Taurumi

TAURUMI - Tradition of Polynesia
For Polynesians, ever since ancient times, massage has always been part and parcel of their traditional medicine, philosophy of life, ancestral practices and customs.
In their vernacular, they call it TAURUMI.

TAURUMI - in the Polynesian tradition, is to embrace the whole individual in a holistic expression of spirituality, energy, spoken word and especially touch

TAURUMI - is to touch or massage, to offer the possibility of love, of growth and of opening oneself up to all the facets of life. And so since birth, their baby ma’ohi are frequently massaged and these long gentle massages allow them to become aware of their own bodies. The head is shaped, arms and legs lengthened and the scalp is enriched with monoï oil. The child acquires a psychological and physical equilibrium – a prelude to life’s adventure.

TAURUMI - is all about prevention. It helps maintain good health and acts as a therapeutic complement…all life long.

TAURUMI - Polynesians attach a great importance to body odors – they apply themselves with monoï and decorate themselves with garlands and sweet-smelling flowers. In former days their women folk would spend a long time combing their hair and dressing it with tamanu oil as well as nourishing and purifying it with sandalwood infused monoï.

TAURUMI - today is the respect of a massage tradition jealously guarded by each family: only its members know how to work on the invisible lines that criss-cross the body and allow the free flow of energy.

Why not let yourself be carried away by the magic of TAURUMI ?

MOSQUITO BEACH HOTEL - MEXICO -

Rooms : 33, Comfort and luxury, Original design, Private beach club, Relaxing ocean setting, Mediterreanean fusion cooking, Swimming pool.

A unique combination of comfort and good music in an exclusive and relaxing ocean setting. Situated facing the sea, the Mosquito Beach Hotel even has a private beach club, Maramao Beach. The establishment has been thoughtfully designed, with local and Italian materials and features special details that make the ideal refuge for those who long for comfort, luxury and good climate. Inventive and original design as well as eclectic and elegant décor come together in a wonderful place of singular beauty.

The 33 rooms of the Mosquito Beach boast elegant italian furniture, a romantic feel with dark brown walls, modern design and minimalist bathroom fixtures, offering a comfortable place for nights of pleasure.

The white sand and ocean turquoise are the beautiful backdrop for the restaurant, located just in front of the sea, which delights with delicious fusion cooking and Mediterranean flavours. Enjoy the morning sea-breeze having breakfast on a comfortable deckchair, or an exquisite evening dinner under the moonlight. There's also a long list of natural tropical juices. Finally, the installations include a refreshing swimming pool and garden.

MOSQUITO BEACH HOTEL
s/n, Calle Ocho y Zona Federal Marítima -
77710 PLAYA DEL CARMEN - Mexico -

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy, as the name suggests uses the sense of smell for therapeutic purposes. Aromatherapy essential oils derived from aromatic plants are used to ease ailments such as aches and pains and other severe health problems. The oils are found in different parts of the plant such as the flowers, twigs, leaves and bark or in the rind of fruit. Aromatherapy oils are the concentrated essences that seek to heal the body and mind. Find out how this practice has its roots in ancient times. Read up on essential oils that lend their healing touch to aid overall well being. There is a cornucopia of aromatherapy products lining the shelves of stores that heal and beautify your body. Aromatherapy candles are popularly used in homes today.

History of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the practice of using volatile plant oils or essential oils. Essential oils are in fact the pure 'essence' of a plant. They have been found to provide both psychological and physical benefits when used correctly and safely. There are more than 90 varieties of essential oils. Aromatherapy is a method of natural healing that dates back 6000 years. The Greeks, Romans, Chinese, Indians, Persians and ancient Egyptians used aromatherapy oils. The Chinese and the Egyptians were the first to understand its power.

The Chinese used aromatic plants by burning them to create harmony and balance. According to ancient Egyptian scriptures, Imhotep -the Egyptian god of medicine and healing recommended fragrant oils for bathing, massaging and embalming the dead. Egyptians invented a rudimentary distillation machine that allowed for the crude extraction of cedarwood oil. Hippocrates, commonly called the 'father of medicine' practiced fumigations for both aromatic and medicinal benefits. He used aromatherapy baths and scented massage and utilized aromatic fumigation to rid Athens of the plague.

These oils were known not just for their aroma but their anti-inflammatory properties and capacity to heal wounds. In the 16th century and 17th century, essential oils were distilled and sold at apothecaries and perfuming became a big industry. Women had special bottles created by their jewelers to hold their treasured perfume. The 19th century saw the isolation of the major constituents of essential oils. It was in 1928 that aromatherapy in its present form gained prominence. The French Rene Maurice Gattefosse coined the term aromatherapy for the therapeutic use of essential oils. He noticed that lavender oil helped in healing his burnt hand without leaving any scars. With the growing resurgence to harness the power of natural products, essential aromatherapy oils are being used for therapeutic, cosmetic and aromatic benefit.

Aromatherapy candles

Candles have a soothing effect that helps in relaxing the body and calming the mind. Normally aromatherapy candles have only 2 ingredients: vegetable oil and pure essential oils and they are made with a 100% cotton wick to ensure a smoke and pollution free burn. Common examples for aromatherapy candle are the 'citronella' candles, which are used during the summer to keep mosquitoes away. Citronella essential oil is the ingredient in the candles that provides this benefit.

Kiwi Salt Scrub

Ingredients

1/2 cup Dead Sea Salt, Fine

1 Teaspoon Parsley Powder

1/2 Teaspoon Dried Kiwi Fruit Seeds

1 Tablespoon Organic Virgin Coconut Cream Oil

1 Tablespoon Kiwi Seed Oil

2 Tablespoons High Oleic Sunflower Oil1/

8 Teaspoon Grapefruit Seed Extract1/

8 Teaspoon Kiwi Fragrance Oil (optional)

Instructions

Gently warm the Organic Virgin Coconut Cream Oil until fully melted. Add 1 tablespoon of the melted oil to a small mixing bowl followed by the High Oleic Sunflower and Kiwi Seed Oils. Next, mix in 1/8 teaspoon of Grapefruit Seed Extract. Mix the oils together than add 1/2 cup of Fine Dead Sea Salt, 1/2 teaspoon of Kiwi Fruit Seeds, and 1 teaspoon of Parsley Powder. Stir the mixture well, making sure to disperse the Parlsey Powder completely. The scrub will have a nice subtle coconut aroma thanks to the Organic Virgin Coconut Oil. If you prefer a more potent aroma, add 1/8 teaspoon of Kiwi Fragrance Oil.

LUXURY HOTEL FUNDU LAGOON

FUNDU LAGOON
Wambaa, Mkoani - 3945 PEMBA ISLAND -
Tanzania

Accessible only by boat, Fundu Lagoon is a remote resort nestled on the nearly unspoilt, tropical isle of Pemba, in Tanzania. Immersed in beautiful tropical settings, this resort’s natural design integrates perfectly into the gorgeous scenery that surrounds it. Stylish and totally relaxed, Fundu Lagoon proposes a unique way to experience a leisurely holiday off the East African coastline in an isolated and tranquil ambiance.

Wooden walkways and sandy paths lead up to the sixteen makuti thatched roofed tented rooms. Each suite bears a natural décor, which incorporates traditional African colours and elements, creating uniquely relaxing and comfortable atmosphere. The resort itself boasts modern facilities which are certain to make your stay a fun and enjoyable experience. Among these, you will find an open-sided restaurant and three bars, as well as a television and game room. You’ll be entranced by the beautiful infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean with poolside spa treatments and beauty treatments. “Dive 7/10” is a fully equipped diving centre, with trips to nearby Misali Island for snorkelling.

Just north of Zanzibar, you’ll find exotic Pemba Island. The little known tropical paradise is an ideal place to disconnect from every day stress and routines and practice an array of outdoor activities, such as boating and snorkelling. A stay at Fundu Lagoon gives you access to spectacular virgin beaches and the turquoise waters of the West Indian Ocean. Credit Cards and travellers cheques are accepted with the following additional surcharges on the amount payable: Credit cards 7.5% - Travellers cheques 5%

FASHION : Call of the Wild !

Posh.08.

Dolce & Gabbana shirt, $695, and pants, $1,295, available at Dolce & Gabbana boutiques nationwide. Subversive Jewelry by Justin Giunta multistrand necklace, $1,600, subversivejewelry.com. Oscar de la Renta sandals, $755, Oscar de la Renta boutiques nationwide.













Elegant.08

Diane von Furstenberg dress, $495, DVF boutique, NYC, 646-486-4800. Monies at Drozak multistrand necklace, $350, Mariposa Designs, Sarasota Florida, 941-366-9510. R.J. Graziano bangles, $45-$95, 212-685-1248 for more information. Oscar de la Renta sandals, $765, Neiman Marcus stores nationwide.

















Sensual.08.

Bottega Veneta shirt, $1,360, bra, $450, shorts, $930, and sandals, $1,100, available at Bottega Veneta boutiques nationwide. Stephen Dweck multistrand choker, $2,580, and long beaded necklace, $1,095, available at Bergdorf Goodman, NYC, 212-872-8651. Subversive Jewelry by Justin Giunta beaded necklace, $1,095, subversivejewelry.com. Pono by Joan Goodman bangles, $45-$400, 866-336-PONO. Lisa Stewart beaded bracelets, $40 each, lisastewartonline.com.

















Wild.08.

(Clockwise, from top left) Tashkent by Cheyenne wrap boot, $460, funkylala.com. Sergio Rossi pump, $655, available at Sergio Rossi, NYC, 212-956-3303. Bally wedge, $495, available at Bally, NYC, 212-751-9082. Cesare Paciotti leopard-print boot, $705, available at Cesare Paciotti, NYC, 212-452-1222.

CUBAN CUISINE

The Cuban cuisine had the same genesis that culture: it has been integrated by contributions of Spain and other regions. The poor table was conformed, partly, by the Canaries. They left the chickpeas that the islanders ate with corn, and Mojo, a very important dressing for most of Cuban plates where the viands are included.

From Africa came the forced habit of the slaves of eating corn flour, tender or dry, and in tamale. Even the Chinese brought, more than 150 years ago, their culinary ideas. That is why we also have the fried rice, plate combined with multiple meats and vegetables.

In favour of the Cuban culinary art is necessary to admit the creativity of the cookers. A traveller of the XIX century, the North American Luisa Mathilde Woodruff, wrote that she saw in Cuba already known plates, and she found out, when she tasted them, that those plates were different in a way. Due to that capacity the Cuban cuisine stands out in the revenues that the country receives from tourism.

A spirit of renovation and variety is perceived in the Cuban recipes. The ability to combine traditional plates with new tastes has propitiated the invention of new plates.

BLACK BEANS RICE CUBAN STYLE

1 1/2 c. black beans4 slices bacon1/2 clove garlic, crushed1 onion, chopped1 tsp. chili powderSaltCayenne pepper2 c. boiled rice

Wash beans; cover with 5 cups water and soak overnight. Drain water off beans. Cover beans with fresh water and boil gently until tender, drain. Add bacon, garlic and onion. Season with chili powder, salt and cayenne to taste.

Add enough water to cover beans and simmer slowly until it makes thick sauce. Pour over cooked warm rice.