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Spas and Well-Being Blog

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

SPAS AND WELL-BEING
I’ve been in the beauty industry for over 30 years and am constantly asked by friends and clients about retreats and spa destinations I can recommend. I decided to Blog my personal experiences and include some well-being tips on the way. I own Brighton’s largest beauty salon/urban spa, The Treatment Rooms, and my inspiration for the treatments I choose to offer comes from my travel experiences. I hope you enjoy them.

Monday, 28 June 2010Boot Camp Brazil!

Oh boy I remember this one!
I booked this 7 years ago for a 40th girly trip. Not sure where to begin!
A lovely island off Rio de Janiero, Ilha Grande.
We were up for the activity, yoga first thing, 2hr kayak around the island, trek, 2hr kayak back, yoga. Quite full on but massage was thrown in.
What we didn’t expect was the food rationing! It was like 10,000 calories of activity on a 500 calorie diet!! We didn’t go to lose weight!
After nearly fainting in a yoga session I asked to be put on a mans food portion. Basically I got more nuts!
On the last day of 6 my friend said ‘Clare, your bottom has disappeared’. I mean gone. I could pull my shorts down while fully done up! That’s not right after 6 days!
Anyway, we were the only Brits on that occasion, all American. One of the guests was actor Liev Schreiber. We weren’t impressed. Maybe we would be now since playing brother of Wolverine in X-Men.
We finished off in Rio with a taster menu at the Copacabana Palace. 8 courses with 8 different wines. Heaven!
www.bodysouladventures.com
www.copacabanapalace.com

Sunday, 27 June 2010My First Spa Destination…..

I was very fortunate for my first spa destination to not only be to the Maldives but to the Banyan Tree resort of Vabbinfaru.
I’m sure all the islands are absolutely beautiful and I believe worth a visit before we lose them to rising tides.
I’m not a water baby but found the calm, clear waters a joy to swim in. I could even swim around the island in minutes.
Fishing for your supper, stroking sting ray, swimming with reef shark, wind surfing lessons are all some of my fond memories.
The lasting impact for me was the amazing Banyan Tree therapists and treatments. Each treatment would start with a foot ritual as they bathe your feet and discuss your needs. It must have been 12 years ago if not more. We certainly weren’t doing this in the West.
I also enjoyed the experience of having a double treatment with your partner. It was very romantic and relaxing.
I’ve introduced foot rituals into our longer spa treatments and have also created a double treatment room for spa treatments.
I’ve visited other Banyan Tree resorts but will never forget my first experience.
www.banyantree.com

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