Beauty, Health & Wellbeing

Featuring Leo Lourdes: The Mind, Body and Spirit of Yogasphere

Sitting on level 24 of the Shard, looking out over London whilst the summer sun was gleaming on the buildings with trains coming and going from London Bridge Station, we chat with Leo about all things yoga and wellbeing.

Review of Penhaligon’s Perfumes – a regal treasure trove of scents

Taking your breath away, captivating and divine, Penhaligon's perfume selections are treasure troves of gorgeous potions in delectable vintage-esque bottles boxed up in their own individual intricate parcels of aesthetic curiosity.Some might call them old-fashioned and it is true, they do boast an apparent antique look and feel about them. But they are beautiful things nonetheless, and beautiful things come with style and grace like their Elisabethan Rose – mildly sweet, feminine and delicate. Though the bottle may be old fashioned, the scent is not. If there is such a thing as a modernized rose scent, then this regal fragrance could be it. It is alluring and not for every women, but for that particular woman who wants a “commanding presence”. On its head notes are, hazelnut leaf, almond oil and cinnamon with heart notes of red lily and rose finishing off with base notes of vetivert, musk and wood. Then there is something even more intriguing and one we much prefer – Empress – a scent of savviness, panache and absolute posh.

The beauty edit

The focus: antiaging and hair care. Two diverse sectors but two equally important areas of concern. These are the ones to watch (and invest in) now.

Featuring Capri – The Sybarite’s guide to the Emerald Isle

Glittering azure waves lap up to the harbour, filled with adorable Italian boats and vintage Riva’s, to the multi-coloured houses of the seaside town. As loud and busy as it is due to day-tripper tourists, honeymooning couples and the very well-travelled, nothing can quite compare to the moment you step off the hydro-foil from Naples to the shores of this fantastic emerald isle. If you’re staying at one of the luxurious five-star hotels on the island, which are highly recommended, you will be greeted by a representative, recognisable by the hotel name printed on their captain’s cap. After taking care of your luggage, they will show you to a shuttle or taxi, (not just any taxi, a vintage open-top limousine nonetheless) to take you to the Island’s main square, the Piazzetta Umberto. From there, you’re left to explore the tiny side streets filled with designer boutiques and al fresco restaurants in the sunshine, walking the pavements lined with vintage tiles.

The ultimate equestrian safari with Belmond & Jodie Kidd

The African safari, the original daddy of all wild adventures. Scenes of the open savannah dotted with herds of grazing wildebeest, the air filled with the sounds of wildlife; zebras braying, crickets chirping, and the distant trumpeting from a herd of elephants. The heat ripples the horizon as you scan the plains in search of ‘Africa’s big five’. Sounds like the staple safari dream. The Belmond have created an itinerary that will take your expectations of a safari experience to the next level by uncovering the treasures of Botswana and it’s Okavango Delta on horseback. This exclusive Belmond itinerary, hosted by world-class horse rider and fashion icon Jodie Kidd, will get you closer to nature than ever before.

Featuring The top 6 out-there honeymoon destinations for Meghan and...

Amongst other unconventional choices from the couple is their announcement that they intend to defer the all-important and anticipated honeymoon, instead preferring to return to work directly after the wedding. Although some claim to already know where the couple will honeymoon, nothing has been announced yet. That gives the rest of us the chance for some healthy speculation on where in the world the couple might choose for a truly 21st century royal escape. One thing’s for sure: this thoroughly modern royal pairing could choose anywhere in the world – so Odyssey Travels has compiled a honeymoon countdown of six of the world’s most exotic destinations, from Antarctica to Africa, and why they might suit Harry and Meghan down to the ground.

Review of The chapel – hairdressing with a difference

I had heard some great reviews about this place and wanted to check it out for myself. I live in Kent, so the location was perfect for me as it meant that I didn’t have to travel back into town - but they also have salons in Islington and Tunbridge Wells. As soon as I arrived at the salon I felt at ease, I was offered a drink and my stylist Laura sat down and had a real conversation with me about what I was looking for and what I wanted to achieve from today’s appointment. Most importantly for me was the colour, having been turned a sort of reddy orange at the last salon I’d been too, I was desperate to add deeper, darker tones back into my hair. Letting me further relax in the cosy reception area, surrounded by beautiful flower arrangements, Laura went to mix up my colour. Each of The Chapel salons aims to offer the ultimate relaxation experience, all clients are given the complete one-to-one attention of the talented stylists and technicians. I actually find it very old fashion to run a salon where you are passed from person to person, with a  junior stylist called in to wash your hair, so this philosophy was perfect for me.

Review of Newborn baby products you shouldn’t live without

Featuring Careys Manor & SenSpa | New Forest

As a destination I hold close to my heart, returning to the New Forest often feels like coming home. I have many childhood memories of summer holidays spent cycling the forests, feasting on picnics and camping with friends. With the prospect of a weekend of sunshine ahead, I took the opportunity to escape to the New Forest; boyfriend in-tow, to it’s blossoming heath-land, wild ponies, cosy pubs and an oasis of relaxation at Careys Manor & Senspa. Making a swift exit out of the City, miraculously missing any Friday night traffic, we were greeted by the setting sun as we travelled up a meandering gravel drive towards Careys Manor. I can only describe the view of Careys Manor as something out of a quintessential English novel. Immaculate lawns, trimmed hedges, tudor chimneys and air of history. Nestled under the bows of the trees is an outdoor bar and comfortable sofa setting, the perfect place to start your weekend with a glass of Provencal as the sun begins dip behind the trees.

Featuring The ultra sports clinic

The newly opened Ultra Sports Clinic (USC), located in the heart of The City is a stone's throw away from the busy business district of Bank. Ultra Sports Clinic work holistically and sustainably, whatever the ailment. Taking a highly professional and proactive approach to treatments tailored specifically towards you, the clinic is dedicated to creating a stronger and better you. “The best athletes are passionate, motivated and committed to their craft, so it makes sense that the people who treat them should be the same. Regardless if you’re an elite athlete, a weekend-warrior or anything in-between, we’re motivated to help you achieve your fitness objectives,” says Ashleigh Wienand. With 15-years worth of experience under her belt, Ashleigh has worked with some incredible sports teams such as the British Lions Rugby Team, Davis Cup, Fed Cup Tennis, South Africa Rugby 7′s and Legends, London Irish RFC, the England Cricket team, Commonwealth Games and IAAF Athletics.

Mother’s Day gift guide

Review of Hare & bone – a Sam Burnett salon

Conveniently, the salon is located about five minutes from Oxford Circus and a short walk to Bond Street so it couldn’t be easier to get to.  With my cut and colour well overdue, I was looking forward to visiting Hare and Bone for a well-needed covering of greys and trimming of split ends. As soon as I stepped through the door I knew I was in good hands, the staff were friendly and my stylist Nathan knew just what I was looking for in my colour. Despite its super sleek interior - think monochrome fittings, exposed pipes and industrial-style lighting – there is a very relaxed atmosphere and it didn’t feel at all snooty. Nathan listened patiently as I moaned about my greys and how cutting my fringe was the scariest part of any cut for me (I’m sure he’s heard it all before, but he did a good job at looking interested) before he spent a good while going through a selection of colours. We eventually settled on a glossing treatment that would give depth to my natural colour and also hide the lighter ends left over from my last trip to a salon.  We also agreed to lose about an inch and a half off the ends.