The Daily Telegraph - Saturday - Travel
WE CAN WORK IT OUT
Take your morning exercise up a level with trainer-to-the-stars Dan Roberts, who works with Shangri-La hotels. Join his Methodology X online workout, combining Pilates, yoga, athletics, ballet, commercial dance and strength training. From £6.49 a week (danrobertsgroup.com).
STRIKE A POSE
Devonshire retreat Yeotown (yeotown.com) has launched a selfisolating wellness series for the whole family, with yoga videos for couples and for kids, plus daily meditations. Similarly, Belmond (belmond.com) has launched a virtual series to nourish the soul: uplifting poetry readings and music performances, calming mindfulness rituals and meditations, plus recipes for homemade spa therapies inspired by their hotel destinations worldwide.
GET GLOWING WITH A DIY CRYO FACIAL
Turn your bathroom into a spa-throom with delicious candles and hotel spa products. Alternatively, create your own products from the contents of your kitchen cupboards. Jessica Sproson, who designs spa treatments for Cowshed (cowshed.com), suggests these DIY cryo facials to rejuvenate complexions and reduce puffiness: “Blend a cucumber with 300ml [10.5 fl oz] of water, or steep two green tea bags in a large mug and let it cool. Transfer to an ice tray and freeze. Then put it in a soft cloth (or run under hot water) to prevent ice burns and gently glide across your face, under your eyes and along your jawline.”
She also suggests an alternative caffeine hit: a coffee body scrub to wake up circulation: “Mix three tablespoons of sea salt, two tablespoons of oil (avocado oil is ideal, or olive oil works fine) and a tablespoon of fresh coffee grounds. Apply to dry or damp skin; then wash off in the shower.”
Mauli Rituals’ ayurvedic products, used at Bulgari London and Milan, are inspired by traditional Indian home-spa recipes. To make a soothing face and neck mask, mix two tablespoons of yoghurt and one of honey, an egg and a pinch of turmeric, and let the mixture set on dry skin for up to 15 minutes, then rinse well. Add oats to create a natural exfoliant – massage gently before you rinse.
AYE, THERE’S THE RUB
“Massage is a powerful, playful way to connect with your loved ones, and now is a great opportunity to put it into practice,” says Beata Aleksandrowicz, whose Pure Massage spa method is used at spas from Dormy House in the Cotswolds to Amilla Fushi in the Maldives. “A hands and feet bedtime massage is an easy and fun way to unwind with children – take it in turn to massage theirs and yours. And scalp massages are an instant tension-buster to ease the stresses of working and schooling at home. Take it in turns to sit in a chair. Spread your fingers wide and very slowly, deeply, caringly, massage your loved one’s scalp using circular motions.”