Monthly Archives: April 2018

Spa Ayurveda – Four Seaons Landaa Giraavaru

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Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru Garden Path to Spa

After my arrival at Four Seaons Landaa Giraavaru, in the Maldives, the first appointment on my schedule was a complimentary visit with an Ayurveda Doctor at the Herb Garden Spa to discuss recommendations for a healthy balanced life. Riding my bike around the sandy paths, right turn to mosey through a narrow lane decorated with gently lapping prayer flags lining the perimeter of the jungle garden. It was quiet and calm and as I neared a small garden room, I heard a soothing ommm, ommm resonating amid the towering palms. Sandals off, I dipped my sandy toes into the stone water bowl filled with flower petals and tiptoed into the spa. I was met by one of the expert physicians on staff at the Spa Ayurveda, he was dressed in elegant flowing white Indian Paithani tunic.

Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru Spa Garden Pavillion

We strolled to one of the tranquil garden rooms, set within the vast Herb Garden. I resisted the impulse to photograph my session. Be mindful, my brain whispered, pay attention. I have to say, it was a bit daunting to sit quietly and listen to the soft Ommmm chant while the Doctor took my pulse and rested his head near my wrist for a few minutes.

The ancient practice ‘Ayurveda’ – the Indian “science of life” – is one of the world’s most comprehensive approaches to healthy living. It works by bringing balance to our vital energies – or doshas – through an individually tailored combination of treatments and exercise, as well as diet and lifestyle modifications. With a focus on treating illness, preventing disease and enhancing physical, mental and spiritual well-being, Ayurveda teaches us to live with insight and balance. Set within the Herb Garden, lulled by gentle breezes and healing aromas, the Ayurvedic Retreat is an enclave of ancient knowledge and infinite well-being.

The Doctor observations were spookily uncanny, although I am mindful of my diet i.e. almost everything I eat is organic, I avoid sugar, he was prophetically accurate in describing my two minor health matters. He mentioned no shellfish, I confessed I had enjoyed fresh lobster for three nights, how could I resist?!  I always enjoy lobster on New Year’s with bubbly…as I know I should avoid it, but fresh lobster was an irresistible temptation in the Maldives.

The Spa Ayurveda offers a full roster of treatments and one can also enjoy various Ayurvedic Immersions, Explorations, or Absorbing treatments. There is a wide variety of detoxification treatments, including five therapies in Sanskrit, panchakarma uses a series of five elimination treatments to help remove deep-rooted stress and illness-causing toxins from the body while balancing the doshas (the energies that govern all biological functions).

Ayurveda largely focuses on prevention, meaning one doesn’t have to be ill to benefit from a consultation with one of their ayurvedic physicians. Although some ayurvedic treatments may be taken without prior consultation, the spa highly recommends that Spa guests avail themselves of the complimentary 30-minute consultation offered to all Resort guests. The spa physicians consider the unique needs of the individual to recommend treatments, oils, herbs, food and activities based on individual dosha types. In addition, dosha-specific food labelling is available on all restaurant menus and throughout the breakfast buffet. Many guests come specifically for these treatments. One key note is that a family can visit and if a parent is participating in the series, the menus are clearly marked with your dosha food type, thus an entire family isn’t limited to a suggested diet.

Named “Best Holistic Hideaway” by the Condé Nast Traveller Spa Guide 2016 and “Best Innovative Spa Concept” in the Gala Spa Awards 2016, The Spa & Ayurvedic Retreat merges medically accredited therapies with ancient holistic sciences in a three-acre setting that stretches from the heart of the island to the middle of the lagoon. Ten open air pavilions including three dedicated to Ayurveda, offer bespoke wellness experiences that pulsate with life and wisdom, purity and health.

The Spa offers acupuncture, luxurious facials, has a Rossano Ferretti hair salon, yoga, tantric traditions and body treatments.

Each day, as I biked around the island, I explored the Yoga Energy Trail, following the 15 signposted stations around some of the island’s most scenic vantage points – from ‘tree pose’ overlooking the lagoon (complemented by the oxygen-absorbing and serotonin-balancing benefits of the sea breeze) to ‘hanging firefly’ beneath the island’s largest Banyan tree (surrounded by the deeply calming properties of the dense jungle greenery.)

Explore the Yoga Energy Trail alone or on a guided 75-minute group class. The asanas have been chosen to improve balance, strength, agility, flexibility and tone, while immersion in the sights, sounds, smells and feel of the surrounding nature further stimulates soul and senses, a thoughtful balanced program.

Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru Spa Yoga Pavillion

Yoga Pavilion Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru

This is truly a unique venue whether you are interested in traditional massage therapy or taking a deeper look into an ancient practice…. And no, I didn’t order lobster again, waiting until New Year’s Eve! I am trying the Turmeric cleanser though.

Yoga Energy Trail Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru

At turndown, staff also leaves a bedtime Manipura blessing on your bed, a card explaining the Manipura Chakra, which is the center of vitality. It controls our energy balance to strengthen and consolidate our health. Gentle reminders to let go before you sleep.

Highly recommend exploring Four Seaons Spa Ayurveda at Landaa Giraavaru.

Dispatch from Porto – The Yeatman Hotel

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During my leisurely overland Journey between Lisbon & Porto, through the coastal village of Cascais-Estoril, just west of Lisbon, I found the scenery to be enchanting, with a plethora of locations to stop and savor. Palace hotels in the countryside and the cities, port tasting at every turn of the road, olive oil tasting in the hilly countryside. Portugal is a striking picturesque country, the light in Lisbon was extraordinary, the traditional sweets in every village or town were scrumptious. Castles, lively nightlife, the Pena Palace in Sintra is also close to some extraordinary gardens, a glorious year around climate lends itself to tourism.

My two-week sojourn concluded in Porto, a fascinating and vibrant city that is one of Western Europe’s most respected and visited holiday cities. Porto is a historic and varied city, from the warren of narrow streets that make up the ancient Ribeira district to the grand plazas of the Avenida dos Aliados. The region is famed for the production of Port, which is still stored in the vast cellars that stretch along the banks of the mighty Douro River. The Ribeira district is the oldest district of the city filled with ancient houses, narrow cobbled streets and numerous family owned restaurants, cafes and bars.

I stayed in a few hotels and loved the British owned and inspired Yeatman, a Relais & Châteaux property. Located on a hilltop in Vila Nova de Gaia above the Douro River, a scenic backdrop to Porto which is crisscrossed by stunning bridges. After visiting both Lisbon and Porto, I decided I prefer staying a bit away from the city centres – the distances are short, the view and quiet pace away from the bustling crowds is worth a short transfer or stroll.

The Yeatman revolves around wine with a decanter shaped pool, grape seed treatments in the spa and a 25,00-bottle cellar, oh did I mention the Michelin star restaurant? Many hotels describe themselves as wine hotels, don’t let the pool description detract, it is actually quite elegant. The family behind the hotel is also the owner of Taylor’s and other fine powerhouse port labels.

Located on a high slope south of the Douro River, it is plopped barely above the red-tile roofed old-line port merchants. A steep amble down a twisty cobblestone lane lands you at a prime tasting room, the colorful riverside promenade and the stunning Dom Luis bridge which crosses to the old town. The bridge is a car and pedestrian bridge, easily navigated by foot. Or board a people mover hanging cars that dangle above the river, water taxis also ply the Douro. The hotel also offers a shuttle, which is a welcome service if you don’t want to walk back up that hill!

A seven-acre hillside encompasses the six story terraced rooms reflecting the terraced Portugal vineyards, thus every room has a patio with a stunning river view, the floor to ceiling windows provide a magical night time view of the twinkling lights of Old Town across the banks of the Douro. Seventy spacious rooms and 12 suites, enormous bathrooms decorated in traditional Portuguese tiles. The décor reflects the family wine production, hallways are lined with wine related artwork, and many of the rooms have been designed by one of the hotel’s wine partners. Built-in bookcases are lined with titles about the Portuguese wine trade, comfy chairs and sofas provide a bird’s eye view of the Douro River.

All the rooms are tasteful, some are a bit over the top like a bed that is cocooned inside a wine barrel in the Taylor master suite or Bacchus which has a copper bath and revolving bed. Again, don’t let the whimsy dissuade you from staying at The Yeatman, it is quite elegant.

The Caudalie spa has a gym, sauna, hammam and indoor infinity pool-with-an breathtaking views of Porto, especially beautiful in the evening. Vinotherapy treatments are available in the spa. The bar (open 24/7) and lounge are comfortable and scattered with inviting sofas, and there’s a serene library as well.

The cellar, with its 29,000 bottles of mostly Portuguese lineage, is open for private tours every afternoon. You may request wine pairings with your meals. The famed, Michelin star Restaurant, besides serving refined elegant dinners also has stunning views of Old Town. But who needs a view with the divine menu? The Yeatman is the ideal stop for a wine buff and foodies who collect Michelin star reservations.

The city has an extensive history reflected by its World Heritage protected old town, baroque churches, distinctive winding streets and a wealth of visitor attractions. The city is very proud of its celebrated sweet alcoholic drink and Port is still matured and bottled in the vast cellars located along the riverside, we can recommend the best locations for tastings with or without lunch.

While the city itself is located inland from the Atlantic, there are also glorious beaches just a short train ride away.

Highly recommend The Yeatman in Porto.