Physical health tends to take a backseat amid the demands of an intense business life. Getting in touch with nature and allocating time for sports is almost impossible with professionals' hectic schedules. This week, I would like to talk about some treatment options that will both help prepare you for summer and relieve of the stress of urban life.
Greenery Weekend, a program started by Swiss Hotel The Bosporus, provides us with a good alternative. This program is a perfect excuse to get away from your mobile phone, computer and all of the other tumults of daily life. Simply check in and sit back. Located in the middle of Istanbul, the recreation area of the hotel is truly unique, offering a view of the Bosporus as well as a natural park. You can jog, walk or practice yoga at Sultan Park surrounded by centennial trees. However, if mundane exercise is not what you are after, tennis is also available high-up on the hotel's patio.
The three-day Greenery weekend provides everything you need to reconnect with yourself and nature. The Aqua Fit program offers water exercises, both relaxing and effective in burning those extra calories. As the day continues, yoga sessions with Ateş Bağcı featuring live lyre music are sure to aid your inner peace. The program also includes healthy dishes available at the Swiss Cafe, including specialties like the "vitality salad" and the tofu "vitality burger" for vegetarian guests. All of the nutritional information for the cafe's dishes have been conveniently listed on the Greenery Weekend's menu.
Another activity is "Awareness Meditation" available on the terrace of the residence building of Swiss Hotel The Bosporus, under the guidance of Lebriz Dedeoğlu. The terrace's infinity pool makes the session even more special thanks to the ocean breeze and unique view of the Bosporus. However, the tea workshop left the greatest impression on me. Tea expert Burak Ergezen presented very special tea blends and explained the benefits of each type. Eleven types of tea are shared at the workshop, a few of which I would like to share with you: Chamomile tea is considered the ideal tea to help with sleeping problems. Fat-burning matte tea, on the other hand, is ideal for those who want to lose weight, while sage tea is a great method for detoxing. Ergezen recommends making tea with hot, but not boiling, water as boiling water kills the enzymes in the tea. Of course, in the end there, is so much to learn before becoming a real tea master.
After all these workshops, you can enjoy the hotel's spa area during the Greenery Weekend. In fact, the full-body massage with fresh avocado is one of the most pampering moments of the program.
When it comes to the hotel's rooms, the contemporary interior decorations and pastel colors are quite relaxing. The corner suites boast a Bosporus view and are especially marvelous, offering views of Dolmabahçe Palace, the Maiden's Tower, the Bosporus Bridge and the Dolmabahçe Mosque. If you have time, I suggest you visit the Dolmabahçe Mosque located close to the hotel. Bezmialem Valide Sultan, the mother of Sultan Abdulmejid, started construction of this mosque, however, she died before it was finished and the sultan had the mosque completed in 1855. It is a true masterpiece designed by architect Garabet Balyan. While your body is in detox mode, you could visit this great work of architecture to purify your soul, as well.
I also recommend home-detox programs to prepare yourself for summer. You can either create your own recipe through online tutorials or ask specialists for some support. Well-being coach Ayşe Tolga is an expert in the field. Her program, "Change in 8 Weeks," promises all-around regeneration. The schedule combines sports, plastic surgery and healthy nutrition. In addition, Ayşe Tolga provides a special two-day detox program in collaboration with Juico. The menu incorporates wellness by offering blended juices to ensure a proper detox. Out of the juices, I loved the drink "Glowing Beauty," made of beets. Beetroot helps to cleanse your liver and make your skin shine.
On the other hand, sweetness is guaranteed with "Power Balls" made from matcha, a miraculous plant originating from Japan. The rest of the menu also includes juices with green plant blends and a buckwheat salad with cashews. You can order all of them online to enjoy at home or in the office. Thus, the problem of "preparing food," the most complained-about aspect of weight-loss diets, is a thing of the past. As for the advice of Ayşe Tolga, she suggests drinking at least 1.5 liters of water every day, and to avoid extra sweet fruits, such as banana and apricots, in detox blends. She recommends a small spoonful of a mix of cider vinegar, lemon and honey before breakfast in order to burn off fat and get in shape by the summer. She also warns against sour fruits, such as green apple and blackberry, during the detox periods, while eating cinnamon may help to curb your sweet cravings. There are many healthy secrets to learn and practice, but the best advice would be getting in shape with the right program that fits to your body and physical condition. I hope you all have a fit and healthy summer.
Tips of the week
Top 3 Venues of the Week
- La Petite Maison / İstinye
- Fenix / Nispetiye
- Capricorn / Ortaköy
Top 3 Hotels of the Week
- Swiss Hotel / Beşiktaş
- Paramount Hotel / Bodrum
- Argos / Cappadocia
Top 3 People to Follow This Week
- Sema Bekmez / Talent Hunter
- Murat Yıldırım / Hairdresser
- Erkan Balkan / Photographer
