuvenated, toned, clarified, firmed, hydrated and de-aged. Seriously!

The SRS effectively stimulates new collagen growth in the deeper skin layers, replacing aged and sun-damaged collagen, while plumping the skin, smoothing wrinkles and tightening the skin and facial muscles. It combines five treatment technologies in one machine. The gentle massaging action delivers High Voltage Pulsatile Currents, Ultrasound, Impulse Micro-Currents, Electroporation and Iontophoresis currents to re-shape the contours of the face. Talk about multi-tasking! This is my ultimate time-saver treatment when I need a (face) lift.www.medik8.com.au

instant beauty

In our fast-paced, ‘want it now’ society, we have become accustomed to getting most things instantaneously, usually at the tap of an icon on our smart phone. This trend has crept (actually rammed hard and fast) into the beauty industry. As a result, we expect

each product or treatment to... well... provide instant results! Results-driven products and treatments are in high demand. Express Facials, rapid relax and lunchtime make-overs are now all part of our beauty vernacular. Don’t get me wrong, I still love to take the time for a leisurely Spa treatment, but here are three of my favourite results-driven, rapid treatments:

BODYI love, love, love this treatment. Ionithermie was developed by the French and combines cutting edge science with very natural, plant-based skincare.

The results are outstanding. If I hadn’t taken my measurements before the treatment, I wouldn’t have believed you could lose 2-5cm after one session... even more if you are prone to toxic build-up or fluid retention. The results are truly visible.

Ionithermie works by using two kinds of electrical stimuli, accompanied with algae and thermal clay that contains active ingredients derived from the finest plant extracts. Ionithermie penetrates deep into the cellular level providing a much more effective total body cellulite treatment. The combination of the ingredients in the clay and the electrical stimulation helps draw out impurities and reduce cellulite.www.bodyelite.com.au

Native Australian NATURAL SKINCARE & WELLBEING RANGE

Enriched with Vitamins, Antioxidants & Nutrients

100% Australian Owned & Madew w w. s a s y n s a v y. c o m o r 1 3 0 0 6 6 0 4 9 9

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FINGERS & TOES I hate to admit this, but I’m not good at waiting for polish to dry on my fingers and toes. Who has the time? I’m the client who chips or smudges the polish before I’ve left the salon because I’m too impatient to wait for it to dry. The irony being I then have to wait longer while they fix the damage I’ve done to their handiwork.

ORLY have launched smartGELS, an at-home gel manicure system. This system makes a manicurest out of us all. Even I can achieve a salon quality gel manicure in less than 20 minutes. And the rapid results do last. Even with many trips to the beach, washing the car, doing some weeding and constantly tapping a keyboard, I had high-shine, chip-free nails for a good three weeks.

The beauty of this is you don’t have to waste time with touch-ups.

The system includes:• A 39-bulb LED light with a timer for extra

fast drying (yay!)• A Starter Kit containing the items required

for application and removal, including a primer, base+top coat, remover and manicure tools

• 12 smartGELS colours, which ORLY have matched to its top-selling shadesIf you want a quick mani or pedi at your

convenience, this is a fast and economical way to meet your time-poor needs.

An added bonus is there are no toxic chemicals, such as DBP, formaldehyde or toluene, often found in nail polishes.www.orlybeauty.com.au S

Native Australian NATURAL SKINCARE & WELLBEING RANGE

Enriched with Vitamins, Antioxidants & Nutrients

100% Australian Owned & Madew w w. s a s y n s a v y. c o m o r 1 3 0 0 6 6 0 4 9 9

Shop at sasynsavy.com & use the code

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rejuvenate me program

6 Weeks to Feeling FAntAstiConlY $595!

realfoodnut.comtime to get real & rejuvenated

Rejuvenate Me is a 6-week program to get you on the path to health and vitality. There are no gimmicks or pills, just sound nutritional guidance based on your individual needs and personal goals. Kris Abbey provides weekly online support, motivation and eductaion to help you stay on track. It is NOT a diet, rather a way to eat yourself healthy. It is a jump-start program to lifelong vitality. That said, you WILL

lose weight! Simply email [email protected] or go to realfoodnut.com/6-week-rejuvenate-me-program for more details. There is no better time to get healthy and lose some weight than NOW!

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Image courtesy of Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen www.olelynggaard.com

enrich


“You are what you eat.”

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GOOD FOOD

enrichKEEPING IT SIMPLE

Words KRIS ABBEY

realfoodnut.com

If there is one simple tip to eating well, it is to follow the SLOW food principle. That is, eat food that is Seasonal, Local, Organic (where possible) and Whole. The more human intervention a food has suffered, the worse it is for you. If a food comes in a packet, has more than five ingredients (or ones you can’t pronounce!) and can sit on the pantry shelf for months, then it has little nutritional value and really should be avoided. Processed, refined, low-fat, diet... they’re all different words for food abuse! Fresh, juicy, crisp, colourful, nutrient-dense... they’re the words we want to use when we talk of the food we eat. We are fortunate to live in a country with an abundance of quality, fresh food. Experiment with colour and flavour (not the artifical kind) and enjoy the vitality you get with eating SLOW food.

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Keep Your Nuts Cold But Eat Them Warm! Keep your nuts fresh by

storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. Before eating, bring them back to room temperature or warm gently in the oven – the volatile oils that create the taste and aroma will be even nuttier!

ellaskitchen.com/australia

wonderfulpistachios.com.au hellofresh.com.au

SlimPasta is a natural, plant-based pasta substitute. It is made from Konjac (pictured left), a vegetable mainly grown in Asia that is high in the water-soluble fibre gulcomannan. This nutritious, low calorie, low carb pasta alternative also tastes great!

Ella’s Kitchen have a vision to help babies and toddlers eat healthier food and develop great eating habits that last a lifetime. This Aussie company always prioritises health and nutritional value, but never at the expense of taste or convenience. Their website is loaded with great tips for fussy toddlers, as well as games to encourage kids to eat their greens. The best gift you can give your child is a healthy diet.

The Pistachio Principle: Those empty shells, the signs of snacking enjoyment, give rise to an effect known as the Pistachio Principle. As one of the only in-shell nuts, pistachios also help slow consumption, while the remaining empty shells offer a visual cue to help reduce calorie intake. But the best part is they taste great!

HelloFresh provides a weekly delivery of delicious recipes and beautiful, seasonal, local fresh ingredients so you can easily prepare a value-for-money, nutritious meal in just 30 minutes or less. HelloFresh takes care of your meal planning and grocery shopping so all you do is cook like a MasterChef and enjoy your yummy creation.

slimpasta.com.au

Naturally cholesterol-free pistachios are one of the lowest kilojoule, lowest fat and highest fibre nuts, as well as one of the most nutritious.

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From the moment I got here, I knew I’d be coming back. I was in heaven! Kamalaya,

a wellness sanctuary and holistic Spa, is located in the beautiful tropical landscape

of Koh Samui, Thailand. Kamalaya translates as ‘Lotus Realm’, an enduring symbol

for the unfolding of life’s potential, where people of all ages and cultures come to heal body,

mind and spirit.

This is a haven for people who want to detox, de-stress, lose weight or just re-set and

get fitter and healthier.

The thing I love most about this health Spa is that nothing is forced upon you. You can choose to detox if you like, but I was there to relax and rejuvenate for my year ahead. Kamalaya

offers an holistic and sensible approach to healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle that will last

a lifetime. The goal is to feed both the body and the mind to achieve optimum health and

wellbeing for a vibrant, happy life. For a health and wellbeing philosophy to last a lifetime,

it’s important to keep it real, so Kamalaya allows a little indulgence every now and again.

We are all responsible for what we put into our mouths - it’s one of the few things we

can control. It is so important to think about what you put into your mouth every time you

eat and drink, and be conscious of whether it has a positive or negative effect on your body.

Make every meal an opportunity to make a healthy choice.

According to an ancient ayurvedic proverb, “When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use.

When diet is correct, medicine is of no need.” A change in diet can bring about a change in

health. It’s about going back to basics - eating fresh, unprocessed and seasonal food, and avoiding pesticides, preservatives, processed food, refined sugars and trans fats. Keep it

simple and fresh - this is the only way. Your body will naturally heal and restore its balance.

let food be your medicine

enrichKAMALAYA

Words TERESA CUTTER

thehealthychef.com.au

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“When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct,

medicine is of no need.”

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12 STEPS TO EATING WELL

Eat plenty of seasonal vegetables and fresh fruit. Choose organic wherever possible.

Foods should be served as close to their natural state as possible. No processing, additives, preservatives, artificial colours or flavours.

Use healthy cooking methods - steam, bake, grill, sauté or stir-fry. Eliminate deep-fried foods.

Cook with lots of fresh herbs and spices for their flavour and their health and medicinal properties. This allows you to use less salt.

Include nuts and seeds daily as they provide an abundance of minerals, vitamins, fibre and essential fats for optimum health and wellbeing.

Eat healthy, cold-pressed oils - extra virgin olive, virgin coconut, macadamia nut, rice bran, sesame, sunflower and other virgin nut and seed oils in moderation. Avoid trans fats and hydrogenated oils.

Keep to a low allergy, low GI diet. Reduce consumption of wheat and coffee.

Stop counting calories. Just adopt a sensible approach to wellness, with healthy cuisine as your focus.

Keep red meat to a minimum and replace with healthier protein sources, such as fish, seafood, eggs, organic chicken, turkey, beans, pulses, nuts and seeds.

Drink plenty of water. Avoid soft drink, energy drinks and alcohol.

Reduce consumption of sugar. Use small amounts of natural sweeteners, such as stevia, raw honey, rapadura and maple syrup.

Think before you eat! Eat high quality proteins, essential fats and carbohydrate, mainly from vegetable sources.

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BEST PROTEINYou need protein because it provides the amino acids necessary for building muscle, fighting disease, protecting your skin and making hormones. Fish is top of my list, followed by lean organic chicken, turkey, eggs, nuts and seeds.

BEST CARBSYour body needs good quality carbohydrates for energy. Eating the right type makes all the difference between having a lean physique and looking like a marshmallow! The amount of carbohydrate you need depends on your activity level and lifestyle. Healthy carb sources include fruit, vegetables, beans, legumes, whole grains such as oats, spelt, quinoa, buckwheat, rye and brown rice.

BEST FATSVegetable sources provide the best fats because they don’t clog your arteries and they provide the best health benefits to your body. Foods such as olives, avocado, nuts and seeds, as well as their oils, are a good source of unsaturated fats, which the body needs in small quantities for optimal health and wellbeing.

BEST DRINKSForget the fizz! Water and green tea are the winners here. Your body needs water to

transport nutrients to your cells, as well as get

rid of all the waste products from your body

and help you stay hydrated, alert and fresh.

Aim to consume two litres a day. Studies show

that those who consume one or two cups of

green tea per day have a lower risk of certain

cancers. Green tea has also been shown to

increase the body’s ability to burn body fat.

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enrichRECIPES

Words TERESA CUTTER

thehealthychef.com.au

BREAKFAST

BIRchER muESlI

This muesli gives your body a whopping dose of fibre for a healthy digestive system, plus low GI carbs and omega-3 to support a healthy cardiovascular system and sustain your body for long-lasting energy. Yoghurt is high in calcium, phosphorous, B vitamins, protein, potassium and is a great source of lactobacillus and bifidobacteria cultures for healthy digestion.

70g rolled oats

60g walnuts or almonds, chopped

70ml almond milk or apple juice

50g grated red apple including skin

100g natural yoghurt or goat’s milk yoghurt

10g raisins or sultanas

2 tsp honey250g fresh chopped seasonal fruit eg.

pineapple, papaya, kiwi, pear, berries

Mix all ingredients except the chopped fruit. Refrigerate for 30-40 minutes. Fold in the chopped fruit. Enjoy! Serves 2.

For a gluten-free version, replace oats with ground linseed.

Wheat-free, low GI, vegetarian.

I first discovered the benefits of nut milks when I first visited Kamalaya. They are fantastic blended with frozen banana, strawberry or blueberry when making smoothies, or served over a bowl of bircher.

Nut and seed milks are a delicious lactose free alternative to traditional dairy. Enjoying them daily can help reduce cholesterol, provide your body with essential minerals, such as calcium, magnesium and zinc, and enhance the body’s immune system. It’s basically the nuts or seeds blended with filtered water and strained. You can flavour the milk with vanilla bean or a hint of cinnamon, and for a little sweetness just throw in a few fresh pitted dates before blending. The pulp can also be reused to make delicious cookies and cakes, and as a replacement for wheat flour in most recipes.

AlmOND mIlK

250g almonds (raw)

1 litre filtered water

2 fresh pitted dates or a few drops of stevia

1 tsp vanilla extract

If you have time, it is best to soak the almonds in the water overnight before blending. This helps to make the milk easier to digest and blend. Place all the ingredients into a good, high-speed blender. Blend at medium to high speed until creamy white. Strain through a fine sieve and store the milk in the fridge. If you want the fibre and added protein of the almonds, don’t strain the milk, but give it a good stir before each use. It keeps for about 4 days. Serves 8.

kamalaya cuisine

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BIRchER muESlI INGREDIENTS

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KAMALAYA CUISINE

LUNCH

DETOx GARDEN SAlAD

The ingredients have been specifically

chosen to detoxify, alkalinise and heal your

body. High in antioxidants and minerals.

Leafy greens are the greatest food around

- an excellent source of vitamins, minerals

and fibre. The darker the leaves, the more

Vitamin A and iron they contain. Walnuts

are high in omega-3 fats, the ultimate brain

food. Avocado is a good source of potassium,

a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure.

Beetroot is fantastic for the liver and gall

bladder. It helps purify your blood and is

rich in beta carotene and folate.

150g mixed leafy greens

80g (1) red apple, cut into small chunks with

skin on

80g (1) avocado, cut into chunks

80g (1) cooked beetroot, peeled and cut into

chunks

20g pumpkin seeds

20g sunflower seeds

20g walnuts

Dressing

4 tbsp cold pressed olive oil

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar

or lemon juice

Arrange the salad leaves into serving bowls and sprinkle on remaining ingredients.

Lightly lift the salad with your fingertips to

distribute the ingredients evenly. Drizzle with

dressing just before serving. Enjoy! Serves 2.

Gluten-free, low GI, vegan.

DINNER

OvEN-ROASTED fISh wITh BROccOlI & wATERcRESS DRESSING

A great source of lean protein and omega-3

fatty acids, which help prevent cardiovascular

disease, high cholesterol, skin problems

and depression. Fish also provides iron

and minerals, especially magnesium and

potassium, which helps regulate blood

pressure, and is a good source of B vitamins,

particularly B12, which is important for a

healthy nervous system. Watercress and

mint are abundant in vitamins and minerals.

The mint in this dressing can aid digestion.

Broccoli contains a protective compound

called sulforaphane which offers protection

against colon cancer. Rich in antioxidants,

Vitamins C, E and beta-carotene, folate

and fibre, necessary for a healthy body and

immune system.

2 180g pieces of firm fish fillet eg. blue eye,

snapper

pinch of sea salt and pepper

200g broccoli, cut into chunks

Watercress Mint Dressing

60g watercress

40g mint

10ml rice vinegar

40ml vegetable stock

60ml grape seed oil or light olive oil

sea salt and pepper to taste

Make the dressing first. Blend all ingredients

in a blender for 2 minutes on high speed. Taste

for seasoning and set aside. (If you want to

keep the sauce longer than one day, blanch

the watercress for 2 seconds in boiling water,

then cool down in iced water. This keeps the

colour in the sauce for up to 3 days). Season

the fish with salt and pepper. Heat a pan with

a little olive oil and cook the fish for about 2

minutes until the underside is golden. Turn

the fish over and finish cooking in a 200°C

oven for 6 or 7 minutes until just cooked.

Meanwhile steam or blanch the broccoli for

a few minutes until just cooked. Serve fish

alongside broccoli and drizzle with sauce.

Enjoy! Serves 2.

DESSERT

PINEAPPlE SKEwERS wITh mINT DIP

Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain,

which helps with your digestion by aiding

the breakdown of protein. It is also a good

source of Vitamin C. Chilli and lemongrass

stimulates the metabolic rate and improves

circulation.

250g fresh pineapple

1 tsp mild red chilli, finely chopped

1 tbsp lemongrass, finely chopped

1 tbsp mint leaf, chopped

Mint Dip

150ml pineapple juice

5g mint leaf

5ml lime juice

5g lemongrass

70ml coconut milk

Make the mint dip by blending all ingredients

in a blender for 1 or 2 minutes. Cut pineapple

into bite-sized chunks and toss with the chilli,

lemongrass and mint. Skewer the pineapple

onto small skewers and cook in a pan over

medium heat using a little coconut or rice

bran oil until lightly caramelised. Arrange on

serving plates alongside a little dip. Serves 2. S

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DETOx GARDEN SAlAD

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enrichNOT SO SWEET

Words KRIS ABBEY

realfoodnut.com

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We Australians love our sugar. Over the last 50 years, we have more than doubled our

consumption of sugar. We each now consume an average of 50 kg per year! That’s

about 22 teaspoons per day, which is over 450 calories or 1,890 kj.

We consume more than people in European countries (who consume around 40 kg per

year) and the US (who consume around 33 kg per year). Not only does sugar make us fat,

it is rotting our teeth, it is a major cause of the Type II diabetes epidemic, and it can even

contribute to cancer. So why are we eating so much of this nasty white powder?

Put simply, sugar is addictive. Mike Adams, founder of natualnews.com, doesn’t sugar-

coat his opinion of sugar:

“Refined white sugar is a pleasure drug. If you don’t believe me, just put a spoonful on your tongue and observe the instantaneous effects. You’ll experience a warming, comfortable

feeling that makes you feel safe and happy. They’re not called ‘comfort foods’ by accident.

Sugar is, essentially, a legalised recreational drug that is socially acceptable to consume.

And yet, just like many other drugs, over time it destroys our health, rots our teeth, disrupts

normal brain function, promotes heart disease and directly causes diabetes and obesity. The

argument that ‘street drugs are outlawed because they’re dangerous to a person’s health’

falls flat on its face when you consider what sugar does to the human body. It’s a lot more

dangerous than marijuana, for example, and yet marijuana is illegal to possess or consume.”

The effect sugar has on the brain is similar to pain-killing drugs such as morphine and

heroin. Just like sugar, these drugs produce an almost instant feeling of calm and pleasure, making them addictive. Once food manufacturers understood this addictive effect, they

began putting sugar in just about all processed food, from canned food, fruit juices and soft

drinks to bread, breakfast cereals and ‘health’ bars. Even infant formula and baby food has

added sugar. And now we are fatter and more addicted than ever.

SUGARthe bitter sweet truth -why we’re still fatin an era of low-fat

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Sugar qualifies as an addictive substance

in two ways:

1. Eating a small amount creates a desire for more.

2. Quitting suddenly causes withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, mood swings, cravings and fatigue.

Aside from the physical addiction, many

of us have also developed an emotional

addiction to sugar. How many times as a

child were you rewarded with a sweet treat?

And when do you celebrate a special occasion

with a bowl of fruit instead of a cake? If

you’re feeling down, a cup of spinach doesn’t

provide quite the same sympathetic hug as

an ice cream, does it? But guess what, that

sugar high is short-lived and you generally end up feeling worse. Sugar is a fattening,

toxic substance, no matter how many pretty

coloured sprinkles are used to disguise it.

HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?If we go back to caveman times, studies show our DNA was wired to taste sweet or bitter to help us distinguish between food that was poisonous and food that was safe. Sweet mainly indicated safe. In addition, as humans cannot produce Vitamin C, we must get it from our food. And since Vitamin C is usually found in sweet foods, such as oranges, berries and plums, we can conclude that our natural desire for sweet things is our body’s way of hunting foods rich in Vitamin C.

This wasn’t a problem for our waistlines

in hunter-gatherer times. But today, when we

reach for a chocolate bar while we’re sitting in

front of a computer or TV, it’s a very different

story! So next time you have a sweet craving,

opt for a handful of berries or a fresh orange

juice - but not a manufactured one with 11

teaspoons of sugar!

TODAY’S DEBACLESugar is a simple carbohydrate that is found naturally in food such as grains, beans, vegetables and fruit. In its unprocessed state, sugar also contains a variety of vitamins, minerals and enzymes. When we eat brown

rice or fruit, the natural carbohydrate is broken down steadily into separate glucose molecules. These molecules enter our bloodstream, where they are metabolised smoothly and evenly, allowing our body to absorb the nutrients without a big spike in blood sugar and the need for large doses of insulin. Nice, simple, and what our body knows.

However, refined, processed and simple

sugar - usually extracted from sugar cane or beets, and known as sucrose (aka nasty drug)

- has a totally different effect

on our body. It lacks any

nutrients (vitamins, minerals

and fibre), so our body has

to work a little harder to

digest it. Metabolising the

sucrose causes a depletion

of minerals, enzymes and

Vitamin B. It also pushes blood sugar

levels sky-high, causing excitability and

hyperactivity. Then insulin responds in a big

way and our blood sugar drops to a low point,

causing fatigue, weariness and depression.

This roller-coaster effect is implicated in the

onset of Type II diabetes.

Just a little side note: stress depletes your

body of Vitamin B. After a stressful day, on

top of the stress you already have from your

day, you may decide a sweet treat or glass

of wine is in order – and we know alcohol

is sugar. So you’re not helping the situation,

you’re making it worse, further depleting your

body of Vitamin B when it needs it most!

And if you think you’re doing yourself a

favour by cutting fat out of your diet – since fat has 9 calories (or 37.7 kj) compared to

sugar’s 4 calories (or 17 kj) - I’m about to

rain on your parade again. It is sugar, not fat,

that is making us fat!

Bring back omega-3s and get rid of sugar

and watch how many ADHD children become

normal kids! Good fats are an integral part of

our diet and are generally accompanied by a

host of vitamins and minerals our body needs.

Burning and storing fat is all about

controlling your insulin levels. Eating refined

sugar causes a spike in blood sugar, triggering

It is sugar, not fat, that is making us fat! In a healthy, slim person, 40% of the sugar they eat is converted straight to fat.

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.> a release of insulin, which leads to faster

fat storage. In a healthy, slim person, 40%

of the sugar they eat is converted straight to

fat. And in an overweight person, 60% of the

sugar they eat is converted to fat!

QUITTING COLD TURKEYSugar is a toxic substance that contributes nothing to your diet, except a lot of health issues. The best thing you can do is to quit eating it. But that’s easier said than done.

To successfully quit, you need to

know your main offenders, since food

manufacturers sneak sugar into anything

and everything and in various guises. Look

for words ending in ‘ose’, such as sucrose,

fructose, maltose, lactose, dextrose and

maltodextrose.

Avoid syrups, especially high-fructose

corn syrup (HFCS). This is very cheap, so it’s

used in many processed foods, but according

to a study conducted by the University of

Pennsylvania, it boosts fat-storing and hunger

hormones. It is found in many cereal bars,

fruit drinks, tomato sauce, mayonnaise, pasta

sauce and salad dressings.

Sugar may be listed on food labels as

brown sugar, palm sugar, cane sugar, corn

syrup, fructose, fruit juice concentrate,

glucose (dextrose), high-fructose corn

syrup, honey, invert sugar, lactose, maltose,

molasses, raw sugar, table sugar (sucrose)

or syrup. Read labels carefully and don’t be

surprised if you see sugar in three or four

different varieties in the one product. For

tips to quit, see over page.

Amarketcurrentlyexperiencingaconcerningrisein‘hiddensugar’levelsistheAustralianchildren’svitaminsupplementmarket,especiallythoseinjellyorgumform.ThesesupplementsundercurrentAustralianlawarenotrequiredtodisclosethenon-activeingredientsintheirproducts(whichcouldaccountforover90%).MaloufpharmaciesDirector,IanMalouf,says“Althoughconsumersarebecomingmoreawareof thenegative impactsugarcanhaveontheirfamily’shealthandwellbeing,theyneedtobeextremelycarefulwhenselectingvitamins,especiallyforchildren.”Ifyou’renotsure,askyourpharmacist.“Asanutritionist/dietitianandasamother,Iamhorrifiedthatlolliesarebeing

soldundertheguiseofnutritionalsupplementsforchildren”,says leadingnutritionistDrJoannaMcMillan.“Addingasmalldoseofvitaminsandmineralstoasugarylollydoesnotmakeitgoodforourchildren,nottomentionthecosttoparents.nutritionalsupplementscanbemadeappealingtochildrenwithoutexcessiveuseofaddedsugars.”

Sometipsforparentstohelpavoidhighsugarchildren’ssupplements:1. Alwayscheckthebackofthepack.Lookforthe‘Contains’section.Don’t

fallformarketinggimmicksthatappearonthefrontofpacks.Understandthedifferencebetweenmg(milligram)versusmcg(microgram).Ittakes1,000mcgtomake1mg,so1mgismuchbetterthan100mcg.

2. Withfishoil, lookfor thehighestEpA(Eicosapentaenoicacid)/DHA(Docosahexaennoicacid)content.

3. Lookfor tooth-friendly logosonthebackof thepack.Youwillsavemonumentallyonyourchild’sdentalhealthandyourchildwillthankyouinthelongrun.

4. Lookforthewords“containssugar”andavoid.Youcanalsousuallyseewhentabletsarevisiblycoatedwithsugar.

5. Lookforandavoidotherallergenssuchasyeast,gluten,dairyproducts,artificialcolours,artificialflavoursandpreservatives.

6. VitaminCdegradesrapidly ifexposedto light.ClearbottlesalwayscontainlessVitaminCastheglassexposesthevitamintolight,solookforopaquebottles.

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In Australia, consumption of soft drinks, which are sweetened with sugar, has increased by 30% in 10 years.

EffEcts of sugar

Itisbelievedexcessiveconsumptionofsugarmayplayaroleintheformationofmanydiseases,notjustobesityandTypeIIdiabetes.Sugar:• Suppressestheimmunesystem.• Upsetsyourbody’smineralbalance.• Contributestohyperactivity,anxiety

anddepression.• Contributestoaweakeneddefence

againstbacterialinfection.• Causeskidneydamage.• Increasestheriskofcoronaryheart

disease.• Interfereswithabsorptionofcalcium

andmagnesium.• Contributestodiabetes.• Contributestoosteoporosis.• Causesfoodallergies.• Increasesfluidretention.

How MucH sugar is HiddEn in our food?

Food Teaspoonsofsugar

SpecialK(40gserve) 1.5

Smalltubofyoghurt(200g) 6*

Smallfruitjuice(450ml) 11

*Typically,thelowerayoghurtisinfat,thehigheritisinsugarorartificialsweeteners.

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Luxuriate with JAYE NIEMI:hand-poured in Australia and

inspired by nature

Jaye Niemi Australia P: 07 3376 3399F: 07 3376 3332E: [email protected]: www.jayeniemi.com

Don’t use sugar as a reward. Wrinkles, fat around your tummy and bad teeth are not rewards. A trip to a Spa is!

Eat plenty of chromium. This helps reduce cravings. Chromium is found in eggs, nuts, mushrooms, wholegrains,

asparagus, liver and molasses.

Take glutamine. This supplement also helps reduce sweet cravings. A teaspoon in water will usually knock that

sweet craving on its head.

Include purine-rich proteins in your diet. Sugar cravings are often a sign of a lack of protein. Dark meats contain more purines. If you’re vegetarian, good sources include kidney beans, lima beans, mushrooms, navy beans, oatmeal

and peas.

Eat sweet vegetables and fruit. These are naturally sweet, healthy and delicious. That said, fruit is high in sugar

and is best eaten in moderation and with protein (such as nuts or cheese) to reduce the insulin spike. The best fruit

choice is thin-skinned, darker fruits, such as berries, as they are highest in antioxidants. And to reduce the sugar in

your fresh juices, add a vegetable such as carrot or beetroot.

Use gentle sweets. Avoid chemicalised, artificial sweeteners and foods with added sugar. Use gentle sweeteners

like raw Manuka honey, maple syrup, brown rice syrup, dried fruit, stevia and barley malt, again in moderation. If

you need a sweet kick or are baking cakes, try Stevia, a herb that is 200 times sweeter than sugar. Also try Natvia,

a new natural product that is derived from the freshest tips of Stevia plants and tastes just like sugar. It is a blend of

Stevia and a naturally occurring nectar (known as Erythritol), which is found in melons and grapes. I also like Pure

Coconut Nectar Syrup and coconut sugar.

Get more sleep, rest and relaxation. Simple carbohydrates, such as sugar, are the most readily usable forms of

energy for an exhausted body and mind. If you are in a chronic state of stress or sleep deprivation, your body will

crave the quickest form of energy there is: sugar.

Eliminate fat-free or low-fat packaged snack foods. These foods contain high quantities of sugar to compensate

for the lack of flavour and fat, sending you on a roller-coaster ride of sugar highs and lows.

Experiment with spices. Use coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and cardamom to naturally sweeten your foods

and reduce cravings.

Slow down and find sweetness in non-food ways! Every craving is not a signal that your body biologically requires

sugar. Cravings often have a psychological component. By identifying the psychological causes of food cravings

and substituting lifestyle and relationship adjustments accordingly, you can begin to find balance and take charge of

your health. When life becomes sweet enough in itself, no additives are needed! S

Ifyouwouldlikehelptokickthesugarhabit,orhelpwithothernutritionalsupportincludingweightloss,emailmeatkris@spalife.com.auorvisitrealfoodnut.comandstartyourwayonthepathtovitalitytoday.

Tips to Reduce Your Sugar Intake

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Luxuriate with JAYE NIEMI:hand-poured in Australia and

inspired by nature

Jaye Niemi Australia P: 07 3376 3399F: 07 3376 3332E: [email protected]: www.jayeniemi.com

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Willow Stream, the signature spa brand of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, offers Lifestyle Cuisine Plus, a new menu available upon request catering to guests with specific diet-dependent

conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and gluten free, as well as unique dietary preferences including, macrobiotic, raw and vegan diets. Complementing the new menus are Lifestyle beverages, offering five new varieties of Fairmont wellness teas, juices, shakes and more to quench thirst.

Great Life Shakes include sesame seeds, silken tofu, barley malt, bancha tea and rice milk.

Good Carbs Smoothies use mango, vanilla, barley malt, kefir, goji berries and almond milk.

Heart Wellness Shakes include pumpkin seeds, silken tofu, carrots, kiwi, orange juice, kefir and stevia.

Longevity Shakes (appropriate for DASH and Pritkin diets) incorporate cashews, strawberries, mango, vanilla, orange juice and green tea).

PRECISION SMOOTHIE125 ml (1/2 cup) honeydew melon125 ml (1/2 cup) frozen strawberries½ banana15 ml (1 tbsp) ground flax½ packet whey powder

Place melon, strawberries and banana in blender, cover and blend on high for 30-60 seconds. Add flax and whey and blend another minute (or until completely blended). Serve in large chilled glass.

smooth smoothies

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fIJI

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What is happening with health and wellbeing in Australia? Taking a broad look at things, disease rates

are getting worse, obesity is increasing and depression rates are spiralling out of control.

How can this be? Especially when you look at the number of health clubs, Spas, health resorts, organic food suppliers and health food stores around the country. (These numbers are definitely up too). Just 25 years ago, a Personal Trainer was more of a television concept, so I’m fascinated by the huge numbers there are now.

So what’s going on? Consider this bottom-line data:

As each year goes by, the cost of running our health care system increases at a much faster rate than the cost of living index. Government documents state: “The cost of healthcare in Australia grew at 1.8 times GDP between 1995 and 2004, and rose from 8% to 9.2% of GDP, against an OECD median of 8.7%.”

This means an overall increase against other systems that are also experiencing significant and continuing cost increases. In 2009, health care expenditure in Australia was $36.4 billion, an increase of $1.3 billion (4%) on the previous year. This compares to education, which cost $22.3 billion, an increase of $0.3 billion (1%).

I wonder when someone will stop and take a look and ask what is wrong with this picture. We frequently see media reports

enrichTAKE ACTION

Words JOHN TOOMEYglobalwellness.co

the state of the nation

about the “healthcare crisis”, how we need more doctors in regional areas, more beds in hospitals and how people often wait 12 hours or more on a trolley in a casualty ward. The system is bursting at the seams, demanding ever greater expenditure.

Recently I walked into a pharmacy to have a prescription filled for a sick friend. It was late evening and I was the only customer in the store. Standing waiting, I pointed to all the drugs on the shelf behind the pharmacist and teasingly asked, “So what’s this week’s big seller?” She smiled and said, “Same as every other week – cholesterol medications.”

On 16 January 2008, Business Week magazine published an article that should have stopped the world in its tracks. It revealed that the world’s highest-selling cholesterol drug did not actually work. Rigorous statistical testing using the manufacturer’s own trials demonstrated that well over 100 people had to take the drug before one person might be saved from a heart attack. The results of independent trials put the figure at less than one in 250 people.

I wonder if we have reached a point where government budgets are so completely exhausted holding a collapsing system together that there are simply no funds available for genuine prevention programs? It seems that most of the ‘prevention’ programs we see today are aimed at steering people into the medical system for checkups or a variety of pathology tests. I believe a few

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major factors keep this process evolving in a negative direction.

Firstly, there is a belief that ill health is inevitable and that if you contract a disease such as cancer, diabetes or heart disease, you are essentially unlucky, and are then treated like a victim. Our modern human consciousness seems to find some comfort in being treated like a victim. Many of us have cried out in anguish at some point or other,

“It isn’t my fault!”Secondly, there is a belief that our medical

profession is the ultimate authority on health. This may once have been true, but today the medical profession seems better designed to treat illness than prevent it.

Thirdly, just about every food producer on the planet, including the fast food giants, herald the health benefits of consuming their product.

Looking closer at these factors, I see three major challenges.

Firstly, there seems to be an unwritten rule in our society that all health professionals must defer to Western medicine. I cannot fathom this false reverence. On 28 December 2003, the Melbourne Herald Sun reported that, in 1995, over 18,000 people died in Australia as a direct result of medical negligence. Many of these deaths were attributable to adverse drug reactions.

Secondly, there is a lack of personal responsibility. At some level, deep in the subconscious, we all know our lifestyle habits often sabotage our health. For things to change, we all need to take more responsibility.

Thirdly, I believe there is a lack of guardianship in society. Many of us in the health industry know the formula for good health. We also know that ‘Big Pharma’ is protecting its market share with a fierce determination to grow that market share. We understand that if people are inspired and educated, and offered the right amount of support, they will change the way they live; they will take more responsibility. But we seem to back down from taking a leadership role in society. We play it safe. We back away from our innermost desire to create change.

I once had coffee with a lady who was a senior account executive and head of sales training for a large pharmaceutical company

in Australia which sells cardiovascular drugs. I asked what the company’s mission was. She teased me for a while, refusing to say, but eventually revealed their plan. “Our aim”, she said, “is to have every person in Australia over 50 years of age taking at least one of our medications.” She looked strangely at me, as I think I’d just stopped breathing, then continued, “We believe that is a sound disease prevention strategy for Australia.” I have a thick hide, but that one sure knocked me sideways!

For those of us who have a pretty good handle on what it takes to be healthy and well, why do we back down from standing firm? I’m not suggesting you begin aggressively thrusting your opinions into other people’s faces, but when an opportunity arises for you to share your wisdom, do you step up and share your viewpoint with compassion and care, or do you simply go someplace else? Are we inherently selfish and simply taking care of our own needs?

Last year I took a good friend to an Avatar Course. He has owned a lot of health clubs and he said to me on about the fourth day,

“Now I know what’s wrong with the fitness industry and why it is such a struggle. People come to us asking for help, and we put them on a fitness program. Maybe that’s not what they need.”

My concern with the fitness industry is that it might have lost sight of the reason it originally came into being. I remember talking with Brendan Edwards back in the 70s. His motivation for opening fitness centres was to share his passion for good health and fitness with other people.

At some point, this desire to serve others and help them was replaced by a relentless drive for profit. Consequently, many fitness facilities lack the stability that comes with a loyal and satisfied customer base.

If we of the ‘Good Health’ lifestyle were to really stand up and be counted, we could change this country. Big Pharma is not the enemy. They are simply companies manufacturing and selling products that the market wants to buy. Education, inspiration and support can change the buying wishes of the public and Big Pharma will respond by

producing more health-promoting products.In a market economy, consumers will

always be the most powerful driving force. And education will always be the most powerful influence on the consumer.

Imagine you’re with a friend who is doing something quite destructive for their health. You resist your desire to chastise, disapprove or lecture, and compassionately ask why they are doing that. Then, whatever their answer, ask why. If you keep asking why, people will get their own answers and will, in that moment, become more responsible.

We don’t need a health war. We need more care and guardianship. We need more direct and real conversations. When a person gets to a tipping point around personal responsibility, they will begin looking for answers.

Are you making apologies for your lifestyle choices so as to not offend anyone? If you are, perhaps you can re-think what you’re doing. I always believe that if people are criticising you, then you are having an impact on them. Your actions are shining a bright light on their own flaws.

I know two wonderful ladies in Brisbane who had an idea to teach primary school kids great habits at an early age. They put their money and their energy where their mouths were and went to work. They placed quite extraordinary water filters that delivered alive, alkaline water into each classroom. They provided the teacher with lesson plans and resources to teach the kids about hydration and good health. The kids got to drink the water through the day and could take information about the water units home to their families.

When families bought a unit (which are not expensive), a percentage of the sales covered the cost of the units in the classrooms. Once the units were all fully funded, the same margin from each future sale goes back to the school, with the condition that the money must be spent on wellness education.

I see these ladies as brave guardians of a future generation. They are not prepared to wait around for another generation to become unhealthy and dependent on medicine. They are in action, changing the world one kid at a time! S

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enjoy

“The great man is he who does not lose his child’s heart.” Mencius, Book IV

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Market Place

Yankee candle® has created Botanical Reed Diffusers that look and smell just like freshly cut flowers. With no alcohol content, the unique stems are designed to diffuse the fragrance in the air, providing a long lasting, concentrated fragrance. ($49.95) yankee.net.au

celebrated for her feminine and functional designs, donna Karan now brings her

luxurious collection of hosiery to Australia. Available exclusively from Myer.

Emily larsen & Sarah Barret are the brains behind the oti brand - stylish organisers for the modern woman whose lifestyle involves juggling obligations along with achieving personal goals. Attack that endless amount of clutter - to do lists, diary, post-it notes, phone numbers, shopping lists and school notes found in piles around the house - and pop it all in one place. Nothing says On To it like an OTi organiser! oti.net.au

We have one complete pack to give away containing The Ultimate Organiser, a Monthly Planner and Shopping List Pad valued at $58.85. To enter go to our Facebook page and tell us your Juggle Tip and the best answer will win!

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Grand Wailea, Maui

We know them for exquisite pens, however the most recent design to come from Montblanc’s ateliers is the patented Montblanc cabochon stunning jewellery collection. Made up of colourful pieces using an exciting assortment of semi-precious and hard stones, the collection has pieces for both him and her. olelynggaard.com perfectforthistimeofyearareoutdoorCitronellaLanterns

bywaxworks. waxworksworks.com.au

LULa’s range of Bath Salts (Relax, Revive, Restore, Detox & Sensual) are created with love and organic essential oils to create the perfect mood. All proudly hand-made in Hampton, Melbourne. They do great candles too! ($29.95) mylula.com

”It’s not how much we give, but how

much love we put into giving.”Mother Teresa

The stylish, ever-smiling Rosie Condo is the passion behind Lula – Lifestyle and wellbeing. This brand is fast becoming one of my faves, with great Spa-at-home products and a gorgeous collection of vintage jewellery and clothing. Clothing is handmade from French and Italian scarves. The softness and detail of the scarves form the uniqueness of these one-off dresses. ($280) goodsie.com/store/lula/

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Never before has so much money and time been devoted to taking care of ourselves. Gym fees, organic vegies, massages and alternative therapies, essential oils and candles, life coaching… the list goes on. Wonderful, enlightened understandings

fuel our enthusiasm and resolve to make a positive change for ourselves. So why do so many people still say, “I’m doing all I can for myself and yet nothing’s

changing.” I see their bereft heart dimly lighting their eyes and feel deeply sad. What’s missing? Why the hole in the heart?

Too much dependency on the ‘outside’ and not enough alignment on the ‘inside’, no matter how healthy and wise the choices are, is still the problem. If you haven’t journeyed deeply into the inner space of your own conscious awareness, no matter what you choose, the change is not likely to be permanent.

To create lasting change from the inside out, there are five areas of focus that work together to advance you spiritually and elevate your life. The Five Realities of conscious living are: Remembrance, Radiance, Resonance, Resolution and Ritual. There are spiritual secrets that are at work within us, separate from the surface of life, to provide a higher perspective to inform our choices. They guide and cajole and niggle and laugh out loud in an effort to grab our attention. But do we listen and act on them?

Let’s begin the journey to the centre of our true nature through the Five Realities and explore a few spiritual secrets.

riding the new wave of WELLNESS

enjoyCONSCIOUS LIVING

Words INDIRA KENNEDY

gorgeousallover.com

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REALITY 1: REMEMBRANCE‘Conscious living’ requires a level of wisdom born of deep enquiry about who we are and why we are here. We need to remember who we are and remember the parts of us that have gone missing. We need to reconnect them to become whole.

Balancing your physical, emotional and mental energies are a daily constant, yes? However, that balance is hard to find if you are not anchored in the warm compassion of your own heart. Self-criticism and unworthiness, ingratitude and fear all keep us from our true essence. And that essence is pure, unadulterated, gracefully blissful love.

SPIRITuAl SEcRET:‘I HAve A DIvINe PURPOSe’

REALITY 2: RADIANCEIf you want success in all levels of your life, you must dip into the silence, stillness and vast space in your spiritual Heart, and learn to become the witness of all that goes on within and without. Then you will find an equipoise, a beautiful balance that feels like true north. You feel in flow.

Radiating that flowing, harmonious light is what attracts the best into your life. You radiate joy and all the higher qualities of true power. Then your life really takes off.

Self-healing is more effective. Relationships deepen and feel more meaningful.

SPIRITuAl SEcRET:‘My HeART HAS THe ANSWeR’

REALITY 3: RESONANCEOnce you listen to your Heart’s answers, you will find your intuition explodes, creativity opens up and you are free to create whatever your Heart desires. You begin to resonate to a higher power. You find a new level of spiritual Guidance is available.

SPIRITuAl SEcRET:‘I AM ALL-SeeINg, ALL-kNOWINg’

REALITY 4: RESOLUTIONSo how will you serve? What does fulfilling your spiritual purpose look like in the world? Centring yourself through meditation will take you into your higher Self. It will also focus and polish the mind as an amazingly powerful tool to be all you resolve to be. Can you resolve your past, can you forgive others and can you resolve to follow a higher Will?

SPIRITuAl SEcRET: ‘I GIvE IN gRATITUDe AND OPeN TO gRACe’

REALITY 5: RITUALBring the beautiful experiences of Spa life into conscious living by creating a daily ritual that supports the inner you. Use the secrets to make choices mindfully in your day. That means being acutely aware of why you are giving your body pure water and food, sleeping long enough, exercising in ways that are compatible with your personality, body type and general nature.

Devotion is a beautiful state of the Heart. When you create meaningful rituals based on conscious awareness, a deeper foundation of meaning comes into being to support you – you will feel it constantly.

SPIRITuAl SEcRET: BuIlD ThE muSclE Of SElf-TRuST BY AcKNOwlEDGING YOuR EffORTS AND YOuR chOIcES

Take these five spiritual realities consciously into your world of love, abundance, health and happiness and watch how extraordinary your new reality becomes.

The full range of spiritual secrets is available in my book. Available online at gorgeousallover.com. S

IndiraKennedyisdirectorofConsciousLeadershipandauthorofgorgeousAllOver~ADailyguideforWomenwithSpirit.Sheisacertifiedexecutivecoachandtrainedspiritualhealerandteacher.

riding the new wave of WELLNESS

THe FIve R’S OF SPIRITUAL SElf-lEADERShIP

remembrance–rememberingwhoyouareandwhatyoutrulyneed

radiance–radiatinghigherandfinerenergy,joyfully

resonance–resonatingwithhigherguidanceandyourspiritualpowers

resolution–resolvetoserveandliveinconsciouscooperationwiththeDivine

ritual–ritualisingyourpracticestobuildpowerfulhabitsthatserveandsupportyou

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Contact and booking details: Mount Eyre Vineyards • Phone Australia: 0438 683 973 • Phone International: +61 417 494 528

Fax International: +61 268 424 513 • Email: [email protected]

www.mounteyre.com/holman

Stay at the Hunter’s premier location

The house boasts 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a billiards room, and kitchen.

The open-plan living and dining area features cathedral ceilings and a large open fireplace.

The luxury of the present...... The splendour of the pastThe luxury of the present...... The splendour of the past

Mount Eyre Vineyards Holman Estate is located in the heart of Pokolbin, the Hunter Valley’s premier tourist location. Holman Estate offers spectacular views of the Hunter Valley, from the privacy of your own executive residence. Located on an operational vineyard, you will experience what it is like to live in a French chateau or Italian villa.

You can simply spend a weekend drinking fine wine by the fireplace and strolling through the vineyards. Alternatively, enjoy the Hunter Valley Gardens, wine tasting rooms, restaurants, art galleries, hot air ballooning and a myriad of other interesting pursuits.

Whether you want a romantic escape for two, a family and friends holiday, a corporate function or even a small wedding, Holman Estate is the ideal venue. Holman Estate offers a unique opportunity or enjoy all the best the Hunter Valley has to offer, within easy reach of your own private residence.

Special Mid Week rates on request • Close to major golfing venues in the Hunter Region

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Actnatural.Simplethingscreatedbynature,withplants,mud,water,earth,vegetablesandnuts,saymuchwithoutevershouting.Thinkofthebeautifulsimplicityofagiftthatiswrappedinbrownpaperandtiedwithstring.

raindrops on roses

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YOGA DO’S 1. Learn to breathe. Always breathe through the nose (unless it is blocked with a cold or sinus problems). This

stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system which will release acetylcholine into the somatic nervous system. This awakens and heightens our body awareness in movement and aids in relaxing the body and tense muscle tears.

2. Move with the breath. Now we are starting to breathe correctly, we only move into and out of poses with the breath. Forward bends and twists on exhalations; back bends and chest opening movements on inhalations. This is the natural inclination of the body and is the natural movement pattern of the body when united with the breath.

3. Listen. The breath is your guide. Learn to listen to it and not the ‘mind’. If the breath changes tempo, becomes raspy or you’re holding the breath, you are pushing yourself to the edge of your ability. Time to back off.

4. Sight: Move into and out of the poses with your gaze (called drishti in Yoga). Where and how we look will bend the spine accordingly and affect the stretch or stability of the pose.

5. Foundation: Like all good structures, we need solid foundations. This is grounding. Whatever is touching the earth is the grounding point. Learn how to use the hands, feet and pelvic floor to create a solid foundation and from here start the movement.

YOGA DON’TS 1. Don’t be in a rush. Learn the basics with mindfulness, so as you advance, it will be a safe, long and joyful practice.2. Don’t copy the person next to you or be competitive. Your body is unique. Feel the pose from the inside and

allow this to create the form of the pose.3. Don’t bring your work or family to the mat, this is the time for you! A little oasis in the busy world to relax. The

breath allows you to be present. After class, you will be calmer and clearer, then it’s time to take care of business.4. Don’t eat before the class. This creates heaviness and sluggishness in the body and diverts energy to digestion.5. Don’t skip Savasana (the corpse or rest pose) at the end of class. This allows all the work you have been doing

to integrate itself into your body and its systems.

enjoyYOGA MOVES

Words DON PEERS

trikonasana (trianglepose)

Anexcellentposetogainanunderstandingofalignmentandbalance.Thebenefitsofthisposearemany.Itwillstretchandstrengthenthethighsandankles.Itstretchesthehips,groin,hamstringsandcalves,shoulders,chestandspine.Itstimulatestheabdominalorgansandimprovesdigestion.Itcanalsohelprelievethesymptomsofmenopauseandisgreatforbackachesinpregnancy.

yoga basics

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1. Step the legs apart and turn the right foot out to 90 degrees, keeping the middle right toe in line with the right knee and hip. Turn the left foot in slightly and align the right heel to the left instep.

2. Keep both thighs firm to draw up the kneecaps. Roll your right thigh outward and ground the left foot, pushing the outer edge of the foot into the back of the mat. Be aware to lift and not collapse the arch of the foot. (This is important for grounding of the pose).

3. As you exhale, extend your torso and right arm directly over the plane of the right leg. Tilt from the hip joint, not the waist. Try to keep both sides of the torso even in length, then lengthen from the tailbone toward the left heel. Now roll the right buttock under towards the inner left thigh.

4. Place your right hand on your thigh, shin, ankle or the floor outside your right foot depending on your flexibility (don’t push it). Do this without rolling the torso inward (towards the mat). Stretch your left arm toward the ceiling, keeping the shoulder blades spreading and sense the fingers touching the ceiling. Keep your head in a neutral position or turn it to the left, eyes gazing softly at the left middle finger.

Don Peers, Senior Yoga Teacher and Teacher Trainer of Elixr School of Yoga, is a key figure in establishing the foundation and philosophy of Yoga at Elixr. Influenced by his studies in both India and Asia, Don brings a deep understanding of authentic Yoga to Elixr’s unique health club concept and prestigious Elixr School of Yoga. elixr.com.au

yoga basics

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enjoyYOUR DESTINY

Words GEOFF EDWARDSgeoffedwards.net

change your destiny

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We are all on a different journey in life, but you can choose what path to take and your ultimate destiny. There is no need for you to live an unrewarding life. If you could live your dream, instead of just accepting whatever you’re given, just imagine for a minute what that would be like…

Your time on this earth is meant to be an adventurous and rewarding journey. It is meant to be full of love, joy, happiness and abundance - the best that life has to of-fer. This might be starting an exciting new business, seeking a promotion, trekking the Himalayas or simply having time to relax. To ensure you achieve this, changes may need to take place in your life.

Take a moment to reflect on what your life is about. Are you satisfied with the progress you’re making? Or do you need to change your destiny in some way? Here are some steps to support you on this exciting journey.

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE ABOUT?Perhaps you’re feeling frustrated or ‘stuck’ in life? Discovering what your life is about is an opportunity for you to know who and what you are meant to become. Changing your destiny is about seeking happiness. This might be material possessions, spiritual enlightenment or service to humanity. It often comes down to knowing what is important to you and what drives you.

Find some quiet time and begin answer-ing the big questions of your life, such as:

• What inspires you?• What makes you feel great?• What are you naturally good at? What are

you passionate about?• If you had to teach something, what would

it be?Keep your answers in a book that is easy

to access and to update. This book will help sustain you and allow you to measure your growth through life.

Your destiny is something that makes you feel useful, inspiring you and giving you satisfaction. An excellent book called Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl offers an avenue to greater meaning and purpose in our lives.

CREATE GOALS WITH IMPACTBy knowing what your life is about, you can set goals to ensure your destiny is achieved, with a clear focus every day and week of your life. Goal-setting is a powerful technique that can yield strong returns in all areas of your life. One of the most important aspects of goal-setting is to notice how you will feel when you have reached your objective, as well as ensuring the goals are inspiring and measurable.

YOUR IDEAL DAYYour destiny and your goals should form the basis of your focus every day. It is important to consciously decide how you react to circumstances that could take your focus away. Decisions you make each day should be based on your true values and should be in accordance with your destiny. “It’s in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped,” says Anthony Robbins.

Maintaining resilience when you are thrown the next challenge will build your capability for success, and for achievement of your destiny. Accept that uncertainty is here to stay and know that through this you will grow and create better outcomes. Always believe that there will be a good outcome.

Your destiny is within your control and it is important to ensure you don’t run your old stories and patterns. By eliminating these layers, you get to the truth and are driven towards your destiny. You will know when you’re living your destiny as you will be in the flow and time will stand still. Remember, your destiny is on its way to you!

7 TIPS TO CHANGE YOUR DESTINY1. Assess your life now.2. Discover your destiny.3. Eliminate things that make you unhappy.4. Set targets and focus daily.5. Handle adversity well.6. Never allow past experiences to

determine what your possibilities are.7. Always have positive expectations. S

geoffEdwards,aninternationallyaccreditedLifeCoachwithover25yearsofcoachingexperience,hassupportedmanypeopleontheirjourneytosuccess.www.geoffedwards.net

Discovering what your life is about is an opportunity for you to know who and what you are meant to become.

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