Jo Harris, COO: Moroccan Hamman, Marrakech
I first learned about Moroccan Hamman back in 2015, while working at Urban Retreats in Harrods. Keen to fully understand and appreciate what traditional Hamman entails, I embarked on a research trip to Marrakech. Going in with preconceived notions, I expected to lie on a marble table while getting hit with leaves, so I was pleasantly surprised by the serene and ethereal atmosphere I encountered. Being a therapist by trade, I’ve experienced many varying treatments, but the sense of surrender and care in the Hamman was unparalleled and something I have been longing to recreate ever since.
Deeply rooted in Moroccan tradition, Hamman offers a profound sense of relaxation and rejuvenation, especially for those struggling to switch off. Incorporating spices and herbs that reflect their rich cultural heritage, the treatment is conducted on people of any age and is designed to steam and cleanse the body. This ritual is part of their way of life that has been going back centuries.
During my session, the practitioner’s skill and cultural dedication instantly put me at ease (despite being undressed), due to a private set-up and thorough explanation of the treatment beforehand. The two-hour session involved scrubbing, massaging, and a sense of liberation as warm water cascaded over me. At the end of the treatment, I sat up and had my hair washed. It was the most intimate and nurturing treatment I have ever experienced resulting in the best night’s sleep and a body that felt as soft as a baby’s.
Marrakech is such a beautiful city, with such passion for their traditions. In Western culture, we are finally waking up to these traditional treatments and philosophies and appreciating that they have a place within our society and our health and wellbeing treatments. I have made sure to incorporate what I learned over in Marrakech and apply it to the treatments we offer at The HVN, using our Hydrobed to do so.
Dr Tanja Phillips, Medical Director: Lake Bohinj, Slovenia
Lake Bohinj, located in the Triglav National Park in northwest Slovenia, has held a special place in my heart since childhood, tracing back to my mother’s roots. This pristine oasis is completely untouched by commercialism and is a haven of tranquillity and natural beauty, surrounded by mountains and woodland. Whether I’m visiting the lake just to enjoy its surroundings or plunging into its icy waters for a rejuvenating cold-therapy session, Bohinj is my favourite place to visit to clear my head and get away from everyday life.
You can set yourself up anywhere around the lake to relax with the water at your feet as the lake is big enough to never be crowded. The fresh water is cold, even in summer, due to the size of the lake and the mountain water feeding into it.
Cold-water therapy is currently a popular wellness trend, with many of my clients buying plunge pools for their gardens and balconies. The beauty of cold water therapy is that it doesn’t take much time. You only need to be exposed to cold water for around five minutes and you instantly notice the benefits. As well as there being evidence for it helping with stress management and depression, it has also been proven to help with muscular and joint problems. Dunking your head in the cold water gives you the feeling of everything being washed away and you instantly feel invigorated – it is one of my favourite wellness rituals.
Muriel Zingraff, CEO: Abhyanga massage, India
I discovered the transformative power of Abhyanga massage, an ancient Ayurvedic therapy, when I went on a research trip to India with The HVN team. Unlike Western massages, it’s not just about pampering; it’s a medicinal treatment using herb-infused oils, invigorating your body while you lie on a wooden bed.
From Soukya near Bengaluru to Kerala in the south, each region offers a slightly different approach and I was able to experience three Abhyanga massages while on my trip. Despite the subtle differences between each, the practitioners used vigorous strokes and herbal oils tailored to your needs in all three experiences, encouraging blood flow and connecting the mind and body to aid in relief from stress, depression, and sleep issues.
The massage is done in synchronicity with the two masseuses performing vigorous long strokes on the body in unison. It isn’t deep tissue as such but they certainly aren’t feather strokes. They conduct the massage from toe-to-head, finishing with a scalp massage. The treatment, along with the herbal oils, makes you leave the appointment with a real awareness of being alive. I would recommend this treatment as a course. In the Ayurvedic system, you participate in a series of treatments to achieve long-term benefits as you need to give time for your body and mind to heal. No therapy is instantaneous.
While in India, I visited the house of an ancient Ayurvedic practitioner and saw their amazing herb garden: I was blown away by the amount and variety that are used in Ayurveda and, therefore, Abhyanga massage. The individual needs of your body will determine the type of herbs they use.
My trip was a real learning experience and I’m so glad I am able to bring this therapy to the West and promote its benefits.At The HVN, we offer our customers the opportunity to experience the Abhyanga massage on our Hydrobed – which is a lot more comfortable than the wooden bed I experienced.
