Beauty, Health & Wellbeing

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.

Featuring A tool case you can travel with for generations to come –...

This is perhaps the only tool case needed for those that appreciate fine craftsmanship and beauty.

Featuring Sir Bani Yas Island: an eco-Wildlife Safari on the...

Beginning when this 87-sq-km desert island was originally Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s private retreat. The founder and first ruler of the United Arab Emirates was given a bevy of exotic animals as gifts when exploring Africa as a young royal. After this, he took an interest and started collecting exotic species now thriving on the island's huge wildlife. Sheik Zayed’s initiative was to save a native species that had teetered on the brink of extinction; the Arabian oryx. Officially declared extinct in the wild in the late 1960s, it’s plight moved the animal-loving emir to begin developing Sir Bani Yas as a place to protect it.   "The oryx is the main reason the island is the way it is today," says Matt Bottomer, an adventure guide who familiarizes visitors staying on Sir Bani Yas with its many resident creatures. "Sheikh Zayed searched the world to see if there were any oryx in captivity. "He found a handful and started a breeding program here."

Review of Face Gym: The workout for your face we guarantee you have...

Face Gym. It is a workout for your face. After speaking to the founder, Inge Theron, I found myself actually questioning why I would go to the gym and work my body muscles and not do my face. You never think that your facial muscles need to work out, everyone buys cream and lotions to keep their skin young and supple. I can bet that not a lot of people do a facial workout for 5 minutes every day to do the exact same thing. The treatments are endless at Face Gym so, after some careful deliberation, I selected the Signature Electrical; a quick round the face workout to life, tone and tighten. Followed by the unique Face Gym device which stimulates the muscles.