TOP WELLNESS TIPS FROM LUXURY SPA DIRECTORS AROUND THE WORLD
Kerry Hudson, Spa Director at Iconic Luxury Hotels (Cliveden House, Chewton Glen, The Lygon Arms) | United Kingdom
“Mediation can boost serotonin levels in your brain. Through meditation, you can calm your mind and move your attention away from anxious or negative thoughts. Serotonin is such an important chemical. It regulates our mood, sleep patterns, digestion and even memory so be kind to yourself, make time to just sit and be, clear your mind and take a breath!”
Martina Zecca, Spa Director at Grand Hotel Tremezzo | Lake Como, Italy
“I recommend that we can feel the most positive and healthy (inside and out) by focusing on the present and ask yourself what you can do right now. Acknowledge and accept how you feel, but keep up the movement, practice mindfulness, protect your immune system, call and FaceTime the people you care about, dance anytime, sing under your shower. You are most powerful when you are completely yourself and now seems like a good time for a new beginning.”
Kirkland Shave, Program Director at Mountain Trek | British Columbia, Canada
“A few tips to stay healthy during this time include: lower cortisol any way you can as elevated levels suppress our immune system from fighting any germs. You can pet a pet, get a massage treatment, immerse in nature, meditate and spend 20 mins doing something creative. Also, sleep deep. It’s the deep ‘non REM’ sleep (most potent from 10pm-2am) that supports immune system function. Minimize alcohol and sugar intake so that the digestive and eliminatory organs can function optimally. Lastly, boost immunity with extra vitamin C and D and other foods or supplements that support immune function.”
Carnah Collins, Spa Manager at The Shore Club | Turks & Caicos Islands
“Gratitude is a simple practice to express thanks to colleagues, friends and family. Daily practice strengthens the immune system, lowers blood pressure and makes you feel more alert. Be sure to take time to appreciate the small things that make life great!”
Kristi Dickinson, Director of Spa & Wellness at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa | California, USA
"In the morning - meditate, exercise, and take a shot of apple cider vinegar. For cognitive fitness, take a fish oil supplement and challenge yourself to an activity over breakfast, such as sudoku, crossword, or duolingo. If you’re able, you can also treat yourself to a spa therapy (such as aromatherapy or various baths). Over lunch - take a social break to have a video call, or write a letter to family or friends. In the afternoon - enjoy an herbal tea and take a nature break if possible - walk, hike, bike, or garden. In the evening - unwind with yoga, a couples massage with your partner, stretch or wine. Make sure to continue your usual skincare routine, and treat yourself to some forgotten products by rotating through masks, exfoliators, and at-home nail care."
Rita Moon, Lead Esthetician, Hawanawana Spa at Four Seasons Resort Lanai | Hawaii
"Skincare should be consistent. I always recommend an at-home facial every week, which is my routine. Do it on the same day each week and it should include a good cleanse, an exfoliation and a mask to address your skin’s needs whether it is to hydrate, heal and soothe, or to rejuvenate.”
Jacqueline Berry, Director of Miraval Life in Balance Spa at Monarch Beach Resort | Dana Point, California, USA
"Practice Gratitude. Write a thank you letter or send flowers to someone who has helped you recently. Include in your message why you are thankful for them and how they have helped you. Keep a gratitude calendar – at the end of each day, reflect on your day and write on your calendar one thing you were grateful for that day. At the end of the month, review your calendar and remember to be grateful for all of life’s moments, big or small. Serve others. Take time to recognize a need in someone else’s life and help this person achieve their goal. It could be as simple as making your spouse’s coffee in the morning or taking out your neighbor’s trash cans. These acts can grow your compassion and help us realize how much we can be thankful for.”
Bill Mucha, General Manager of Attitude Fitness at InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown | California, USA
“Staying focused and motivated at home can be challenging, so I’d recommend plugging in your headphones to tune out with some music or your favorite podcast, and turn your phone on silent mode — remember, no distractions! Stay engaged with your local gym as well to help motivate. At Attitude Fitness, located at InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, we offer a curated video playlist of various exercises to keep you focused and motivated throughout your at-home sessions and one-on-one Skype lessons with our personal trainers.”
Nicole Colavito, Spa Manager at The Ivy Hotel | Baltimore, MD
"The act of Mindful Meditation itself. Start by taking a deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth. Focus on your breath feeling the coolness of the air as it enters your airway and the fullness of your lungs as they inflate. Exhale your breath deeply and completely, bearing down towards your abdomen. Taking 3 - 5 inhalation/exhalations within 60 seconds is all it takes to get started. Increase your meditation gradually, or don't. It is important that you practice meditation without expectation or judgement. This time is your gift to yourself.”
