Self-Care Tips for Stressful Times
It’s day 53 of our sheltering in place chapter and I finally polished my toenails. Is this a positive sign? I hope so! At least my toes are looking more cheerful. Overall, we are feeling more positive with May on the horizon. For now, we continue to stay home and stay safe.
It’s day 53 of our sheltering in place chapter and I finally polished my toenails. Is this a positive sign? I hope so! At least my toes are looking more vibrant. Overall, a bit of the mental fog is lifting and we are feeling more optimistic with May on the horizon. For now, we will continue to stay home and stay safe.
How are you doing during this stressful time? Now that you have likely had much more time at home are you changing up your self-care routines? As we already know, deep-breathing, exercise, healthy eating and proper rest are essential for self-care and stress reduction. I've also found that spa time at home is important for wellbeing.
Though there is less need to dress up on days like these, it doesn’t mean self-care should take a back seat. I’ll admit, I have had a few days where a shower felt like too much trouble, but I find I definitely feel better (physically and emotionally) when I take the time to care for my skin, hair, and nails.
I’m digging in my drawers for facial scrubs, masks, and serums that are half-used or forgotten. By the way, doesn’t it feel good to go through the items that have not been frontline and either use or dump them? It’s cost-effective, green and, honestly, my drawers have never looked better. Now that we have the luxury of time, I want to share a few of my must-haves for a spa day at home.
My necessities for a self-care home spa experience:
*Plush bamboo towels (2 matching sets in white for easy care laundering)
*A comfy, absorbent spa robe
*A fragrant candle like Jo Malone’s Basil and Neroli
*Facial Masque-Caudalie is a favorite that I picked up in Paris
*Body wash - Le Labo - Bergamote 22
*Skin serums and moisturizers from Peter Thomas Roth
*My Clarisonic Mia (a lifechanger for my skin)
*My DIY beauty elixir (see below)
*Cucumber and lemon water in a carafe
*Soothing, calming music (Spa channel on Satellite or anything 'Chill or downtemp' on spotify)
I’m planning to purchase this BeautyFIX box on sale that does not require a subscription right now. $24.99 for products worth over $100.00 and should come in handy since I’m no longer shopping in stores.
It’s nice to let our skin breathe (sans makeup except for business zooms) but moisture is key. I’ve recently renewed my appreciation for a household product that is a miracle in a jar. Read this post on My DIY Beauty Elixir for Thirsty Skin that I wrote a couple of years back.
I found these great tips for Self-Care from Virtuoso:
How to have the ultimate Self-Care Day
In need of some wanderlust?
Favorite Travel Spa Experiences from the Curated Travel Blog
Curated Hotel: 3 Days at the Chic Le Blanc Spa Resort in Los Cabos
I’ve had my eye on the chic, contemporary Le Blanc Spa Resort brand since it first opened in Cancun years ago. I’m attracted to the spa themed luxury and all-incluisive adults only property for a truly relaxing vibe. When I was offered a chance to the visit the newest Le Blanc resort in Los Cabos I jumped at the chance.
I was greeted at the airport by a private driver and enjoyed the scenic 20 minute drive along the golden corridor to Le Blanc Spa Resort. First steps, a private check-in, proffered welcome drink, a cool, scented mini towel, and a tour of my suite by my kindly personal butler, Omar. He took special care to acquaint me with the conveniences and smart technology of my spacious suite, including an app to communicate wishes and requests directly to my personal butler. Talk about feeling spoiled!
I’ve had my eye on the chic, contemporary Le Blanc Spa Resort brand since it first opened in Cancun years ago. I’m attracted to the spa themed luxury and all-incluisive adults only property for a truly relaxing vibe. When I was offered a chance to the visit the newest Le Blanc resort in Los Cabos I jumped at the chance.
I was greeted at the airport by a private driver and enjoyed the scenic 20 minute drive along the golden corridor to Le Blanc Spa Resort. First steps, a private check-in, proffered welcome drink, a cool, scented mini towel, and a tour of my suite by my kindly personal butler, Omar. He took special care to acquaint me with the conveniences and smart technology of my spacious suite, including an app to communicate wishes and requests directly to my personal butler. Talk about feeling spoiled!
Le Blanc offers a range of amenties including your choice of aromatherapy, scented pillow, hand-crafted soaps of your choice and butler drawn baths at your selected time (complete with your favorite aromatherapy and rose petals). Definitely an after dinner treat to savour!
For dinner I met the small group of luxury travel advisors exploring Le Blanc with me. We enjoyed a refreshing drink, a sunset dinner by the sea and live music in the lounge as well as lively conversation. By the end of our 3 days together we felt like we had known each other forever. #girlstrip
The sunrise view from my suite
The next morning our small group of luxury travel advisors enjoyed a personalized tour of the resort from Le Blanc brand rep, Maria.
I’m always up for some pool time and we had two full afternoons built in for enjoying the pools and beach. The service at Le Blanc, including poolside staff offering cucumber slices for the eyes and a mini-massage, is fantastic. I also noticed there were many cabanas, lounge areas and 4 pools so it was easy to find as much quiet time or socializing time as you like.
Luckily for us, a spa day with massage was built in to our schedule. As our host, Kalan, reinforeced that we needed to experience all the amenities of Le Blanc. Honestly, my 50 minute massage was one of the best I’ve ever experienced. The water treatment program from sauna, to cold room, to therapeutic pools (hot/cold/whirlpools) makes you feel completely relaxed and yet renewed. I highly recommend the spa and wellness programs at Le Blanc.
There are a number of culinary options at Le Blanc. We enjoyed several of the food restaurants as well as ensuite dining during our stay. Learn more about dining at Le Blanc.
The view from my suite at Le Blanc
Following my visit to Le Blanc Spa Resort I was given several fantastic packages to share with my travel clients including $1500 resort credit, packages that include $500 off air, unlimited golf packages, and much more. Contact me for more info and to book your dream vacation to Le Blanc! Special offers through December 31st, 2019.
As you can see, Le Blanc is perfect for a couple’s romantic getaway, a girlfriends’ spa trip, an adults only desination wedding or a super romantic honeymoon or celebration trip.
My thanks to Kalan, Maria and Le Blanc for the invitation to experience Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos. I’m a big fan!
Tuscany: A Walk Down Memory Lane at Villa il Poggiale
Our visit to Villa il Poggiale was everything we dreamed it would be—graced with these views, gardens of lemons, rosemary, lavendar and roses, the gleaming sun soaked swimming pool and Tuscan charm. Our visit made an indelible imression on my mind.
There are those places you visit that leave an indelible mark when you look back with your mind’s eye. It may be the views, the scent in the air, texture of soft grass or crunchy gravel or the way the sun hits the horizon. Somehow, you are transported back to that moment in time.
Close your eyes, can you see your place?
Mr. C.T. and I discovered just such a place on our first trip to Italy back in 2003. I’m not even sure how I discovered charming Villa il Poggiale in Tuscany, but the photos I saw online embodied Tusan beauty and I knew it was our place. We were practically newlyweds and this couldn’t help but be a romantic getaway.
Our visit was everything we dreamed it would be—graced with these views, gardens of lemons, rosemary, lavendar and roses, the gleaming sun soaked swimming pool and Tuscan charm. Our visit made an indelible imression on my mind.
Flash to 2018 and we were more than excited to retrace our steps down memory lane at Villa il Poggiale. I think you will see why we are so enamoured.
A peek at our suite.
The romantic sunset views with a capture of a wonderful honeymoon couple from UK that we enjoyed getting to know.
My happy place!
We truly can’t thank the staff at Villa il Poggiale for making our return visit incredibly memorable. Special thanks to Irene and Monica. Villa il Poggiale is a place I send a number of clients with rave reviews. If you are interested in learning more or booking contact me at Curated Travel.
For more on our trip to Tuscany:
Our Tuscan Spa Getaway to Fonteverde
Curated Hotels: Our Stay in Tuscan Luxury at Castel Monastero in the Heart of Chianti
It may be just a quick view, or an image, that stays in your mind. I spotted vibrant images of Castel Monastero when they first opened as a boutique resort and I jumped at the chance to visit when offered. Mr. C.T. and I spent two nights immersed in Tuscan luxury at Castel Monastero last fall. Days were spent exploring the dappled beauty of winding roads adorned with vineyards, discovering foodie gems, wine tasting at a local winery and getting acquainted with the locals. Evenings spent enjoying Michelin star dining at Contrada and these glimmering sunsets from the terrace.
It may be just a quick view, or an image, that stays in your mind. I spotted vibrant images of Castel Monastero when they first opened as a boutique resort and I jumped at the chance to visit when offered.
Mr. C.T. and I spent two nights immersed in Tuscan luxury at Castel Monastero last fall. Days were spent exploring the dappled beauty of winding roads adorned with vineyards, discovering foodie gems, wine tasting at a local winery and getting acquainted with the locals. Evenings were spent enjoying Michelin star dining at Contrada and these glimmering sunsets from the terrace.
Castel Monastero is located in an ancient monastery near Siena in Tuscany. Known for it’s Michelin star dining, rustic luxe decor and stellar wellness and spa experiences, Castel Monastero is the perfect getaway, off the beaten path, in Tuscany.
HISTORY OF CASTEL MONASTERO
“The origins of Castel Monastero are lost in the history of Medieval Tuscany. The castle is mentioned for the first time, under the name of Sarna, in 1044. Afterwards, from 1050, it is cited more and more often with the name of Monastero, in connection with nearby Berardenga Abbey.
From the early years of the 12TH century to at least the beginning of the 14th, it was home to a branch of the Berardenghi family and in 1202 it belonged to the Commune of Siena administration system.
It was besieged but without success by the Florentines in 1208 and conquered in 1270 by Guido di Montfort who used it as a an outpost against the city of Siena. Bought by the noble Sienese Chigi Saracini family, it became their country house, a place designated for hunting and harvesting the fruit of the vines in the castle territories.
At the end of an accurate restoration process aiming at reinstating its ancient splendour, it is today ready to welcome our guests.
Almost ten centuries of history await you there.” - Castel Monastero
A tour of our rustic luxe suite at Castel Monastero
A view of our suite at Castel Monastero
The inviting pool at Castel Monastero
Dinner at Contrada, a Michelin Guide restaurant and a true foodie dining experience.
“An 11th-century walled hamlet surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, Castel Monastero transports guests to another place and time — that is, one with a transformative spa and much-touted restaurant. The 74 individually appointed guestrooms and suites are rustically elegant, and the spa offers personalized programs to revitalize and detox. The ancient wine cellar offers more relaxed repasts. Go bike riding, play golf or polo, join the kitchen team for an Italian cooking class or take a hot-air balloon ride over the Tuscan hills.”
Our thanks to our friend, Graziella Arba, for arranging this stay for us. Thanks for the staff for making us feel so welcomed.
To learn more about Castel Monastero, Virtuoso Amenities and upgrades, and to book online.
2019 Virtuoso Amenities
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Complimentary buffet breakfast for up to two in room guests
Welcome in room amenity Castello di Monastero Wine
$100 USD equivalent Resort/Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
For stays of 4 nights or more, one complimentary 3 courses lunch in our Tuscan restaurant La Cantina for up to 2 guest
To book a stay at Castel Monastero contact me at Curated Travel.
A Sumptuous Stay and Spa Experience at Bagni Di Pisa & Grotta Giusti in Tuscany
Our next stop on our spa getaway to Tuscany was the classic Italian spa retreat at Bagni Di Pisa. Here we enjoyed gourmet dining, fine wines with our impressive sommelier and luxurious spa treatments. One of the most interesting elements to this retreat is the history. Our two room suite, loaded with classic Italian charm, was a sumptuous blend of luxury and historic style. Was it the Dalai Lama or Richard Gere that stayed in our suite?
Our next stop on our spa getaway to Tuscany was the classic Italian spa retreat at Bagni Di Pisa. Here we enjoyed gourmet dining, fine wines with our impressive sommelier and luxurious spa treatments. One of the most interesting elements to this retreat is the history. Our two-room suite, loaded with classic Italian charm, was a sumptuous blend of luxury and historic style. Was it the Dalai Lama or Richard Gere that stayed in our suite?
“The majestic spa residence was originally built in 1743 for Francesco Stefano of Lorena, the Grand Duke of Tuscany. Over the centuries, it has hosted royalty, dignitaries, and celebrities as the destination of choice for a relaxing retreat with unrivalled wellness offerings. Today, Bagni di Pisa is world renowned for as a hotel and spa that honours the 18th century charm with frescoed ceilings, extravagant furnishings, floral gardens and captivating nature. With a collection of pools and thermal treatment rooms, ancient treasures of art and history, innovative wellness facilities and delectable culinary masterpieces, Bagni di Pisa is where one can truly disconnect from the world and immerse into to a world of beauty and healing.”
Bagni di Pisa
Our suite, where celebrities and inspirational leaders alike have stayed, was luxurious and cozy at the same time. Italian Hospitality Collection was delightfully generous to welcome us with fruits, wine and sweets.
A tour of our suite featuring Mr. C.T.
The next day we took a trip to Grotta Giusti to experience the thermal spas and underground grotto. Celebratory cocktails and dinner followed our revitalizing day at the spa with our final night on the spa tour. What we had with this group of new friends exploring spas in Tuscany.
“A PLACE OF DISCOVERY AND REVELATION.
OUR REFURBISHED HOTEL WITH SPA, SET IN THE TUSCAN COUNTRYSIDE.
A nineteenth-century villa, restored to its original splendour with meticulous care and attention to every detail. Today it welcomes guests with inlaid wood floors, refurbished rooms, parquet flooring, new lighting, new colours that enhance the rooms and the mood, and all the comforts of a beautiful hotel. It is elegantly furnished, decorated with frescoes, surrounded by an age-old park, and has a unique thermal spa.
Inside unexpected treasures await: a unique and wonderful grotto, a thermal spring, a deep, warm underground lake and spectacular chambers, where the temperature is set as if it were a living and breathing organism.
The villa above the grotto is now a place where you can experience a kind of new harmony, with the Equilibrium method. Water, stone, heat, art and history all make it a place that heals and comforts. Discover the splendid new Grotta Giusti where you can reconnect with nature, like a new discovery and a new revelation.”
Learn more on Bagni di Pisa and Grotta Giusti. If you are interested in booking a spa getaway I highly recommend these resorts as well as Fonteverde from my previous post. Contact me to book VIP perks and upgrades on an unforgettable spa getaway in Italy. Contact Curated Travel.
Our thanks to Cristina Morellini and the Italian Hospitality Collection for the warm welcome and generous hospitality.
Grotta Giusti
Our Spa Getaway to Fonteverde in Tuscany with Italian Hospitality Collection
Last fall I received an invitation to visit a collection of spa resorts, the Italian Hospitality Collection, in Tuscany. Let’s just say our host, Cristina Morellini, had me at ‘ciao!’ with this invitation. I’m a fan of spa hotels in general and when they are based in Tuscany I’m over the moon. Our first stop on the itinerary was the classically beautiful Fonteverde Spa resort located in San Casciano dei Bagni. A scenic train ride from Rome, a lift from our private driver, and we arrived at this blissful spot with the goal of relaxation and rejuvenation Tuscan style.
Last fall I received an invitation to visit a collection of spa resorts, the Italian Hospitality Collection, in Tuscany. Let’s just say our host, Cristina Morellini, had me at ‘ciao!’ with this invitation. I’m a fan of spa hotels in general and when they are based in Tuscany I’m over the moon. Our first stop on the itinerary was the classically beautiful Fonteverde Spa resort located in San Casciano Dei Bagni. A scenic train ride from Rome, a lift from our private driver, and we arrived at this blissful spot with the goal of relaxation and rejuvenation Tuscan style.
The invitation included:
Spa treatments for couples at Thalaquam & Salidarium Spa
Cooking Class with Chef Salvatore Quarto at Casina delle Rose
Private Wine tasting at La Bottiglieria
Dinners at Restaurant Ferdinando I
Upon arrival we were introduced to our small group of travel companions and lovely Cristina, our host. An al fresco lunch was served on the terrace and we felt like we had arrived in Tuscan heaven!
After lunch we settled into our spacious 2-room suite with walk-in closet accented by a wrap around terrace with sublime views of Tuscany. It’s always a nice touch to receive amenities and Cristina and Fonteverde thought of every detail to make us feel right at home.
We were scheduled to enjoy the couples spa experiences in the Thalaquam & Salidarium Spa. I can’t say enough how much we enjoyed the treatments and the healing waters of the thermal pools. Following massages, salt pool floats, warm salt bed treatments and a dip in the rain in the thermal pool, we were on cloud nine. I’ll never forget the moment of floating on the edge of that infinity-edged pool looking over Tuscany.
Pure Bliss!
That evening we enjoyed a master class wine tasting at La Bottiglieria with our handsome sommelier and were educated on some of the finer points of Tuscan reds. Our beautiful host, Cristina, demonstrated how to drink in an efficient, two-handed style (she said it’s the Italy way and I believe her ;). Let’s just say the word “luxurious” was used at one point to describe all variety of things on our trip forward after this “luxurious” wine tasting. We had such a ball with this group of travelers!
The next morning, our pasta making class with Chef Salvatore Quarto at Casina delle Rose was a first for us. We were excited as making pasta in Italy has been on our bucketlist forever. Our class handrolled each strand of pasta and there was a great sense of accomplishment when we were ready to go to ‘boil’. The pici with cheese and pepper was simple, satisying and tasty. Chef Salvatore was so kind as to share the recipe with us. DM me for details!
After breakfast we enjoyed a tour of the property including the church, Santa Maria ad Balneal, that resides on property in the park. Along with the terraces and magnificent views, this location is perfect for a wedding or special event infused with history and Tuscan charm.
“Fonteverde is truly one of the most outstanding destinations in Italy. Originally built as a renaissance palace for the Grand Duke Ferdinando I de’ Medici, the resort overlooks the majestic rolling hills of Val d’Orcia, and is set atop the natural hot springs to fully utilise the healing power of the thermal waters. With its collection of panoramic pools, hot tubs and treatment facilities, Fonteverde is destination where mind, body and soul meet in harmony, and restore the natural balance of life. Discover a resort and spa in Tuscany where Italian hospitality meets absolute wellness.”
To learn more about a spa getaway in Tuscany at Fonteverde, contact me for more information. This is the perfect location for a romantic getaway, girlfriends’ spa trip or special event such as a family reunion or a wedding filled with pure Tuscan charm.
Thank you to Cristina Morellini and the Italian Hospitality Collection for the warm welcome and generous hospitality at Fonteverde.
