WellBeing

You’re holding a warm cup of tea in your hands. The hot steam drifts out and dissolves into space. You look towards the orange glow, listening as the fire crackles and roars. You become mesmerised by the flames as they dance across the pine wood. A c

It was dusk. My wife and daughter were driving home from a dance class and then it happened. As they tootled homeward, driving past a river mouth that opened onto a quiet sea, with a sky splashed with sunset’s pink above it, they spied something in t

What was the last thing you gave yourself? Gifted to someone else? Before your mind drifts to the bike you gave your son for his birthday, let’s stay in the moment. Right now, you’re giving yourself stillness and the wisdom of WellBeing. For us, givi

What an honour it is to address you for the first time, wonderful reader, as the editor of WellBeing. You might not know it, but you’ve been reading my words on these pages for five years on my journey from WellBeing’s first intern, to editorial assi

Did something resonate with you in this issue of WellBeing? Tell us! Write to WellBeing, Locked Bag 154, North Ryde, NSW 1670, email wbletters@umco.com.au, comment on our Facebook page or Instagram account: @WellBeing _Magazine. We reserve the right

The largest study to date of cardiorespiratory fitness in healthy people found that moving more is linked to living longer regardless of age, sex and starting fitness level. The study included more than 316,000 adults aged 18–74 years between 1995 an

We know that spending time in nature reduces stress but until now it was unclear how much is enough. To establish an effective “dose” of nature, subjects were asked to have a nature experience of 10 minutes or more at least three times a week. Partic

Also known as common or English ivy, Hedera helix, is a species of evergreen flowering vine and a very familiar sight in gardens and waste spaces or climbing house walls and tree trunks. Native to Europe and western Asia, it can grow up to 30 metres

Manuka honey is produced by European bees that forage on the New Zealand and Australian tea tree (Leptospermum scoparium), a plant that grows wild in both New Zealand and southeastern Australia. Historically, indigenous populations of both countries

What inspired you to join Abercrombie & Kent and when? I joined Abercrombie & Kent in Egypt in 1984 as a travel manager and looked after inbound Australian travellers. At the time, I was living in Cairo, Egypt, and was inspired by the reputation Aber

Jessica Thomas E: jessica.thomas.is@hotmail.com W: facebook.com/jessthomasart I am a hobby artist, primarily self-taught and based in Canberra. The drawings and paintings I complete usually reflect my interests in flora and fauna. However, I enjoy ex

While tea has been enjoyed for centuries, of late there’s been a surge in its popularity in its many and varied incarnations. You can grab a cuppa on the go with an iced tea, drink to good health with fermented kombucha, join devout foodies who drink

Every winter and summer, millions of us flick the switches on our reverse-cycle air conditioners, fans, radiators, central heating systems and so on. Largely powered by fossil fuels, warming and cooling your home weighs heavily on the hip pocket and

Popular dairy products like yoghurt are the most recognised sources of probiotics—but what about all the plant-based products like kimchi, miso and tempeh, which often get ignored? Most people know all about probiotics, but what about prebiotics? The

Here are some of my favourite recipes using plant-based prebiotic and probiotic foods. Serves: 2 100g granola, store-bought or homemade225g coconut yoghurt2 bananas, sliced2 tbsp maple syrup Add layer of granola at bottom of two glasses or jam jars t

Your eyesight is precious and possibly the most important of your five senses. It not only affects how well you see but also how you feel. Your eyesight impacts your ability to work, exercise, drive and even recognise a face. Good vision leads to imp

During the 2000s, the apparel industry underwent an important shift. A number of factors, including moves towards cheaper synthetic fibres, resulted in today’s fast-fashion business model embodied in key corporate players such as Zara, Topshop and H&

When parents are asked what they want for their children, most would give the same answer: happiness. Of course, we all want our children to be happy—and with good reason. Happy kids are healthy kids. Mental health and wellbeing are fundamental to ki

Your heart, a muscular organ on average the size of a fist, has four chambers. It can be found in the chest cavity between your lungs and just to the left of your breastbone. The heart beats, contracts and pumps blood through the arteries, veins and

If you’re a typical westerner in the 21st century, you probably feel lonely—occasionally, often or even most of the time. But, in contrast to other afflictions, we’re unlikely to confess our loneliness to others. However, loneliness hurts. Terribly.

Sarah Wilson is an Australian journalist, international bestselling author, entrepreneur and philanthropist. For those of you who don’t know, Wilson is the founder of the highly lauded IQuitSugar movement, under which banner 15 books have been publis

There’s this idea that courage is big: a valiant act of risking your life for others or standing up in a public forum to fight for what is right and good. Courage underpins the work of firefighters and whistleblowers and moral giants such as Mahatma

Infections are part of the human condition and have coexisted with us since the dawn of time. The positive side of this equation is their essential role in the development of our immune system; the negative side is that they can make us very ill and

Yearning to slow down, be more mindful and strengthen your relationships at the same time? Dust off that pen licence and start writing. Taking the time to craft a letter to one person is the opposite of what we do when we post our thoughts to all of

Guilt is a burdensome emotion. It can weigh you down with self-recrimination, damage your sense of self, erode your relationships, trigger anxiety or resentment and make you self-punish. It is, according to cognitive theorists, a result of thoughts a

When Rese Rose suddenly became very ill, a friend gave her a gift voucher for an unusual treatment called bibliotherapy. Rose says she was “deeply intrigued at what it may offer, probably because my approach to health has never been completely conven

The story of Oscar Wilde did not end happily. Once lauded on the London stage and feted by society, he suffered the fate of languishing in jail after publicly declaring his love for a man—which was, at that time, deemed a crime. His tumble from grace

When you think back to your younger years, what were they like? Was there a role you fell into in your family of origin without even realising it? Were you the quiet shy one, the lost child who kept in the background, the trophy child always winning

Cabot Health is 100% Australian owned and operated. Our doctors and naturopaths are committed to nutritional medicine and clinical research. Cabot Health’s medical advisors and formulators are headed by Dr Sandra Cabot, a leading Australian medical d

Desiring to be better, to learn, improve and grow is a wonderful way to approach life and has proved to be good for your health. Having goals, self-awareness and purpose in life keeps your brain focused, allowing you to achieve great things and live

Ducking out of the rain into a tiny Chinatown alcove, we follow the heady scent of incense up a staircase and discover, by sheer chance, Hin Ho Bio—Temple of the Queen of the Heaven—high on a rooftop, ablaze in candlelight. Chinese lanterns colour th

There’s a local tradition that Cape-to-Cape hikers stick to, touching the cool stone of the Cape Naturaliste lighthouse before shouldering their packs and setting off south for Cape Leeuwin, 140km away on WA’s wild southwest coast. Through flowering

Byron Yoga Retreat Centre offers guests affordable wellness programs with accommodation to suit your budget. While this is not a luxury resort, the rooms are clean and comfortable. The simplicity and focus on the natural surrounds fosters a deep sens

At the heart of A&K’s new wellness-inspired luxury small-group journeys is a mission to reveal the world’s most inspiring traditions and places in a way that authentically speaks to wellbeing. That means a perfect balance of deeply cultural and exper

Take a few deep breaths as you step inside the grand entrance. Leave life’s stresses at the door and allow the attentive team of skilled therapists to take you on a decadent journey to promote wellbeing, vitality and radiance from within. Ballarat’s

Aurora Spa in St Kilda is spread over two levels. The first is the reception and ASPAR boutique, with a pristine water wall to create an instant calming space on arrival. A curved staircase then leads you to the heart of the spa. Here, you have a spa

Bannisters by the Sea is comprised of 34 luxurious rooms each accentuated with a private balcony and spectacular ocean views. Plush beds and bespoke amenities create a stylish seaside escape ideal for rest and relaxation after a sublime day-spa treat

Indulge in Hampton’s-style, boutique accommodation with 25 private coastal-inspired cottages sprawling over a beautiful rural acreage of manicured grounds, established native flora, running streams, a tranquil lake and a few smaller ponds. Located at

Byron Bay Detox Retreats offers one of the most holistic and comprehensive naturopathic detox programs available today and is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Experience a life-changing transformation on exclusive group retreats, or personalised one

Situated in the luxurious Chateau Elan at The Vintage resort, spa guests can stay overnight in one of the spa suites or villas. The property boasts accommodation, a swimming pool, tennis court, golf course, golf clubhouse, conference facilities, a re

Gaia’s extraordinary setting goes beyond the lush rolling hills and breathtaking vistas of the Byron Bay hinterland. The region is famed as the healing capital of Australia–abundant in organic foods, talented therapists and a unique spirit. These are

Retreatment Botanics brings home the experience of a retreat, merging the ritual of self-nurture with pure performance ingredients. The results-focused formulas are toxic-free with a strong emphasis on clean, green, active ingredients. Retreatment Bo

Gwinganna has become known for its extensive range of innovative wellness programs, winning multiple awards globally including Eco Spa of the Year for the past three years. Packages are fully inclusive helping to make it easy for guests to immerse th

Hanmer Springs village offers many world-class accommodation options for travellers, all within a short walk from The Spa, ranging from five-star hotels to boutique spa retreats and B&Bs. Within the village, the jewel in the crown is Hanmer Springs T

Golden Door Wellness Retreat and Spa is a place for you to take time to reset your mind and body and gain a wealth of knowledge to create a healthier, happier and more motivated you. The all-inclusive health and wellness programs have been developed

Operating as part of the luxurious five-star resort The Westin Brisbane, Heavenly Spa by Westin™, is a prime destination for anyone seeking a slice of pure indulgence. Overlooking the hotel’s stunning pool, the spa is made up of five special rooms de

Balneotherapy—bathing in mineral water—has been practised for centuries in spas throughout the world to treat many ailments. Increasingly used for work-related conditions such as back problems and stress, balneotherapy is also proven very effective a

Hepburn Spa Retreat and Escape Villas form part of a picturesque village, featuring 24 luxury villas, located directly opposite the iconic Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa at Mineral Springs Crescent. The beautiful villas are designed to complement your bathi

Retreat: a place where you hit pause on everyday life and spend time nurturing your body, mind and soul. Rise with the sun and begin your day with a nourishing breakfast before exploring the wilderness outdoors while taming your wild inner mind. Bask

A sauna company with a difference, iHealth Saunas specialise in infrared saunas with a focus on helping clients to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Although the main reasons people choose to work with iHealth Saunas is to sleep better, lose weight and d

It is often during a time of transition that we discover the need for something more, a deeper connection to self, nature and our community. This was the truth for Journeys of the Spirit founder, Julie Baker, 21 years ago. During a time of personal c

“Ikatan” in Indonesian means “connection”; in Balinese, “ikat” means “to make by hand”; and the full word “ikatan” is Balinese for “hand-loomed sarong”. Bringing all of these meanings together, ikatan Day Spa represents a place where people feel conn

Just a 90-minutes drive from Sydney CBD, Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa is conveniently located at Echo Point in the township of Katoomba, only 500 metres from the famous Three Sisters, bushwalking tracks and lookouts. The destination overloo

The grass was knee-high around the hot pools and the property required renovation when the new owners took over Maruia Hot Springs. Now, three years on, Maruia Hot Springs has won two luxury World Spa Awards: Best Luxury Eco Spa regional winner for A

The raw and beautiful scenery of Cape Schanck is not just for show. Explore your surrounds for a day on one of the many spectacular coastal walks, or find an adventure to amuse the whole family, with Arthurs Seat and Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm all n

Whether your idea of restoration and wellness is luxurious pampering, a decadent getaway, living organically, getting in shape, a new challenge or simply slowing down, Noosa’s relaxed rhythm will restore life’s balance and stay with you well after yo

Queensland is a little more luxurious since the arrival of One Spa, RACV Royal Pines Resort’s multi-million-dollar day spa. The fabulous state-of-the-art One Spa complex has been designed to create an intimate, tranquil environment founded on pamperi

All-inclusive rates make a stay at Pretty Beach House an effortless and unforgettable experience. There are four luxurious pavilions, each featuring incredible hand-woven Italian linens, heated flooring, king beds, a private outdoor deck, immaculate

Stephanie Shepherd had “a vision and desire to combine beauty therapies with peaceful places of harmony and balance. I dreamt of creating more than a beauty salon. I wanted to design spas where people could cocoon themselves from the outside world. E

The Spa Beechworth has been created as a destination to refuel your soul. A visit there will encourage you to prioritise everyday wellness by providing you with a pathway to self-care through decades of experience and knowledge. Discover this luxurio

Designed to stimulate all your senses, Villa Thalgo becomes your own private sanctuary. From anti-ageing facials to hands-on body therapies, male grooming and treatments for mothers-to-be, Villa Thalgo brings you premium Thalgo products combined with

Slip off your shoes and enter a world that is distinctly Japanese. Zen design, the hushed intimacy of rooms behind sliding shoji screens and ritualised routines soothe your mind and soul. In the Japanese spa, massage and private yoga and meditation g

Step inside tranquil treatment rooms at The White Spa and take in the sweeping views of the Swindlers Valley and High Plains. The White Spa is located in the Hotham Central building in the village centre. Nearby, in Dinner Plain, escape into Onsen Re

The Yarra Valley Living Centre offers you the chance to immerse yourself in the retreat program’s teachings and focus fully on your health and wellbeing needs. Natural bushland and landscaped gardens provide an abundance of flora and fauna to observe

With benefits like a calm mind, better sleep, relaxation and clarity, it’s no wonder meditation is becoming more mainstream. Untangle, the podcast by health app Meditation Studio, makes meditating even easier by providing you with your very own pocke

SOPHIE HANSEN, MURDOCH BOOKS “Making and sharing good, simple, seasonal food is an act of love and generosity.” To give and share food with those you love is the sentiment behind A Basket by the Door, by Sophie Hansen who, originally from Sydney, now

This is an edited extract from The Yogic Kitchen by Jody Vassallo, published by HQ Non Fiction, AU$39.99 The doctrine “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” rings true for Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine from India. Not sure what

Set in an oasis, ikatan’s all-inclusive personalised Retreat Day is an experience like no other. Start your eight-hour retreat with yoga and/or meditation then breakfast. Treatments have a wellness focus to calm the mind before lunch in the gardens.

Tuocha is a 100 per cent natural tea grown in the Yunnan province of China. Tuocha Tea brings you 3000 years of wisdom and history in each cup. This tea has been known to not only help reduce cholesterol levels but also aid digestion and help relax t

Yoga Australia is the peak body for the yoga industry in Australia. Its purpose is to maintain the integrity and tradition of yoga by upholding high standards so the whole community can benefit. Yoga Australia has gained a reputation for best practic

Seclusion, privacy and an exquisite natural backdrop make Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat the ideal setting for a weekend escape, romantic getaway or honeymoon. Located on the NSW/Queensland border, it has just 13 luxurious private cabins, bungalows

Have you ever been in that place of darkness where the walls have caved in and it seems there is no way out? It’s as though the entire world has fallen before you, its noise becoming unbearable and pounding the insides of your mind. In that place, cl

Planting a tree is an act of optimism. With it comes hope that a seed or stick will grow, find the water and food it needs, soak up CO2 from our planet and grow strong and healthy. When you plant a tree, you expect it to cool the land with its shade,