by Stephanie on April 10, 2012
Getting a good night’s sleep at home can be a challenge enough, so when it comes to catching enough zzz’s on the road if you’re not conking out fast enough (or at all), there are different tricks you can use to help you get to dreamland pronto. Trying to get some shuteye in the air? We’ve got you covered there too.
In the Air
- Choose your seat wisely. Unless you’ve got a business class ticket, sleeping on a plane can be challenging. If you’re taking a red-eye flight, consider booking a window seat, which can be your head rest. Stuck in the middle? Create your own head support by rolling up two airplane blankets. (Those c-shaped pillow are also great, but take up precious space.) Also, try to avoid the last row which tends to have more traffic and noise thanks to the lavatories.
- Make sure you bring a scarf or pashmina (that’s why it’s a travel must!), which you can use as a pillow or blanket.
- Bring an eye mask. It’s ideal for shutting out any neighbouring light.
- While they’re not exactly sexy, a pair of ear plugs will shut out any chattering or other noises that will disrupt your sleep. READ MORE
by Stephanie on February 15, 2012
Now that we’re half-way through the winter, the smell of spring lurks around the corner. With that in mind we like the idea of escaping the hustle and bustle of the city to rejuvenate our minds and bodies as the new season brings in fresh starts and clarity. While the New Year is the perfect time to get your resolutions in gear, the spring is when you can re-jolt your body and get prepped for the summer. Whether your idea of a spa getaway is a luxe resort in Arizona or a yoga retreat in Costa Rica, we’ve got your packing essentials covered. READ MORE
by Stephanie on February 3, 2012
Even with the best intentions, eating healthy while travelling can be a challenge, especially if you’re tired and ravenous. It’s easy to grab the first thing in sight for a quick energy jolt (read: high sugar, high fat). Add vacation to the mix and you’ve suddenly thrown your healthy eating habits out the window. For regular jet-setters, being conscious of what you eat on the go is the difference between staying healthy and packing on unwanted pounds. We too often leave with the best intentions and find ourselves indulging more than we’d like. To find out how to stay happy and healthy en route and on your trip, we chatted with registered holistic nutritionists Jill Wood and Bree Burnett of Nutritional Balance. READ MORE
by Jennifer on November 30, 2011
Let’s face it – with the holidays rolling around, that means endless parties, countless hors d’oeuvres, festive champagne cocktails and a few sweets here and there. It also means our bodies, minds and skin are dying to get a break and a change to unwind and relax. There’s no better way to nix any extra pounds, or any post-holiday stress and blues than with a relaxing health and wellness-centric retreat. Here are our top three picks for the ultimate relaxing holiday spa retreats.
COMO Shambhala's stunning grounds
COMO Shambhala
What better place to ease away any kind of stress than tucked into the lush mountains of Bali? We think there’s truly no better place. Just outside of Ubud, the spiritual hub of Bali, you’ll find a magnificent retreat that offers the ultimate in privacy, wellness and healthy food options. After a visit with the on-site nutritionist, you’ll get your very own menu customized to your healthy eating needs (and to rule out any chances of being in touch with allergies), but even without that customization you will be feasting on fresh fruits and veggies from the property, raw foods and loads of healthy, organic options. You have to take part in the yoga sessions, where you not only learning the proper techniques, but also the meaning and significance behind each pose, on the outdoor yoga pavilion overlooking the jungle. And don’t miss out on the estate walk (about an hour and a half and 300 steps, but worth it). What could be better? Oh, yeah, the most amazing Indonesian massages you will likely ever come across. You can relax on your own time, or enroll in one of the resorts retreats. Sign us up.
Where to Find:
COMO Shambhala
Banjar Begawan
Desa Melinggih Kelod
Payangan
Gianyar
Bali 80571
+62 361 978 888 READ MORE
by Stephanie on November 1, 2011
We’ve all been there—you didn’t get a direct flight, so now you have three hours to kill in an airport and are so hungry that you’ll eat whatever is at the nearest kiosk. While indulging in a not-so-healthy option isn’t the end of the world, if you’re a regular jet-setter or prefer to avoid the bloated tummy the accompanies many of the salt laden options you could consume, making healthy food choices is your best bet. Craving sugar candy or maybe a bag of chips? We’ll help you find an alternative that will satisfy your craving and your appetite. READ MORE
by Jennifer on June 9, 2010
Courtesy of the Parrot Cay Hotel (COMO Hotel)
Parrot Cay (COMO Hotel)
First of all, the Parrot Cay Hotel is located in one of the most beautiful spots in Turks & Caicos. With hidden coves and stunning beaches it’s no wonder Donna Karan calls the small island of Parrot Cay home. Sigh. So when we heard about the COMO Shambhala Retreat, based on holistic techniques and Asian-inspired treatments, we simply could not resist learning more.
With a 1,300-square-foot yoga room, nine treatment rooms, a Pilates studio, and Japanese baths overlooking the North Caicos Channel, this retreat is designed to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. You can get your standard massages and facials here with anti-aging all-natural products, indulge with Ayurveda treatments based on ancient Indian healing therapies, or plan an acupuncture appointment with one of their specialists.
Looking to splurge even more? Book the Parrot Cay cottage with a luxe Japanese bath for two, so you can spend some romantic time with your partner. Add in private treatments and you’ll feel like royalty. (Prices for cottage start at $200 for two hours, plus treatment charges.)
RESERVATIONS:
parrotcay@comoshambhala.bz
READ MORE
by Stephanie on May 11, 2010
I know don’t about you, but we aren’t big fans of airport food selection (we’ll talk later about the best options when you are stuck). So to keep us from eating something unhealthy and unsatisfying, just to stop our stomachs from grumbling, we are firm believers in carrying snacks.
Portable snacks that must pass through security, not make a mess, not be easily squished, and are healthy, can be a challenge. The best carry-along foods we love toting are health bars. There are so many in the market to choose and all are not created equal. Two of our favourites are Larabar and The Simply Bar. READ MORE
