Hong Kong's

LANSON PLACE HOTEL
133, Leighton Road, Causeway Bay
- HONG KONG ISLAND -

Highly sophisticated and bursting with individual style, the Lanson Place Hotel is a dream hotel that offers its guests seclusion from the bustle of city. Winner of Harper's Bazaar StyleAwards 2007 "Boutique Hotel of the Year", this establishment is fashioned on neo-classical lines. A strong and commanding symetrical facade lead way to a chic design interior, combining architectural simplicity with ornate furnishings, reminiscent of a country mansion.

The large windows ensure that this wonderful hotel and its rooms bask in sunlight. Handblown glass chandeliers are just one of the many details that make the Lanson Place a cut above the rest in its category. This hotel is an oasis of exclusivity located Hong Kong's Causeway Bay hotspot.

Walnut Shell Powder

Finely ground Walnut Shells make an extremely stable and effective exfoliant. Walnut Shell Powder can be added to soaps, scrubs, or even fresh exfoliation treatments.

Green Resorts' Development

An overarching ecological perspective drives Knut Willand, a Norwegian native and the developer of Eden Caribe in the Dominican Republic.

Willand’s philosophy is one where nature set the rules. For example, one of the principles is never to cut down an old tree. “The architect has to consider the impact on vegetation before he begins,” explains Willand. “If we have to cut down young trees, we plant new ones. We use only renewable energy: sun, wind and water. We treat all sewerage and black water with the Biodisc treatment system. We recycle the treated water and use it on the gardens. All garbage will be recycled where possible.

“We try as much as possible to use materials that are environmentally friendly. For example using natural stones, and making wooden fences from coconut palm trees that have been blown down by storms and strong winds. All houses are low energy properties, which means they are built with high-quality insulation. All road construction, digging and moving of materials like sand, stones and earth is done by hand, using no machinery, in order to minimise the environmental impact." Property prices start from £67,500.

In Belize, Central America, British company Someplace Else is developing a project covering almost 1,000 acres of sub-tropical rainforest. Currently under construction, Belize Reserve is an eco-resort that incorporates a wildlife reserve and a conservation and research centre. Natural springs and a river ensure water self-sufficiency; prices start from £35,000 for a one-bedroom house.

On the Cape Verde island of Santiago, Sambala Resort is a new eco-project in development where one-third of the land parcel has been designated for the nesting of indigenous turtles, allowing them to return freely to nest in the safety of a biological corridor. Social responsibility is part of the ethos too. Sambala has funded the construction of a school on the island, and employs 450 local people

Sustainable features of the resort include all properties are built using recycled steel from American cars such as Cadillacs. a biological RO desalination plant has been commissioned and is designed to recycle over 80 per cent of the waste water which can be used for irrigation purposes, and furniture packs are compiled from sustainable FSC certified reclaimed teak from colonial hospitals in India and other renewable materials.

ECO TEA !

Zip Heaters is delighted to be able to offer one lucky winner the opportunity to own a sophisticated HydroTap. Delivering instant freshly filtered boiling and chilled water from the same unit at the touch of a button.

Conventional methods of boiling drinking water, such as the overfilled kettle, often result in surplus water being discarded and unnecessary energy being used to heat the excess. With filtered boiling water available instantly from the Zip HydroTap at the touch of a button, the user can dispense the exact amount required each time.

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.