Market Fresh
Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain is bringing the farmers’ market experience to guests at its property near Chengdu, China. Known for having one of the region’s largest kitchen gardens, where staff grow fresh organic produce for the hotel’s restaurants, the property is now hosting a farmers’ market every Sunday, where guests can interact with executive chef Rick Gonzales, explore the wide variety of produce he helps to grow, and interact with the local farmers who have been invited to display their harvest. The new initiative is a great opportunity for guests to learn about Chinese farming, and see first-hand the high quality of the food served here. Best of all, guests will be able to purchase an array of vegetables, herbs, and mushrooms to take home as an edible souvenir of their holiday, and benefit the local farming community too.
Bali Bliss
Relax and rejuvenate with mindfulness practices, yoga sessions and Bali’s pure natural surrounds on a June retreat with France-based retreat company Come Back to Yourself. On the “Sky Meets Earth” Bali journey, you’ll spend six nights in a jungle-view private villa in the traditional village of Banjar Bukian, which boasts antique décor, modern amenities and a saltwater infinity pool. Enjoy three healthy meals every day, plus a host of wellness activities including daily yoga, spa treatments, walking meditation, creative workshops and nature excursions. You’ll also explore the best of Balinese culture with day trips to coffee plantations, rice terraces, hot springs and sacred Buddhist temples. Also included in the holiday are day-trip transportation, quality yoga mats, blocks, straps, blankets and eye masks, plus complimentary wifi throughout your stay. The Sky Meets Earth Bali retreat runs June 4-10, and is priced from US$2,287 per person. 10 percent of the trip price is donated to the company’s Come and Give Back Program, which benefits three social and environmental non-profits.
Relax in Langkawi
It’s not quite summer, but the living is definitely easy at the brand-spanking new St. Regis Langkawi, which invites guests to take a load off with a thoughtful selection of wellness amenities. Malaysia’s first Iridium Spa is a tranquil oasis with eight spa suites and two Iridium Room relaxation areas, all clustered around a light-filled water courtyard. A well-curated menu of signature treatments incorporate Malaysian heritage and products from German beauty brand Babor. Inspired by the beauty traditions of the royal palaces, the Malaya treatment uses natural botanicals to cleanse and revitalize; while the Golden Babor Sea Creation facial harnesses the power of the sea with marine concentrated serum and luxurious creams, a tiger conch and heated obsidian and cool coral stones. Also onsite are a salon, an infinity swimming pool, a natural saltwater lagoon and a fully-equipped fitness club. Swoon.
www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis.
Laugh it off
The Four Seasons Resort Seychelles is encouraging guests to take a light-hearted approach to wellness with the new Laughing Yoga classes. Laughter is often said to be the best medicine and the new classes, held at the spa’s yoga pavilion, aim to prove just that by using the body’s positive emotions as an effective form of exercise. Lead by resident yogi Vishal Ganatra, the 60-minute sessions begin with a gentle warm up and include stretching, chanting, clapping, and body movements, as well as breathing exercises that prepare the lungs for laughter. The highlight is the “laughter exercises” that combine acting and visualization techniques to encourage a sense of playfulness. The classes are available for hotel guests at €15 (about HK$130) per person.
