Monthly Archives: May 2018

Six Senses Spa Laamu Maldives…

Posted on by

Amid a lush tropical forest on a coral atoll, this remote luxury resort is reached by plane, then boat, from Malé Island. Six Senses is known for their unique sensual spas. Set right on the edge of an overgrown jungle and fronting a pure white sandy beach, Six Senses in Maldives offers four uniquely designed couple’s treatment nests, four secluded couple’s treatment pavilions plus one Ayurvedic treatment pavilion, all within the island’s natural vegetation.

Six Senses Spa Laamu

While out on a leisurely bike ride, I followed an aromatic fragrance trail to the spa and was richly rewarded! Do arrive early and use the steam room and the outdoor rain showers, a gentle reminder that you are in a tropical environment, life is in the slow lane as it should be! Jet lag cure, do reserve soon after arrival.

Led from the steam room through a jungle full of chirping birds, I was surprised to arrive at the most beautiful nest massage salon. An outdoor space designed with woven reeds and inverted like an upside-down bird nest, with a stunning view of the turquoise seas. Nothing more restful than this pleasure cocoon with lapping seas and cooling breezes – what a sensational setting to enjoy my Hot Stone Massage. This full body massage uses heated basalt stones to release stress and tension and increase blood flow. The heat from the stones provides extra relaxation for fatigued and overworked muscles and has a healing effect on damaged soft tissue. It is also known to promote better sleep. Noodle limp condition results – absolutely essential after arrival!

Before you arrive to Six Senses, do plot a Spa Plan, decide if you want to be a casual day visitor or treat yourself to a wellness screening. The spa offers may individual treatments, but it also offers an inclusive wellness program to guide you on your path to well-being and provide inspiration to make you feel your best every day, at every age.

A personal consultation uses advanced technology which analyzes key physiological biomarkers of health, which include body composition, metabolism, oxygen distribution, and heart function and circulation, as well as stress parameters. The results are used to prepare a wellness program specific to your individual needs.

Six Senses Spa Laamu

For those who prefer a spa dalliance, I would recommend Laamu Bliss to begin. A Maldivian-inspired massage using coconut oil is followed by the application of a warm wrap made of ginger, cloves and nutmeg, and a relaxing head massage. A cucumber conditioner is then applied to cool and refresh the skin making it feel smooth and hydrated.

Rasayana Detox Body Wrap. Revitalize and tone the body with this purifying treatment starting with a zesty exfoliation using essential oils with cinnamon powder and walnut shells. It continues with a mineral-rich clay mask infused with powerful herbs of spiked ginger lily, spirulina and green tea to detoxify the skin. This experience concludes with the application of customized and aromatically infused body butter, lotions or oils to provide intense nourishment, leaving the skin glowing and the body re-energized.

Based on the results, their wellness expert recommends a personalized wellness program which includes one spa treatment of 90 minutes and one fitness /wellness activity of 60 minutes per day, as well as advice on foods to favor and avoid during your stay. The spa programs are tailored around the most common concerns and include:

Sleep & Resilience 
Trim & Fit
Cleanse & Detox
Live to your full potential

 Six Senses spa also has a guest program where they bring in well-known practitioners at their resorts. Some of the best visiting practitioners offer guests personal consultations and holistic therapies to achieve a better state of mind and more fulfilling life experiences. During my visit, there was a delightful couple from England who had specialized treatment training.

The spa also offers facials and mani -pedi treatments.

Aerial Yoga – This yoga practice brings together stretching, breathing and meditation with gymnastics and aerial arts. A hammock, made of a soft and supple parachute-silk fabric, is suspended from the ceiling and used to support the body weight during a sequence of postures. Hatha Yoga – Yoga combines postures with conscious breathing and focus, and helps develop strength, flexibility and mental clarity. Practitioners can expect to learn how the body engages in each posture, while the yoga master guides the awareness to specific areas and aspects of the practice to enhance the body’s natural intuition.

Pranayama – (breathing exercise) utilizes breathing techniques to remove blockages in energy channels, strengthen the respiratory system and tame the monkey mind, calming down its extrovert tendencies and minimizing the thought process. You will learn more about the art of breathing and how to implement it in your daily life.

Yoga Nidra – Also known as yogic sleep or sleep with awareness, this simple meditation practice is taught lying down while being guided by a teacher. Its goal is to induce full body relaxation and a deep meditative state of consciousness, addressing psychological, neurological and subconscious needs. The above wellness classes are also available for couples and groups.

Mindfulness Meditation  – Reduce stress, boost immune system and improve overall state of mind with this deeply relaxing experience, combining breathing techniques with the practice of keeping one’s mind in the present.

So many options, do indulge at Six Senses Spa Laamu, rejuvenation guaranteed!

 

Six Senses Spa Laamu Yoga

 

 

 

 

Inn of the Five Graces Santa Fe, New Mexico

Posted on by

I’ve been a frequent visitor to this picturesque city, the oldest capital in the United States, the charming city is set at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and possesses a unique Southwestern charm all its own. A few miles south, these mountains diminish down from a height of 13,000 feet to a flattened level plain, marking the end of the North American Rockies.

Explore the charming old town, with its avenues of art galleries, chic boutiques and noteworthy restaurants. I love staying in the heart of downtown near the main Plaza, a short walk from the many attractions. The secluded Inn of the Five Graces is across from San Miguel Mission, the oldest church in the United States.

Inn of the Five Graces Terrace

My recent visit at The Inn of Five Graces which is nestled on a quiet side street near the Santa Fe River, was absolutely enchanting. The arrival to the Inn on a narrow one-way street offers a bit of an introduction, as a good part of the charming haciendas along the block are owned by the Inn. The colorful traditional adobe and stone exterior provides a hint of the extraordinary colorful experience awaiting visitors inside.

The Inn of Five Graces – Sylvia Seret Mosaic Tiled bathroom

A desert jewel, The Inn of the Five Graces in Santa Fe wows with exotic decor, raw silks and rich color that seamlessly blends the Southwest with the Far East. Step through its doors, and a feast of color and texture awakens the imagination. Each distinctive room showcases handcrafted artisan pieces and eclectic treasures from the historic Silk Road that once linked Europe and Asia. Echoes of rustic Spain, lingering in New Mexico’s Hispanic heritage, are reflected in the diverse style, a trademark synthesis of East and West. The richness will evoke memories of your Journeys to Istanbul and India. The Seret family who own the Inn have roamed the world to bring together Persian, Indian, Tibetan, Uzbek and other Eastern architectural elements and antiques with classic Santa Fe adobe construction. Surprisingly it works, providing an organic yet luxurious warm atmosphere. My suite was made even more cozy with its traditional Kiva wood burning fireplace. Even the curved ceilings are not without décor, wooden doors and trim are hand-carved, and owner Sylvia Seret has created intricate tile mosaics in every bathroom. The mosaics are simply mesmerizing.

Breakfast is included in your stay, served on the patio, in your room or in the dining room. Staff is extremely attentive, fetching firewood, mixing cocktails or providing sightseeing advice.

The Inn of Five Graces Santa Fe, New Mexico

A new full-service spa is opening in the end of summer 2018, The fitness center features professional equipment and weights, allowing guests to maintain their regular routines in Five Graces style. Hidden terraces reached by ancient gates are situated around the petite property. Loungers, not typical hotel loungers, these are exotic wooden Tibetian beds, are stationed under flowering arches, little songbirds flittering about clearly enchanted with the lush gardens. I felt as if I was in a small foreign village.

The 24-suite boutique hotel is housed in a collection of traditional adobe homes – one is 450 years old. The earthy structures of Southwest adobe, a sturdy mixture of mud and straw, were transformed into enchanting spaces with exotic antiques, rugs, textiles and captivating architectural elements. The collections are complemented by comfortable down-filled sofas and chairs upholstered in striking Afghan dhurries and Turkish kilims that the Serets design and manufacture. The perfect day  begins with the Southwest breakfast on the Inn terrace, followed by exploring the the numerous art galleries on Canyon Road, savor lunch at one of the fine local restaurants and saunter back to the Inn for a siesta. Sunset Margaritas and complimentary chips and Salsa can be enjoyed on a hidden terrace at the Inn followed by an evening stroll of the oldest neighborhood Barrio di Ancalco.

The lovely inn nurtures the soul by following the “Five Graces” philosophy: an Eastern notion that each of the five graces of sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste needs to be cherished. From the sounds of crackling wood fires, chirping birds, the striking design of interior spaces, to the sensual textures of Afghan rugs and Silk Road fabrics to the aroma of Bamford botanic body products to the flavor of epicurean breakfasts, the Inn of Five Graces exhilarates and stimulates every sense. The old mission Church bell tolls every hour.

Enjoy world-class opera, activities like hiking, skiing and golf, or discover the works of world-famous painters and sculptors in this captivating town. The Five Graces compound which includes several two story New Mexico river-rock buildings is within easy walking distance to Santa Fe Plaza and Canyon Road art galleries, restaurants and museums.

Don’t miss a visit to the Seret and Sons massive emporium of furnishings, textiles, rugs to the rafters shop just blocks away on 224 Galisteo St. – Imagine the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul or the teeming souks of Marrakech, an amazing collection of ancient architectural elements, sans donkey carts and stifling heat! I swooned and meandered, completely transfixed by the abundance of gorgeous textiles.

Inn of the Five Graces Santa Fe, New Mexico

We can organize hiking nearby, moderate to difficult trails, petroglyph site visits, biking, fishing, summer white water rafting and of course, hot air balloon rides!

Charm abounds at this Relais & Chateaux, Forbes Four Star property – Pueblo Charm in the historic district of Santa Fe. Highly recommend! Our clients are spoiled at the Inn of the Five Graces!