By Wanda Love
You’ve got to be kidding
The health benefits of equine therapy are not unfamiliar at Full Circle Ranch in St. Thomas, Ontario, but the ranch has recently added goat yoga to the menu to create a little interest. The ranch’s yoga herd spans from kids to adults. Billy goats, who are naturally social and curious, butt in to add a playful element to classes as they meander, explore, bleat and even hop on the backs of guests who are planking or holding a pose, according to ranch owner Morrigan Reilly-Ansons. Whatever floats your goat! Namaste.
Machu Picchu massage
If hiking the Inca Trail is on your bucket list, the new Spa del Basque at El MaPi hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo will be the perfect place for you to relax, recover and enjoy the scenery. Located on the top floor of the hotel, the spa offers panoramic views plus a pine sauna, plunge pool and hydration zone. Therapists use 100 per cent organic products derived from local botanical extracts, and Andean herbs and grains. Try the cranial sacral massage featuring ancient Inca techniques or, to recover from your trek, go for lymphatic drainage and a comforting leg treatment.
Saunas are good for your body, soul—and brain
Basking in that hot sauna may be good for more than relaxation, muscle soreness and sweating out toxins. A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland notes that saunas might be good for your mind, too. During the 20-year study, researchers found the risk of dementia decreased with the frequency of “sauna-ing”. Those taking a sauna four to seven times a week showed a 66 per cent lower risk of any form of dementia, while the risk of Alzheimer’s was reduced by 65 per cent over those who had a sauna just once a week. Although it remains unclear exactly why this correlation occurs, hitting the sauna on a regular basis sounds like a great way to work on your wellness.
Cosm’ethics
From Paris with love, Caudalie formulates skin care products with only the finest “green” ingredients: vine extracts taken from vineyards in Bordeaux, Champagne and Burgundy, organic grape water, botanical oils and plant extracts. Founder Mathilde Thomas began her journey as a pioneer in the development of ethical beauty products with her husband Bertrand in the heart of the vineyards on their family estate. Today, Matilde’s products can be found in a number of exclusive spas around the world including the spa at the Shangri-La Toronto, and a recently opened boutique spa in Sherway Gardens. Homefront editor’s treat of the week: a premier cru anti-aging facial — 60 minutes of sheer bliss with amazing results.
(P.S. The Caudalie oil mist now sits on our editor’s desk for a quick, après meeting pick-me-up.)
Former CEO of Leading Spas of Canada, Wanda Love has travelled extensively, experiencing traditional and unusual spa treatments around the world. wandalove.com
