Latest news with #wellnessretreat
Condé Nast Traveler
2 days ago
- Health
- Condé Nast Traveler
Six Senses Douro Valley Is Pioneering a New Perimenopause Program
In a nutshell 'Men have had extensive hormonal research done, but females are still playing catch up,' said Anna Bjurstam, the Head of Six Senses Spas and Wellness. As such she and her team have spent the last few years developing an effective program focussing on hormone balance, diet, exercise, sleep habits, bio and other metrics. Experts in the field—including Mindy Pelz who literally wrote the book on the importance of fasting in female health—oversee the program and according to Bjurstam, all practitioners will go through a certification on female health. Though it was piloted at Six Senses Douro Valley and is currently available at Six Senses Kanuhura in the Maldives, Six Senses Crans-Montana, Six Senses Ninha Van Bay, and Six Senses Rome, it will soon roll out across the entire Six Senses portfolio and guests can choose between three, five, and seven-day programs. Before arrival The program is designed to have you hit the ground running so much of the screenings happen before arrival. I had a series of calls with experts, including Javier Suarez, the property's Director of Wellness and Joana Barretos, a physiotherapist and female health expert at home in New York in the weeks leading up to my visit. I will admit that I can be skeptical of short-term, intense wellness retreats—the all-in-approach over 72 hours that doesn't replicate your life at home makes me dubious that the results will last, and I was here because I needed to make new habits that would work with my real life. I appreciated talking with Javier, who, after asking me to identify the key points I wanted to explore (trouble sleeping, weight gain, eating habits) told me to be me. 'If you drink at home, don't deprive yourself of a drink here,' he said. 'You have to eat the fries.' I submitted a questionnaire before my call with Joana, which allowed her to talk me through my symptoms and discuss my goals. For me, it was education so that I could effectively combat the fluctuations in weight, moodiness, fatigue, and more in my day to day life. We discussed my cycle, my diet, and my mental energy in recent months. I told her what exercise I preferred and did at home (a hard pass on yoga and pilates, which is often what these retreats seem to offer. I need a gym.). Three days before my arrival, a program was sent to my inbox.
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Escape to Le Grand Jardin: The French Riviera's Most Magical Hidden Estate
If you're craving a reset that's private, poetic, and impossibly chic – you've just found your next escape. Imagine waking up to the sound of birdsong and sea breeze, in a villa once owned by royalty – no crowds, no traffic, just sun-dappled serenity on your own private island. Welcome to Le Grand Jardin by Ultima Collection – the only private estate on the legendary Île Sainte-Marguerite, just off the coast of Cannes. Surrounded by turquoise waters and wild pine forest, the property feels like a world of its own – serene, cinematic, and somehow still under-the-radar. Once owned by Louis XIV and a favourite of modern day royalty and A-List celebrities, Le Grand Jardin has been masterfully reimagined into a modern sanctuary without losing an ounce of its soul. Picture stone courtyards shaded by citrus trees, botanical gardens that stretch into the sea, and architecture that whispers history in every arch and window. The estate includes 13 beautifully appointed bedrooms spread across multiple buildings – including the original watchtower, a Governor's House, and guest cottages. Inside, interiors strike the perfect balance between effortless Mediterranean charm and modern luxury. Natural textures, warm neutrals, and artfully placed antiques reflect the rhythm of the island outside, while high-tech comforts (like wellness facilities and a cinema room) ensure every moment is utterly indulgent. For those craving wellness, the experience is deeply immersive. There's a heated pool, hammam, ice bath, yoga pavilion, and even an al fresco massage table tucked beneath fragrant pines. Every detail is designed to slow you down – and spoil you, quietly. And when you feel like stepping out, you're only a short boat ride away from Cannes. And while you could easily spend your whole stay within this Mediterranean Eden, a short stroll takes you to La Guérite, the neighbouring beachside restaurant known for its sun-soaked ambience, live music, and iconic seafood platters. From sunrise yoga sessions to twilight dinners under fairy lights, Le Grand Jardin offers a retreat that feels both cinematic and sacred – where luxury isn't loud, and time seems to stretch a little longer.
News.com.au
20-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
$100m James Packer backed project's wellbeing, longevity boost
A consortium backed by billionaire James Packer have revealed their vision to turn a Balwyn nursing home into a life-extending luxury apartment complex. A wellness retreat inspired by Hotel Chadstone that features a gym and mix of saunas, a curated library and reflection garden are among the features planned for its well-heeled future residents. The former 52-bed Aveo aged care centre at 23 Maleela Ave, Balwyn, was bought by the NPACT investment firm which is heavily funded by one of Australia's richest men, Mr Packer, and headed by former Crown Resorts strategy and development vice president Todd Nisbet. Melbourne lawyer, businessman and former ABC board member Joe Gersh is also part of the group behind the planned $100m revamp that will ultimately feature 31 homes. The project will be developed alongside Chapter Group and has been designed by Cera Stribely Architects, with landscaping by garden guru to Melbourne's elite Jack Merlo. Mr Nisbet said the project would aim to nurture the body, mind and spirit of residents with a view to increased longevity and overall wellness. 'We have focused on providing features within the development which not only promote physical health, such as the gymnasium, saunas and cold shower, but also to create opportunities for socialisation and the building of friendships through our club lounge facility, and relaxation and enrichment in our library and reflection garden,' he said. The largest residences will span 'mansion proportions' of more than 600sq m, including one with its own swimming pool and a rooftop retreat on offer. After previously working on One Barangaroo, the tallest tower in Sydney and home to one of the nation's few six-star hotels, he added that the 31-apartment complex in Balwyn to be named Maleela Rise was also intended to create a balance between hotel luxury and a sense of home. 'We have done this in many ways; for example, we are incorporating a concierge service to provide not only a convenience, but also a welcoming presence to our residents at the end of a long day,' Mr Nisbet said. 'It's an opulent environment, but its designed for every day living. 'Inside the apartments, we have also added moments of extravagance through the use of incredible natural stones, such as Arebescato Rosso, but they are grounded within an overall neutral palette which will make it liveable and timeless.' European oak flooring will be complemented by marble and travertine throughout the homes, while many residences will also have fireplaces and bars. A mix of two and three-bedroom floorplans will be offered, all homes will have butler's pantries in their kitchens, large terraces and multiple carparks. There has already been interest from local business luminaries in the largest homes. Apartment prices will start at $1.7m for a two-bedroom home, while penthouses will commence sales from $5.6m. It comes shortly after James Packer and developer Time & Place had a legal win to compel the sale of a studio apartment holding up plans for a Potts Point redevelopment in Sydney. Packer is helping to fund plans to buy out the 80-apartment The Chimes tower, with expectations it will cost about $100m all up to acquire. It will then be overhauled as a new project.
The National
11-06-2025
- The National
Checking into overwater villas and azure blue seas doesn't necessarily require a flight to the Maldives
If I told you I was writing these words from a small island with the sun shining on to the deck of my overwater villa, fresh from my floating breakfast served in a private pool, you'd likely assume I was in the Maldives. It's a good guess, as the image is almost synonymous with vacations in the archipelago. In reality, I'm much closer to home, in neighbouring Bahrain, checking into Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa. The small Gulf island is perhaps not the first destination to show up in search results for 'wellness retreat' or 'island getaway', but the country's scenic landscapes – with 33 islands – teamed with Sofitel's upgrade in early 2025, are making a serious case for it. The National checks in to see how it compares on all things relaxation and wellness. First impressions I almost walk past the chauffeur holding a board with my name on it at Bahrain Airport, but it's a welcome surprise. It's an early indication of the level of service that's to come. 'How long to the hotel?' I ask. 'Maximum 45 minutes,' Isa, my driver, tells me. 'This is Bahrain, everything is 45 minutes … And everywhere, beaches.' Dreamy. Walking through the hotel's lobby less than 45 minutes later, it's clear that showcasing Arabian hospitality – always ready to host scheduled or unexpected guests – is in good practice here. Arabic coffee and dates are ready to serve; heavyweight, low-level chairs invite guests to take a seat. As my friend and I arrive shortly after 10am, our room isn't ready, so we are shown to the club lounge, where we grab a bite to eat and attend to some emails before our wellness weekend officially begins. The villa Luxury rooms aside, there are only four overwater villas at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa: Topaz, Pearl, Ruby and Emerald. They are almost identical, apart from colour details that align with their names and tiny decor tweaks. Topaz being the last in the row, has clear water views; and Pearl, where we stay, doesn't have a ladder directly connected to the sea due to its rocky terrain. Each an expansive 360 square metres, the villas have space enough for up to nine people. The gorgeous three-bedroom Pearl has a primary bedroom and twin room upstairs, and a double room downstairs. Every bedroom has an en suite, plus a bathtub in the room downstairs, which overlooks the sea. A spacious living room has double-height ceilings thanks to the open-plan design, with the rooms tucked away to one side. There's space to have a formal dinner, play games on the sofa or watch TV, plus a spacious decking area with further seating options, ideal for secluded sundowners. From the kitchen to the lounge, every part of the villa is equipped with everything you'd need for a long weekend break. If your intention is to make the most of the hotel's amenities while also having a peaceful, luxurious nook to yourself, this is it. Find moments of Zen by enjoying golden hour on the decking, and waking up early to dip in the private pool while there is stillness in the air. The spa We dedicated an entire day to using the Spa at Sofitel and popping in to use the fitness and well-being facilities throughout our stay, such as enrolling in an outdoor yoga class one morning and paying the salon a visit for a manicure another afternoon. Both of which are pleasant, peaceful experiences. But the main show is, of course, the spa, which specialises in seawater treatments, claiming one-of-a-kind status in this region. On offer are marine body treatments, which use active marine ingredients to deliver a contouring and firming massage (75 Bahraini dinars or Dh731 for 80 minutes); a series of marine body wraps (40 Bahraini dinars each for 60 minutes); and a seawater hydrotherapy bath experience (25 Bahraini dinars for 30 minutes), which involves lying in a jet bath with a heated seat to relax and rejuvenate. I opt for a 90-minute made-to-measure body massage and facial combo, and my skin glows for days after being infused with Anne Semonin products. The highlight? The heated indoor seawater pool. Here, everyone can benefit from the healing benefits of salted water, from its muscle-easing to skin-clearing properties. The service When your villa comes complete with a 24-hour butler, it's hard to fault the service. Head butler Mohamed, villa butler Saif and the rest of the team's efforts are exceptional, and each member of staff has a warm, open disposition. We certainly didn't overuse this lovely perk, but it was appreciated when the team went out of their way to source off-menu dishes, assist with spa bookings, and deliver early morning coffees to our door. This level of service and friendliness follows us throughout the hotels and its restaurants. In-hotel dining There are numerous restaurants on site, and we visit Fiamma Italian, Rivaaj for Indian cuisine, and the Greek-Mediterranean restaurant Yamaz. At Fiamma, we admire the colourful decor, especially the artistic plates hanging from the walls, as we rip apart fresh bread and tuck into green salad and homemade pasta over lunch. Recently renovated Rivaaj cooks up delights from Rajasthan, and some veggie highlights include chatpata dahi vada (lentil fritters; 5.5 Bahraini dinars) and dal al Rivaaj (black lentils; 6.40 Bahraini dinars) complemented with rice, bread and poppadoms. Yamaz gets its name from the Greek toast to health and happiness, and we're more than happy tucking into its fresh fare as we listen to live music, from singers to oud players, and watch the sun set over the sea. Highlights include the sticky filo pastry filled with tofu (which wasn't on the menu but the chef brought it over upon hearing we're after vegan delights) and Yamaz salad, with mesclun leaves, pomegranate seeds, radish, dates with an orange balsamic vinaigrette, and chargrilled manuri cheese served on the side. Each restaurant satisfied the taste buds while also boasting wholesome, healthy menu options. Although we spot an error with the listed allergens on some of the menu items, which wrongly highlight some vegetarian and vegan options, once pointed out, this is gracefully received and I'm promised it will be corrected within days. The neighbourhood Just as Isa told me when I arrived, Bahrain is easy enough to navigate from one side to the other, with plenty to explore along the hour-long journey. Nearby the hotel is the F1 circuit, Al Areen Wildlife Park, The Caves (a historical and geological site) and the Tree of Life, which is at least 400 years old, and still shows off green leaves despite the country's limited rainfall. A little farther afield is Bahrain's capital, Manama, which is the spot for an evening on the town, and Muharraq, where you can walk along the Pearl Path, stepping into dozens of small museums delving into the country's pearl diving history and traditions. The verdict Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa's new overwater villas are nothing short of stunning, offering the best of both worlds – feeling both secluded yet just minutes away from all the resort's amenities. It is perfect for travellers who want to build a wellness day or two into a trip, with plenty more to do. Bottom line Prices start from 75 Bahraini dinars (Dh730) for a Luxury Room in the hotel, and from 900 Bahraini dinars (Dh8,767) for the villas. Check in is from 3pm and check out is at noon.
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
09-06-2025
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Love To Meditate? Make Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah Resort Your Next Escape
Mindfulness and holistic healing amidst a natural sanctuary, Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah Resort offers a curated journey you didn't know you needed Cocooned in an abundance of nature, Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah Resort evokes a feeling of home amidst the expansive tranquillity of the beach, mountains and desert. Designed for guests to reset and unwind, the resort's philosophy is centred on healing and harmony – it's a private peninsula that overlooks the vast open ocean and serves as a reminder of our oneness. Whether you're new to your wellness journey or have been conscious of it for a long time, this is a retreat that beckons reflection and connection to your inner self through a meditative approach coupled with seclusion. The over-water pool villas boast a Maldivian-chic, nature-inspired aesthetic intended to transport guests to an idyllic island haven. Gaze at the endless waters of the Arabian Gulf through the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room, or from your generously sized bathtub, surrounded by lush green mangroves and the sea. Serene cream and wood shades mingle in the room, inviting the outdoors in. Several intricately designed décor pieces adorn the shelves in the kitchen area, a testament to the resort's commitment to the arts and creativity. The soft golden lighting complements the colour palette, further urging a lasting sense of inner calm. Start the morning with a regional and international breakfast at Sea Breeze; from fresh pastries and pancakes to a range of colourful fruits, teas and juices, the selection ensures a variety of palates are catered to, with health at the forefront. To fully immerse in the resort's belief in relaxation, head to Anantara Spa – a natural sanctuary that delves into the world of traditional Thai healing, returning harmony to the mind, body and soul with a special focus on your mental state. The choice of natural, organic products restores one's inner glow, while the techniques of yogic stretching and Chinese-style acupressure correct the flow of energy all around the body to create a deeper state of peace. The signature massage is ideal for clearing energy blockages and enhancing overall wellbeing; a combination of Western and Eastern massage techniques, the full-body treatment blends the brand's signature oils to stimulate circulation and relax the muscles. Also of note is the 'Rebalance Ritual', which harmonises the body's seven energy centres through guided breathing and visualisation, combined with a therapeutic massage and chakra balancing. Welcome the evening with outdoor sunset yoga to further soften the mind and body. Dinner is served at Mekong, perched at the edge of the water with an al fresco terrace. The chef prepares a range of favourites from Anantara's native Thailand, Vietnam and China, with exotic flavours reinterpreted for the modern diner. End the day with a leisurely night stroll around the property, observing the fleeting flamingos and fully absorbing nature's spirit within your body – a gift you can take home. From Harper's Bazaar Arabia Interiors Summer 2025 Issue.
