Spa Diaries

Tea with naughty sheep

Research shows that our furry friends are good for our overall well-being and can even reduce stress and cholesterol levels. It comes as no surprise, then, that travel-booking platform Airbnb has partnered with respected charity World Animal Protection to provide ethical animal-focused experiences.

The experiences listed include a Scottish countryside adventure that will have you enjoying a traditional English tea in the garden with a panoramic view, while mischievous Herdwick sheep named Hamish, Dougal and Benny keep you company. Perhaps better than a spa for what ails you! After a cuddle and a stroke, and perhaps the chance to feed any new lambs, you’ll be off for a guided walk in the enchanted Loch Lomond woods.

Bring a sense of humour and your camera!

Airbnb.com

Lathering up

Taking brush to bowl for a wet shave has long been part of the cherished morning ritual for London’s well-groomed gentlemen, as has shopping at Bond Street’s veteran shave shops.

Now, thanks to the likes of beard-friendly boutique Kent of Ingle-wood in Calgary, the straight razor is making a comeback on this side of the pond. Along with stocking luxury shaving accouterments such as heavy-duty stainless steel safety razors, pampering face creams, aftershave balms, beard oils and best-in-class pomades, the gents from Kent offer private shaving lessons and back-of-shop barbering services.

And, for the woodsman in you, they just so happen to be axe- and knife-sharpening experts.

Kentofinglewood.com

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