the happy issue
DESCRIPTION
THE HAPPY ISSUETRANSCRIPT
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Greetings Beach Lovers,
We all know that the beach makes us happy, ‘tis why we travel far and wide to indulge in its tranquil company and hedonistic escapism. So, this got us to thinking, given that our ethos is “it’s better at the beach”, and we have concluded that the beach makes us happy, it makes pure and utter sense for Beach Tomato to have a whole issue dedicated to HAPPINESS. For although we rarely admit it, there are other things besides the beach that make us happy.
We have put together a list of the top 20 instant happy makers. There was a lot of debate about what should crack the nod at beach HQ, but after practicing everything over the past fortnight (we would hate to put anything out there that hasn’t been road tested you see), check out the final cut. We expect to achieve world peace with this list.
Obviously, happiness is an entirely subjective state, but we are all in agreement at Beach Tomato that the beach makes us so (hence the reason we all signed up for a job here). In case you aren’t convinced (shame on you) we put together our Top 10 Reasons Why You Are Happier at the Beach. Yes, scientific studies were commissioned and reports written to bring you this piece of wisdom. Er, well perhaps not, but we are pretty sure of its accuracy.
For those of you who enjoy a spa to lift spirits, you are in luck. We traipsed around the world, trying and testing some of the best spas and treatments that leave you walking on cloud nine, there was a lot of competition for these spots, but do read this before you think about jetting off in search of a better mood.
Can you believe that in two weeks time, Beach Tomato will have been around for a whole year? Time does fly when you’re having fun. Our next issue will be our Birthday Issue, so we have lots in store for you and, in the spirit of presents (it is our birthday after all), sign up to our newsletter to ensure you don’t miss out on some rather exciting competitions and give aways.
Till then, indulge in the happy side of life.Lots of love,
www.beachtomato.com
No 40-42, 1st Floor, Scrutton St, London EC2A 4PP
020 7426 4940
editor: KIRSTY HATHAWAY
features editor: JULIA NEEL
fashion editor: KATIE YIANNAKIS
features writer/ content executive: HOLLY RAINS
marketing executive: ROSIE AXFORD
art editor: ZUKI TURNER
head of partnerships & commercials:
LAURA GRAYLEY ([email protected])
partnerships &commercials account manager: ELIZABETH
ELLIS ([email protected])
content executive: KATIE MANNING
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our inner bohemian may
tell you happiness comes
from ridding yourself of
material possessions and
living a simpler life, great
and all but we can’t help but
feel shivers of joy when we
buy a new pair of shoes or
spend an afternoon looking
at pygmy hedgehogs on
YouTube, (don’t call us cliché). In the quest to boost your
serotonin levels, we have been inhaling various aromatherapy
oils, ingesting coldwater fish and stroking every puppy we
can get a hold of to find the top 20 instant ways to happiness.
Enjoy.
HAPPINESSBOOSTERS
by: HOLLY RAINS
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1. HAVING A PET Aside from the fact that pets are amazing on every level, their owners are
healthier, have greater self-esteem and are less lonely than those who don’t
have animals at home, so says the American Psychological Association. Not
only that, but they are also more conscientious, extroverted and fitter, yes,
pets make you more beautiful. So that’s seven reasons right there to persuade
any pet naysayers that a pup in your life will radically improve everything.
2. KARAOKEAs long as you’re not going head-
to-head with a friend who lists
“singer”as their professional
occupation, an enthusiastic karaoke
reinterpretation of Like A Virgin
is an effective way to boost those
serotonin levels. In fact the same
is true of anything that’s music
based and communal, including
dance workouts that involve trying
to maintain some level of poise and
dignity - while simultaneously trying
to look sexy (Pussycat Dolls Workout,
we’re talking to you), and watching
people on arcade dance mats.
3. FATBOOTH APP Morphing our photos in this app and
seeing what we will probably look
like in 20 year’s time will never fail
to amuse us. There’s bonus happy
points if you FatBooth while gorging
on biscuits. Oh the irony.
www.itunes.apple.com
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4. AROMATHERAPY Being in an office environment that’s brimming with the
scent of tropical Fabreze (surely that’s not just us?), is
not as idyllic as it sounds. To counter work-based smell
stress - and make work your happier place - we suggest
turning to aromatherapy. Try inhaling the scent of Tata
Harper’s Aromatic Stress Treatment using long, deep
breaths and let the uplifting floral notes instantly relieve
work stress, whether it’s a looming deadline to air
freshener-related irritation. Aromatic Stress Treatment,
£64 from SpaceNk.co.uk
5. FISH FATEat fish fat and get happy. Yes, omega-3 fats are the
happiest sort of fat, with studies showing that omega-3
can reverse major depression. Nutrition expert Patrick
Holford says that the higher your blood is in omega-3
fats - which help to build the brain’s neurons - the more
serotonin you are likely to make. Choose coldwater
fish such as herring, fresh tuna, salmon, sardines and
mackerel. Should you not live in close proximity to a
fishmonger take Mood Food® supplement instead.
£24.46 for 60 capsules at www.totallynourish.com
6. ST JOHN’S WORTWarts are not friendly, St John’s Wort is. Distinction
made, nutrition expert Patrick Holford credits
this herby remedy as being extremely effective
in treating mild to moderate depression, with a
300mg dose of St John’s Wort two or three times
a day enough to help people suffering with mild
depression in as little as two weeks.
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7. HAPPY CANDLENot just any old candle in the wind, this candle from
NEOM’s new “Happiness” range will bring you serious
positivity. NEOM has used a unique technique that
releases scent from actual blades of glass, resulting
in a candle fragrance that is fresh, crisp and reminds
us of freshly cut grass in summer.
Travel candle £13, www. neomorganics.com
8. BOX SETSCancel your weekend plans - or just pull a sickie (we
like the “my child is sick” excuse, no one will question
this even if you’re sans offspring) - and watch a box
set, the whole set. Trust us, nothing beats becoming at
one with your sofa and remaining static for hours whilst
watching pretty people on the TV. Madmen is great
escapist viewing but Friends series 1-infinity also rates
highly, even though everyone has seen every episode
ever. Two words: smelly cat.
9. CHOCOLATEChocolate is an official happy booster; science agrees.
Dark chocolate contains Resveratrol, which releases
endorphins and
serotonin - both natural
mood- boosters and
therefore vital for your
health and wellbeing.
If it’s expensive,
nicely packaged
and in vast quantities, then it’s even better. Though
we’d never turn down a Chomp.
“we’d never turn
down a Chomp”
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10. SUNSHINEWe love the sun so much that we’ll openly admit to
a genuine love of Katrina & The Waves’ Walking on
Sunshine. It makes you tanned, which makes you look
better in a bikini - and that’s all we really want in life*.
That and shinier hair. We understand that the sun can’t
be everywhere all at once so while it’s shining elsewhere,
get your instant sun-fix with the Happy Light, whose
beacon of light will brighten up your day when the sun is
otherwise occupied.
www.happylight.org
*Not really. We have other, more meaningful, aspirations
too.
11. CUP OF TEASo simple but so effective. Green tea specifically has
huge health benefits, containing antioxidants that aid
weight loss, lower cholesterol and are alleged to help
prevent tooth decay. We wanted to add Coca-Cola to
the list but, sadly, there was no science to back up our
claims that it’s actually healthier than water.
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12. NEW SHOESHappy feet = happy soul, well that’s the mantra we
live by - and we consider ourselves pretty happy
people. Walking through the street wearing these
architectural Finsk orange sandal wedges is sure to
provoke admiring glances. If not, try walking past a
building site. On a separate note, the frugal amongst
you can rejoice in the fact that the Finsk shoebox can
be used as a storage solution. Finsk, orange sandal
wedges, £430,
www.thebeachtomatoshack.com
13. BOOKING A BEACH HOLIDAY It’s our philosophy and it’s pretty simple: life’s better at
the beach. The thought of sand between our toes and
swimming in turquoise water has got us through many
a dark, cold Blighty night (and that’s a lot of nights).
14. GET A GURUMake an appointment to see Mayan medicine man Roland Torikian,
who trained with the Mexicans for over 12 years to become a shaman.
He’s back in London now, where you can sign up for a traditional
egg cleanse. First, you hold a raw organic egg (still in-shell), while
Roland checks your aura. Then the egg is cracked into a glass of
water and read – a bit like tea leaves - to assess health and emotional
issues. Lastly, massage and fresh herbs are used to clear negativity.
So long bad juju. £75 for 45 mins. Available at triyoga.co.uk
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15. GROWING HERBSNothing is more satisfying than growing you
own herbs to use in your cooking endeavours.
Or cocktail endeavours: invite your buddies
over, mix up some Mojitos and delight in the
fact the mint involved is fresh from your own
crop, (when we say crop, we mean window
box). This sensation may be more smug than
happy, but it’s kind of the same sensation.
16. A NEW NOTEBOOKNothing brings more joy to those of us with a strong Virgo
streak than starting a new notebook (except for creating
Excel spread sheets). We love the world of possibility that
comes with a blank page and an ever-expanding to-do-
list; there’s an extra feel-good factor points for crossing
tasks off the list. Our current notebook obsession is
with Archie Grand’s witty journals. They’re embossed
with laughter-inducing titles such as “brats I met and
liked” and “lies we told and liked”.
www.archiegrand.jetshop.se
17. POLISHED NAILSThere’s a recession out there people. And, when times
are tough, nails look prettier. A recent study has shown
that since times got tough shops have seen sales in
nail varnish rise by around 30%. We love Paul & Joe’s
gorgeous packaging and spectrum of colours - this
is instant beauty gratification and far cheaper than a
mortgage.
www.paul-joe-beaute.com
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18. CUTE ANIMALS We spend an inordinate
amount of time looking
at pygmy hedgehogs, tiny
kittens and pigs in teacups
on the internet. Basically,
anything that is cute and
micro gets a look-in . We
highly recommend Food
On My Dog.
19. SPINNINGNot gym spinning, no. That’s
borderline masochistic. We mean
spinning around on our office swivel
chair. And after-hours freestyle
spinning with your arms out, then
falling over (preferably on a sandy
surface), is a great way to regress to
a childlike state when the only thing
that mattered was your Sylvanian
Families collection.
20. THE SCHOOL OF LIFEGet a life. No, we’re not getting all tough love on you but instead
suggesting you look to the School Of Life* for some lessons in how to
cope with the big things in life, such as How To Be Cool. Once ‘cool’
has been achieved may we suggest enrolling in one of the one-stop-
philosophy-shops other enlightening courses ranging from How To
Enjoy Your Family to How To Find A Job You Love. Get ready to learn
more from this school than your whole 14 years in the education system.
*The national curriculum, uniforms and questionable canteen food do
not feature. www.theschooloflife.com
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MY HAPPY PLACEWhere does Caroline Issa go when she wants to feel happy? What
about Condé Nast Traveller’s Fashion and Beauty Director? To
celebrate our Happy Issue, we asked some of fashion and travel’s
most in-the-know insiders to share their happy places. This is what
they told us…
C A R O L I N E I S S A , Fashion Director of Tank magazine and
Editor-in-Chief of Because London
“A beach in Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu, I went
with my family and it was a slice of heaven
- clear water, amazing sun and amazing
food!!!”
KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA
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S A R A H - J A N E C L A R K E
(The Sass of Sass & Bide)
“Camp Cove in Watsons Bay,
Sydney, makes me happy because
I love sitting on the beach looking
across the water to see the CBD
of Sydney. I can walk there - no
parking headaches - the water is
crystal clear, and it has a European
vibe without the people.” CAMP COVE, WATSONS BAYSYDNEY
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F I O N A L I N T O T TFashion and Beauty Director, Traveller
“The terrace restaurant by the pool at Hotel du Cap
Eden Roc Antibes - for me it’s the epitome of style from
the location to the grand entrance and the diving board
of the rocks. I’d live here if I could and I’ve shared some
very happy times with my family at the hotel.”
P A T R I C K G R A N T , Creative Director E.Tautz
“The beach that makes me happiest
is the beach at Achmelvich, Wester
Ross, Scotland for the peace and
the water and the most beautiful
sunsets I’ve ever seen.”
HOTEL DU CAP,EDEN ROC, ANTIBES
ACHMELVICH,WESTER ROSS, SCOTLAND
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A M B E R A T H E R T O N , star of Made in Chelsea and founder of My
Flash Trash
“I love Miami Beach. Warm water, white sand,
super-cool vibe. I hang out at the Delano Hotel
Beach Club as I’m partial to pastels and every
sunbed is a divine mint green. There’s a party
vibe in a way that’s not as in-your-face as St
Tropez.”
DELANO HOTEL,MIAMI BEACH
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IPANEMA BEACH
Z A R A M A R T I N , TV Presenter
“Ipanema Beach is pretty happy-making. Lots of Speedos. Too brief?
(Please mind the pun.)”
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L E N A D E C A P A R I S , Features Writer, Company Magazine and
Company High Street Edit
“Baking heat, turquoise waters, a yacht and three of
my best mates - what’s not to be happy about? Of the
Croatian beaches we visited last summer, Bol on Brac
is where we laughed the most. Try the delicious fish
restaurant Ribarska Kucica right on the pebble beach,
overlooked by a gorgeous monastery.”
C L A R E A L S T I N , Deputy Editor of Russh Australia
“I live at Bondi Beach which
makes me pretty happy. I try
to get up and go for a run from
Bondi to Bronte and back at least
a few times a week. It’s beautiful
along the cliff tops overlooking the
water. If you’re lucky you’ll see a pod
of dolphins or even some whales. If I miss
a morning I make sure I visit aquabumps.com for the
daily Bondi action. This is my friend Eugene Tan’s blog.
He has a gallery here in Bondi and if you’re up at 6.30am,
you’ll see him shooting the people, the surfers and the
waves of Bondi. He’s a Bondi institution.”BONDI BEACH
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REETHI RAH, NORTH MALE ATOLL,
MALDIVES
P O L L Y A T K I N S O N , Lifestyle Editor, Brides
“Heaven on earth for me is dozing in one of the oversized
hammocks on the beach at Reethi Rah on the North
Male Atoll in the Maldives. After a day of snorkelling,
it’s the only place to chill with a sundowner, taking in
the view and planning my return trip.”
OLINDA, BRAZIL
S A R A H E N R I C H S , Travel Editor, Wallpaper*
“Nearby Olinda, Brazil, I was hunting after
a nice beach and jumped out of the bus in
a small village. What I liked here was that it
was a tiny community with no tourist business
so just Brazilians enjoying their lives. Every evening I
would watch all the locals filling the beach after a hot
day. A small cafe played this great album from Vinicius
de Moraes and I discovered this great musician and
poet as well as diplomat, playwrighter and composer. I
left the place without knowing the name but return to
it every time I listen to the song of Samba di Rosa.”
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N A T A L I E H A R T L E Y , Senior Fashion Editor, InStyle
“Waking to sunrise everyday
on an outdoor swinging double
bed in Tulum.”
TULUM, MEXICO
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J A C K I E D I X O N , Photographer
“My happy beach is Valassaru
in the Maldives, preferably
with no-one else on it, well,
maybe just my husband and a
glass of chilled Sancerre. Ignore the
huts on stilts (too noisy and too far away from
the beach) and go for a beach villa instead, this way you’ll get to
experience my ‘happy beach’ instantly. I like to be smothered in
Sisley products while I am there too. Happy Jackie.”
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IT’S NOT ABOUT THE DESTINATION.
IT’S ABOUT THE JOURNEY.
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MANCORA
BEACH, MANCORA
, PERU
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BEACH: MANCORA BEACH
WHERE: MANCORA, PERU
WHY: Renowned for its amazing seafood, relaxed surf-town atmosphere and hippy vibe, Mancora is the kind of place where you go for two days – but stay for two weeks. Our advice? Head straight to Green Eggs and Ham, the café on the beach that serves the best shrimp quesadillas in town
HOW: Most northbound coaches from Lima will take you straight there. It’s a mammoth 17-hour journey, but the coaches in Peru are seriously luxurious so time will fly by.
H2O TONE: Peruvian turquoise
SAND TONE: Pralines and cream
STAY: Embrace the low-key boho vibe and stay at the Kokopelli Backpackers Hostel. Don’t be scared: friendly staff, gorgeous pool, food to die for and a real community atmosphere makes this luxury backpacking at its best.
INSIDERS TIP: The Hostel Loki is deceptively
beautiful from the outside but there is nothing “low-key” about it – it’s a gigantic party hostel. But, then, that might be what you’re looking for…
WHEN: Summer in Mancora runs from December – March and will delight both surf-bums and sun-worshippers alike. There’s a slight chance of rain, but rest assured it will still be deliciously warm all year round.
BEACH OF THE WEEK 1words:JENNIFER NEEDHAM
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DREAM BEACH, NUSA LEMBONGAN ISLAND, BALI
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BEACH: DREAM BEACH
WHERE: NUSA LEMBONGAN ISLAND, BALI
WHY: Like Bali, but much less crowded. No cars, world-class sunsets and secret, secluded beaches. Plus, you can surf and snorkel ‘til your heart’s content
HOW: Get yourself to Sanur Beach on the east coast of Bali. From there, it’s a 30 min speedboat ride to the island of Nusa Lembongan. A friendly local will take you straight to Dream Beach on their moped-taxi
H2O TONE: Sparkling blue crystal – with coral undertones
SAND TONE: Buttery shortbread
STAY: Dream Beach Huts. Cosy and cute grass-roofed huts made in the Balinese “Lumbung” style, situated right on the beach itself. Heaven
WHEN: It’s fabulously warm all year round due to the tropical climate, but if you want to catch Dream Beach at its best, July-September isn’t as muggy and has a refreshing, cool evening breeze
BEACH OF THE WEEK 2words:JENNIFER NEEDHAM
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THE
BEACH HOUSE w
ords
: HU
GO
DAV
IDSO
N
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BEACH HOUSE PREA, JERICOACOARA, BRAZIL
WHERE: On the rugged coastline of northeastern Brazil, welcome to the breathtaking beauty of Prea. Close your eyes and imagine the low, windswept dunes and the offshore wind whistling over the white sands and the crashing mess of the huge Atlantic rollers that hit the beach day in, day out. The house itself, an architect’s dream, is perched like a boat on the rising tide, facing out to sea ready for the storm with its back to the sprawling jungles of the Jericoacoara Reserve. Its long sleek sides, almost ark-like in construction, open up onto a wraparound balcony jutting out over the beach and giving heart-stopping vistas of the wild Atlantic that are contemplated from the perfect safety of the deck.
WHAT: It might not be true, but we heard Prea Beach House was hand-built by two kite-surfing nuts who spent years travelling the world in search of their own world-class pad by the waves. We love that. Trust us, the 4 hour drive from Fortaleza airport to Prea across the rolling sand dunes is definitely worth it. For any of our male fans with a love of the sport – Prea is has perfect winds in season, and a number of training schools (crucially downwind, giving you the run of the waves from the front doorstep) and the house itself offers specialised storage and a great washdown area for freshening up before relaxing with iced beers and caipirinha’s on deck.
WHY: Well, if you can drag yourself from the comfort of one of the sumptuous beds, resplendent with stunning ocean views, or navigate away from the hour-swallowing traps that are the hammocks, or bypass the pool and turndown the housekeepers irresistible cooking, then you could always book a horseback ride along the dunes, or take a beach buggy (the area’s preferred mode of transport) into the bustling town of Jericoacoara to sample its great nightlife and restaurants before wandering back under the stars. Take. Us. All. There. Now.
From £183 per day, based on occupancy of 4 people, with breakfast and housekeeping included.
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We are not ashamed to admit it, at Beach Tomato we are something of a spa addict. Indulging yourself to a state of pure relaxation can be no bad thing, go one further and team the spa with the beach and we have literally died and gone to
a happy heaven. Here is our list of the best Spas in the World. Yes, they are also all beach side. Obviously.
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SLEEPAt Zighy Bay you feel a million miles away from reality. With beautiful and imposing mountains on one side and crystal clear and silky sands on another (not to mention the option to paraglide from the mountains to the beach), ‘real life’ feels like a deep and distant memory. Each and every individual villa has a traditional Omani style with an elegant modern twist of cool, sleek lines and luxurious finishes. All with their swimming pool, there’s no dashing for a sunbed of a morning, just pure and utter indulgent privacy (with a butler, obviously).
SPAContinued in the cool, sleek, yet traditional aesthetic of the rooms, Zighy Bay’s spa is like entering, what you could only imagine, heaven would feel like. By sunrise you can be doing sun salutations on the roof, by day loosing yourself with
treatments from detox massage to reiki or whiling an hour or so away with Spa Manager, Steve Harvey, an incredibly gifted healer, energy therapist, and life & relationship coach. There is little doubt that you will leave a different, more energised and revitalised person. If you ever leave at all, that is.
HERO TREATMENTGiven that Zighy bay feels like you are in a different world, why not indulge in the wellness programme. The three day course, consists of a wellness consultation, two detox massages, two herbal steams, a detox scrub and cocoon, a personal training session, a dedicated (but, incredibly delicious) wellness menu, not to mention your minibar being cleared out to avoid that beer o’clock temptation. We challenge you to not return grinning from ear to ear and feeling like a new, younger, happier and just better you.
www.sixsenses.com
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SLEEPBarefoot luxury has become a byword in the Maldives yet Huvafen Fushi still manages to stay one step ahead of the rest. With only 43 properties on the island each with a private plunge pool and personal ‘Thakru’ butler this secluded island lies amid a private lagoon encircled by white stretches of virgin sand.
SPAStep below sea level into the world’s first underwater spa and immerse yourself in the ultimate chill-out experience as therapists intuitively tailor individual bespoke treatments to your needs. Afterwards, help yourself to a cocktail or snack
from the raw food bar as you sit and watch the fish swim by. A super-luxe, glamorous fish bowl; if 007 opened up a spa, this would be it. Simply unforgettable.
HERO TREATMENTThe Facial Glacier embraces the spirit of the Maldives as uplifting extracts of coconut, lime and red micro-algae heal body and mind as you drift off in relaxed slumber. Awaken to a melting application of Anne Semonin Radiance Ice Cubes reviving the senses; skin is left firmer, more radiant and glowing. The perfect way to cool down after a day in the sun.
www.huvavenfushi.peraquum.comwords by Samantha Flowers
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SLEEPSt. Andrews Old Course Hotel is about as infamous as hotels come. With celebrities flocking there in the dozen for the Open every four years and the Dunhill Pro/ Am tournament every September (Liz Hurley got engaged here last September), your every whim has already been considered here. Overlooking miles of picture perfect beach and the most famous golf course in the world, The Old Course Hotel defines what luxury is.
SPAThe Old Course Hotel boasts the only Kohler Waters Spa outside the US, with a swimming pool, rooftop hot tub, thermal suite with a hydrotherapy pool, plunge pool, Japanese steam room and a sauna with light therapy, it is
safe to say that they specialise in all the therapeutic benefits that water has to offer. Finished to the highest standard, this spa is the ultimate in luxury; expect tranquil surrounds, beautiful treatment rooms and, if you so desire an escape from pampering, a state-of-the-art gym.
THE HERO TREATMENTFor the King of anti-ageing facials, look no further. Carita’s Diamond of Beauty Facial will leave your skin tauter, clearer and entirely radiant after just one treatment; however, after a series of six treatments, you will emerge as if you have had a facial by Harley Streets best. Not only the best 105 minutes you could ever experience in a spa, but by far the best results from any facial on the market.
www.oldcoursehotel.co.uk
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SLEEPAn entirely private tropical island off West coast peninsula Malaysia, Pangkor Laut can be reached only by a 15 minute boat journey (or you are bling enough, helicopter). This little bite of paradise offers up everything – snow white sands, aqua perfect waters, lush populated jungle (monkeys a plenty), complimentary yoga classes and impeccable restaurants and those over water rooms that give you that sense of true escapism.
SPATraditional in its Asian heritage, Pangkor Laut’s spa village gives a true sense of being in Asia with beautiful manicured gardens, locally designed spa huts and the 45 minute Bath House Ritual that is carried out before every treatment.
Bringing in treatments not just from Malaysia, but Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, China, India and even Sweden, what’s on offer here is extensive and oh-so-perfect for relaxing, escaping and emerging a brand new you.
HERO TREATMENTEnola’s four handed Lomi-Lomi massage is not to be missed. Yes, a four handed massage does sound a little odd, but they say two heads are better than one and we can confirm, four hands are better than two. A choreographed massage, what one therapist does to the left hand side of your body is simultaneously done to your right. Expect to float out of the room, a happy and elated person and then to sleep very, very well.
www.pangkorlautresort.com
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SLEEPAlthough Hua Hin itself isn’t renowned for its escapism beauty, however Aleenta delivers exactly that in the bucket load. With only 23 villas, days can go past when you feel as if you are the only person there, with long expanses of beach mostly to yourself, the doors in your villa that open straight onto the beach, your individual private pool or the fact that you can simply jump on a bike and head off to explore the other beaches, this is the ultimate place to just escape and unwind.
SPAWith only a few treatment rooms, all of which built sans windows, expect a light breeze and the sound of the waves crash as you pamper yourself to heaven. If you don’t fancy the
long 30 second walk to the spa, panic not as the therapists will bring their healing hands to the comfort of your own villa.
HERO TREATMENTWhether you believe in stars and astrology or not, given that the moon has a direct affect on the ocean, there is little doubt, being 90% water, that it also affects us humans. So, indulge in Aleenta’s Organic Moon Cycle Massages. Taking guidance from the varying energies of the lunar cycle, each massage reflects the moons currant state. So, the new moon will give you an invigorating massage to revitalise you, come full moon, expect a massage that will bring you harmony and balance.
www.aleenta.com
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Sometimes a Berocca and a positive outlook is just not enough to bring the happiness back to a grey day. Here are our must-buy pieces that are guaranteed to turn any frown upside-down. Now all you need is an excuse – feel free to use some of the Beach Tomato team’s personal favourites…
BA DDAYSOLUTIONS
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1 .2 .3 .4 .5 .
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6 .7 .8 .9 .10.
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HOW YOU WEAR IT: CYNTHIA CONRANLOOK 1:“I have layered the kaftan over a white vest and I'm wearing it with one of the fringed cashmere kimono shawls that I design. Each shawl is bespoke, they are super light and I never travel anywhere without one! I am also wearing some faded blue jeans and pair of flat espadrilles that have a light golden shimmer. The gold pendant is by Brooke Gregson, I'm a little bit obsessed with her jewellery.”Pendant, Brooke GregsonCashmere Shawl, The Collective DesignsClassic Short Kaftan , Tallulah and Hope
LOOK 2:“I'm wearing the kaftan layered over a silk slip as mini dress, although it's definitely a tad too short for city! I am wearing
the kaftan belt as long tie neck scarf with pair of wedge espadrilles by Terry De Havilland. I love these wedges they are very high and very, very comfortable, a (rare) great combo.”Classic Short Kaftan, Tallulah and HopeBlack Silk Slip, Tallulah and HopeWedges Sandals, Terry De Havilland
LOOK 3:“I am wearing the kaftan over a black vest with a pair of my favourite skinny black jeans and some wood and leather vintage clogs. I've swapped the silk kaftan self belt for long tie suede belt in beige .”Classic short kaftan, Tallulah and HopeLong tie suede belt, Tallulah and HopeJeans, Twenty8Twelve
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Leyla Piedayesh, self-taught designer and brain behind
Lala Berlin, was born in Tehran and moved to Germany with
her parents in the early Eighties. After working as an editor
at MTV for a period, she launched her own clothing line in
2004 – followed by Atelier Lala Berlin in 2009.
Lala Berlin has come to be known for its laid-back, urban
elegance with a focus on detail, prints, innovative cuts
and contrasting elements. For spring/summer 2012 this
translated into sheer pastel pieces and free-flowing feminine
shapes: clothes that are made for hot summer days.
LALABERLIN
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IN THE BAG:On my next beach
holiday, I’ll be wearing
the Nambi dress by Lala
Berlin – it’s light, feels
good on the skin and
looks like Bohemian
summer. Under it, I’ll
wear this Yves Saint
Laurent bikini that I’ve
fallen in love with, and a pair of “People” sunglasses by
Super. Beach towels by Möve are great and super stylish.
Comfy shoes are a must during the holidays and throughout
the summer season, so I will take some trusty Birkenstock
sandals away with me.
I will also pack my iPad so I can listen to the audio book Just
Kids by Patti Smith and a camera, I like the Ricoh CX5.
Most importantly, I won’t go to the beach without my
daughter, so there will be lots of beach toys in my bag! (See
our favourite family holiday destinations)
I will throw all of this into a Lala Berlin Himba Bag and head
to the beach.
BEAUTY BAG:- Chewing gum
- La Biosthetique, Vitalite Express Cheveux
- Mac, Lip Conditioner Stick SPF 15
- Avène, Eau Thermale
- Lancaster, Sunblock for my daughter!
- Hair brush – (although I quite like the wild beach hair look)
OUT THE BAG:Favourite beach: Coco Beach in Ibiza as it’s great for
children
Favourite beach memory: When I was little, I found 10
Iranian Toman on an empty beach… I thought I’d discovered
treasure, so I was very excited!
If I was stranded on a beach, I would need… A working
mobile phone
My beach disaster happened when…I fell asleep and got
really bad sunburn!
My beach playlist… Depends on my mood and changes
each year.
My beach yet-to-visit is… Sri Lanka Balapitiya Beach
I’d sum up my beach style as… Easy Peasy
www.lalaberlin.com
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TEETH WHITENING:TRIED & TESTED
A white smile – like a golden tan, glossy locks and clear skin –
points to health, success and youth. Yes, yes and yes. Where
do we sign up? And where do we go for those Hollywood
pearly whites? In-chair (at the dentist) treatments offer
immediate results – with many providing at-home aftercare
top-ups – but they might require you to break in to your
“rainy day” piggy bank. Meanwhile, at-home treatments
run the risk of being ineffective. What to do? Take our word
for it. The best of the best are below.
TREATMENT: Whiter Than White, £99.
TESTER: Sophie Jones
LOW-DOWN: Sounds like a faff, but isn’t. First you are sent
a kit with which to take an impression of your teeth (you
are guided by a DVD). Then, you send this back to Whiter
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Than White for them to make trays that fit to your teeth
perfectly. A couple of days later, you will receive the trays
and syringes of the whitening gel. The rest is easy – you fill
the trays with the gel (which is minty, in a chemically kind of
way, and has a neutral PH value), and then pop them in your
mouth for 40 minutes. The results are immediate and get
more impressive with every application. I felt a bit of tooth
sensitivity but this is normal and calms down quickly.
SCORE: 4/5
TREATMENT: Denblan toothpaste, £12
TESTER: Elizabeth Ellis
LOW-DOWN: Fresh, minty and with whitening properties –
what more can you want from a paste in a tube? I’ll admit
I was slightly perturbed by the “vibrantly white teeth”
descriptor but, thus far, my nashers are nothing like Ross
in Friends’ glow-in-the-dark smile. Good for gradual and
subtle whitening.
SCORE: 3.5/5
TREATMENT: BlanX Extrawhite
TESTER: Susanna Lazarus
LOW-DOWN: As far as whitening treatments go, this one’s
simple. Brush your teeth with BlanX Extrawhite, for two minutes,
twice a day over two weeks and you will end up with a naturally
whiter smile. BlanX is admittedly a slow-burner – don’t use it
if you’re after instant results – but the kit comes complete with
a “BlanXometer” to measure your teeth’s “progression” over
the course of the treatment. If you’re the type to worry about
waking up with a luminous grin, BlanX is a method you can
control to create a more natural, whiter smile.
SCORE: 3/5
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TREATMENT: Dr Simon Darfoor’s Lunch Hour Whitening,
One Harley Street, £450, 020 7580 2294
TESTER: Kirsty Hathaway
LOW-DOWN: I am pretty petrified of dentists, but I have
never felt more at ease with Dr. Darfoor – an incredibly
personable, jolly and very talented cosmetic dentist.
Luckily, Dr Darfoor’s aesthetic is to “never give you a Simon
Cowell smile”. Fine by me – I would rather my gnashers
not be spotted at 100 yards. In the dark. A mere hour in his
chair (‘tis a lunch hour whitening, after all) listening to his
amusing stories, I went up a few shades on the white scale
(he can take you nine shades lighter in one sitting), with the
simple zoom! process. As Dr Darfoor takes it in 15-minute
interval treatments, checking after every session as to how
well your teeth are taking the colour, you are sure to get
the exact colour that you are after. Although it makes your
teeth a little sensitive at the time, there was no real pain
and the results were subtle (you want to look like you were
born with these pearly whites), but evident to me. Obviously
I slapped on some red lipstick to bid a proper farewell to my
red wine-stained teeth.
SCORE: 5/5
TREATMENT: Britesmile by Manrina Rhode at The London
Smile Clinic, £795. A separate at-home treatment course
costs £425 and gets the same results.
TESTER: Julia Neel
LOW-DOWN: On my first 15-minute visit to the slick London
Smile Clinic (patient forms are filled out on iPads and all
the latest glossies are on hand for your reading pleasure),
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you will be talked through the procedure and chat about the
ins and outs of whitening. Manrina, my dentist explained
that teeth will only go as light as whites of your eyes. Good
to know.
As it turns out, the whites of my eyes are quite white, as
I found out during the
treatment. After moulds had
been made from my teeth for
the at-home whitening kit,
my gums were protected,
my lips moisturised, and a
DVD played for my viewing
pleasure (The Ugly Truth,
don’t judge). The whitening
is done with a blue light
which, when it meets pore-
opening hydrogen peroxide,
bleaches the teeth in three
20-minute sessions. If
you’re not bothered by all of
the oral paraphernalia, you
can go for a fourth hit. I did.
In terms of damage to the enamel, it’s about the same as
drinking a can of coke, and I didn’t have any sensitivity at all.
Lastly, I was packed off with lots of good advice, a Britesmile
toothpaste and mouthwash, and enough at-home whitening
gel to keep my gnashers pearly for around six years. As for
the look, I kept getting busted perving on my gleaming new
smile.
SCORE: 5/5
TREATMENT: The Get2Smile Treatment at Smile Studio
London, £499
TESTER: Holly Rains
LOW-DOWN: I was in the capable hands of showbiz tooth
whitening guru Dr. Wyman Chan who explained the process
and proceeded to take a toothcam to my discoloured
dentures to check that
Get2Smile would be suitable.
Thankfully, my side teeth
were “really yellow” which
meant the treatment would
work perfectly. I put on the
protective glasses with mini
TV attached and watched
Beyoncé in concert whilst Dr
Chan painted my teeth with
the patented gel formula –
which was then heated and
left for 30 minutes whilst
the painless treatment
worked. I noticed immediate
whitening effects and was
given a tutorial on how to
use my 10-day at-home treatment (a mini version of the one
I just had) which increases the whiteness further as well as
making it last for up to 2 years.
SCORE: 4.5/5
TREATMENT: Enlighten Whitening by Dr. Martin Nimmo
at Devonshire Square Dental Studio, part of the Harley
Street Dental Group, £750
TESTER: Laura Morrison
LOW-DOWN: Slightly panicky I sat down on The Chair,
‘THANKFULLY, MY SIDE TEETH WERE “REALLY
YELLOW” WHICH MEANT THE TREATMENT WOULD WORK PERFECTLY.’
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but Dr. Martin Nimmo immediately put me at ease as he
explained the procedure and gave my teeth a quick check-
up to see if I was a good candidate for whitening. I was and
I tried not to linger on the fact that this probably meant my
teeth were horrifically stained. He then took moulds of my
teeth so that I could have personalised trays made, and he
gave me specially formulated toothpaste which relieves
sensitivity and stops any white patches forming during my
two week at-home whitening treatment. This
made the process easy and painless,
the only difficulty was being told
to “avoid any foods that would
stain a white shirt” during this
time – but it’s worth it as my
teeth are already getting
compliments. Now, I just
have to pop in to the surgery
for a 40 minute whitening
blast which promises to get
my teeth looking their whitest
natural colour, and I have been
armed with supplies for the next two
years, which I just need to repeat at home
every other month to keep them in tip-top condition.
SCORE: 5
TREATMENT: Zoom Power Whitening by Dr Jonathan Hall
at One Harley Street, £495
TESTER: Katie Yiannakis
LOW-DOWN: I was more than a little dubious of having a
massive amount of chemicals in my mouth for an hour –
I am a bit of a hippy when it comes to beauty treatments
and didn’t love the thought of a fake Hollywood smile – but
wanted to have a bright, pearly smile. Dr Jonathan Hall
assured me that it would be a quick, effective and natural-
looking treatment.
The process, once in motion, is relatively quick, a hydrogen
peroxide whitening gel was applied to my teeth and a UV
light was placed over my mouth for 15 minutes, the gel was
then removed and replaced with a fresh coating starting
the process again. This happens three times,
each time further lightening the shade
of the teeth. The overall process,
including consultation took
about around an hour and a
half.
I was warned that I may
experience a “zingy” pain
and twitchiness in my teeth
over the next 24 hours and
was recommended to take a
paracetamol. These “zingers”
started almost as soon as I left the
office and were quite intense, getting
worse throughout the evening. Even though I don’t
usually experience sensitivity in my teeth, the uncomfortable
feeling lasted well into the next morning. I’d recommend
taking some pain killers with you to take when you have the
treatment.
I am definitely happy with the bright white shade of my teeth
but not sure if it is something I would put myself through
again.
SCORE: 3.5/5
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Life is better at the beach, isn’t it? I mean, we believe in
the philosophy so much that we made it our motto. But
it’s more than just the sun, sand and sea that result in you
feeling so “hakuna matata”; so much more. There is hard
science – solid, incontrovertible evidence – that being at
the beach makes you happier. So much so, in fact, that
we will shortly be lobbying the NHS to subsidise summer
holidays*. See why below…
*Not an actual political statement
DON’T WORRYBE HAPPY
1. YOU’RE LESS LIKELY TO DIE
Well, if you’re swimming
with sharks or wreck
diving, we offer no
guarantees but, in
general, holiday-induced
relaxation leads to a longer
life. A study of 12,000 men over
nine years showed that those who didn’t take an annual
holiday were 32% more likely to die of a heart attack. Choose
life. Choose the beach.
2. YOU ARE NOT AT WORKBasic, yes, but we don’t
need research to tell us that
not being at work makes us
happy. Respite from Outlook
calendar alerts, the office
sleaze, scaly “aircon” skin, the
commute, computer crashes,
achy mouse wrist... Bliss.
3. ALL LOVED UPWhether it’s your bestie,
boy fr iend/g ir l f r iend,
mates, family or spouse,
most people head off on
holiday with someone they
love. In fact, beaches are so
good for love vibes that 46% of
honeymooners head to one to celebrate their nuptials.
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4. D-LISTThe ultraviolet rays in sunshine can
improve your sense of physical and
emotional wellbeing by stimulating
the production of vitamin D – this boosts
our production of serotonin, the chemical
that works to keep us feeling alert, up-beat and happy.
5. SOUND WAVESIf you’ve ever fallen asleep to the sound of crashing waves,
then you know how the repetitive gentle bass beat can dispel
stress and bring about a blissful state of calm. Plus – the
science – research shows that the sound of waves alters
the wave patterns in the brain, making you more calm and
relaxed. Relaxed = happy.
6. BOBBING AROUNDJust floating in the sea will
lift your mood and boost your
health: taking a dip at the beach
opens the pores and helps to
remove toxins from your body,
plus there’s enough magnesium
in the water to have a significant
effect on calming nerves. Apart
from that, it is just plain fun
7. READ ALL ABOUT ITResearch shows that simply reading
for pleasure (Twilight, John Grisham,
you name it…) reduces stress by 68%.
What’s more, this improved mood can
be seen in a mere six minutes. Imagine
how destressed (and happy) you would be after two weeks.
8. LUNCHTIME BREWAnd we’re not talking about tea.
Nothing beats the feeling of
freedom that accompanies a lunch
time beer. Just because you can.
9. HAIR SUPPLYWe know how bad hair can ruin a day so, inversely, good hair
must improve it. “Sunlight makes your hair grow quicker and
the iodine in seawater is great for the health of follicles,” says
hair guru Neil Cornelius. “And then there’s that fresh, unfussy
way that seawater makes your hair look.
Billions of pounds have been spent in trying to
recreate the look of just-off-the-beach hair.”
10. BETTER SKINWord of the day: Thalassotherapy. It’s a big
word for treating people with – or in – sea water.
Call us vain, but breakouts make us want to
stick our head in the sand, not lounge on it. “In moderation,
the sunshine and seawater can help to clear up problematic
skin by drying it out, and the salt is a natural exfoliant. Also,
the silicone in the sea leaves skin looking younger, tighter and
smoother,” says beauty wiz Teresa Tarmey.
