How Traverse is Helping High School Students Aim High

iSpark is bringing Traverse for the fourth year in a row on the 11th & 12th of October Arabella Country Club in New Cairo. With over 2,300 attendees coming to the event in past years, Traverse has become the largest summit in the MENA region to connect high school students to the most relevant opportunities that enhance their personal and career skills. “We are aiming through Traverse to surround high school students from the MENA region with all the opportunities they can seize and give them the exposure to build their skills and be prepared for what is after their high school years,” says Mostafa Hashisha, Co-founder and CEO of iSpark.

Traverse’s vision is implemented by bringing together some of the most influential figures, extracurricular activities, mentorship workshops, exchange opportunities, career experts and local, private and international universities in one place for two consecutive days.

Over the years, Traverse has hosted significant speakers such as Amina Khalil, Farida Osman, and Ahmed El Ghandour, sharing inspiring stories with the crowd. Additionally, Traverse has forged collaborations with 5 local and 11 international universities as well as over 20 sponsors like SWVL, Otlob and Virgin Mega Stores.

Magazines like Qahwet Masr, El Youm el 7, and Cairo Scene have covered the events, as well as TV channels like DMC and CBC, and radio stations like 90.90 and Nile FM. This year Traverse is taking it to the next level, opting for a more regional and international scope through collaborating with 80+ organizations including the U.S. Embassy and the Ministry of Immigration to include international students.

Moreover, sponsorships with the private sector will be utilized to build a platform for influencing students and connecting them with needed opportunities with subsidized fees. Traverse is carried out by iSpark, a Career Development Services Company founded in 2015 whose mission is to build a more competent generation focusing on school students through connecting them with personal and career development opportunities. iSpark has impacted over 25,000 students, collaborated with over 55 international and national schools in addition to over 20 local and international universities.

For more information and ticketing, visit: http://isparkegypt.com/

What NOT to Miss on the East Side! October 2019

Tati Hafez takes us on a quick tour of all the new spots and services available to East Siders!

The Mat  – Your step into a unique home

The Mat helps you style the entrance to your house or office, by offering personalized and customized entrance mats to give your home more or business a lot more characters. Funny quotes or warm greetings, anything can be printed on the door mats. Order yours now through the Instagram account.

Facebook and Instagram: @themathomes

Cinco. Handmade   

Cinco makes handmade phone straps made with semi-precious stones, crystal beads, embellished with mother-of-pearl accessories, or colored eyes. Pick your colors and favorite design.

For orders:  0109 988 4934

Facebook and Instagram: @cinco.handmade

Garnell’s – for sushi lovers

This new venue is strongly on our radar. Garnell is Maadi’s latest sushi go-to spot. The extensive menu offers sushi, sashimi, maki, and handroll combos. We found a Japanese jewel with the best sticky rice and sushi rolls that’ll have you licking your chopsticks.

Address: 12a Mustafa Kamel Street, Maadi

Telephone: 0103 309 9114

Facebook and Instagram: @garnells

Dara’s Ice Cream

The famous Dara’s ice cream is now open at the Waterway, bringing joy and happiness with exquisite ice cream and homemade cookies. Flavors are all natural and a lot of them are seasonal. You cannot miss the banana madness, caramelized almonds, honeycomb, milk and cake or the vegan options of mango or raspberry. If you haven’t had enough sweetness, go for your scoops on the chocolate waffle cone.

Opens daily from 5 pm to 2 am

What’s New Around Town – October 2019

Mr Jeff, Spain’s largest laundry service company, opens its first branch in Vinny Square in Dokki, Egypt. Their first franchise branch in Egypt will set a new standard for laundry services in Egypt as the company creates more investment opportunities with additional local franchises. The Spanish start-up received strong interest from local entrepreneurs, signing up 20 franchise partners within the first three months in Egypt all set to open before the end of 2019.
Vinny Square, Dokki
FB: mrjeffegyp
www.mrjeffapp.com/eg

Roshdy Pharmacies opened its first branch in 2008, since then Roshdy has continually employed the best practices and techniques at its disposal to improve the brand and earn the trust of its customers. It is upon this trust that Roshdy has built its reputation and its success.
Smart Village
0120 790 2609
Facebook:Roshdy Pharmacies
Instagram: roshdy_pharmacies

Let your kids have a memorable day at Wiggly Jungle. A safe play area that will keep them entertained.
at CFC
0120 020 8882
facebook & Instagram Wiggly Jungle

West Square is a mixeduse community center located within Sodic West. Catering for all community needs it includes offices, clinics, services, shops, retail fashion stores, and casual dining. With constant events and attractions, easy access and two basement parking areas, it is sure to attract people from Sheikh Zayed City, and Sodic West
West Square Mall, Beverly Hills, Sodic
West, Sheikh Zayed
0100 247 4744
Facebook West Square Mall
Instagram WestSquareMall

Noos venue has a variety of Karts to suit everyone who wants to Race against time, no matter what age group you are, starting from Cadets for kids [min. 100 CM- about 5 years], to adult rental Karts [min. 140 CM – about 10 years]. Open from 6 pm to 11 pm except Sunday.
Dandy Mega Mall
Facebook NoosKarting
Instagram noos.karting

An ultra-luxury health, fitness club focusing on the strength that balances the BODY, MIND and SOUL.
Sheikh Zayed, behind Arkan Plaza
0102 618 8886
Facebook CORE EGYPT
Instagram Core.Egypt

IKEA is opening its’ doors with a store situated in Mall of Arabia. If you are a resident of 6th of October, Zayed or any surrounding area; this is good news for you! On a space of 1,200 m2 IKEA’s first small-format store will display a variety of home furnishing solutions for many tastes, a planning area, and a mini IKEA restaurant to give the complete shopping experience customers know and enjoy.
Mall of Arabia – Nearest Gate – 15
16576
Facebook & Instagram IkeaEgypt

Your favorite sport store has headed from New Cairo to Giza! Decathlon Egypt celebrated the grand opening of its third branch at Mall of Arabia.
Mall of Arabia – Nearest Gate – 15
Facebook & Instagram decathlon.eg
www.decathlon.eg

Your destination for everything Apple, Tradeline not only offers customers a variety of services; it provides an outstanding customer experience delivered by local Apple Experts. Purchase a Mac in easy instalments plans, upgrade your iPhone for a new one, attend a workshop on features you are interested in, or request a one-to-one training from one of the experienced and knowledgeable Sales Team.
Mall of Arabia – Nearest Gate –
The Atrium
19857
facebokk & Instagram Tradelinestores

Desigual is a clothing brand headquartered in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, which is notable for its trendy patchwork designs, intense prints, graffiti art, asymmetrical designs and flamboyant splashes of colour.
Cairo Festival City
02 2480 2437
Facebook & Instagram desigual

Lilly’s Workshop is a small business run by Lilly Helmy, a self-taught sixteen year old high school student who was inspired by the many compliments she received on her work. Lilly paints on almost anything: canvas, jeans, shoes, jackets, bags, wallets, doors, walls and even skateboards! Prices range depending on the size of the drawing and the material she’s drawing on. Lilly can be reached via Instagram direct message.
Online
Email: nadiaeweiss@gmail.com
lillysworkshopp

A complete shopping center with all the needs of every house, from electronics, home appliances, kitchenware and furniture to home accessories.
Shiekh Zayed, behind Arkan Plaza
16901
Al.morshedy

NEV Spa & Wellness Center offers you a rejuvenating wellness escapes. Whether you’re up to a facial, or a gentle massage to help you relax and get a better night sleep, or even searching for a detox program that will help you recharge. NEV Spa offers you a variety of holistic programs that will definitely suit your needs.
Cairo Festival City Mall Cairo, Egypt
0109 100 0503
Facebook @nevspawellness
Instagram nev_spa_wellness

Crave ‘s newest branch at MoA’s Expansion has left everyone CRAVING more! Have you been yet? If not, hurry up and visit Crave at The Park to enjoy its international signature dishes.
Mall of Arabia – Nearest Gate – 9
0109 528 5552
Facebook craveegypt
Instagram crave_egypt

Tabibi: Shared Family Meals are Crucial for our Wellbeing

Gathering the family around the dinner table has become increasingly important in this fast-paced world we live in today. A world in which we are all busy “doing” more than “being”. We have compiled for you the top four reasons to bring the family together to share a meal.

Form tight bonds 

Meals tie people together, especially family members. It’s time to disconnect from all external distractions and to connect with each other. As the discussion flows, you will learn more about each other, while as a parent, you will give your children more quality time. This will not just generate loads of family moments, but it will add intimacy and warmth to your family relationships.

Share intimacy and warmth

Family meals are an opportune time to check on your child’s emotional well-being, develop that time into a safe-zone that is judgment-free and criticism-free. The benefits of this are extended even after they leave the nest; studies prove that adolescents are less likely to experience depressive symptoms and less likely to consume tobacco if there have more family meals.

Improve overall life skills

Family meals are a fully developed learning experience, with all your senses involved: touch, vision , taste and smell while engaging in diverse conversations! It’s a free ticket to lessons in life. You are all sharing values, ideas and gaining a lot of social skills like problem-solving and negotiation skills.

Your preschoolers are involved in more conversation, which has a direct impact on their language and social development. For older kids, their day is mostly between friends, teachers, and screen-time, the family meal is their window to how adults interact and cooperate. It is a chance for you to get involved in shaping their persona.

It’s enough to say that school grades are also improved. “Teens who have dinner with their families 7 times a week are almost 40% more likely to receive A’s and B’s in school compared to teens who have dinner with their families two or fewer times a week.”

Develop healthy eating habits

Eating nutritious home cooked meals together can encourage healthy eating habits, and can increase children’s daily fruit and vegetable intake. Studies prove that regular family meals decrease the rate of unhealthy weights and obesity. Children ages 9 to 14 who have more regular dinners with their families are 12% less likely to become obese.

It is your time now to start planning for regular family dinners, while it’s a challenging job, it’s worth all the effort; you will be surprised to see how mealtime can have a great impact on the health and wellness of your whole family.

This article was brought to you by Tabibi 24/7, Cairo’s leading Family Medicine & Pediatrics group practice. Tabibi operates 24/7 and offers its services at the comfort of your own home or in one of its clinics.
 
For more information, call 16724 or visit  www.tabibi247.com

6 Do’s and Don’ts of Hair Care

In the ongoing quest for perfect tresses, it is ever-so-easy to lose sight of the all-important basics. International hair and skin beauty consultant Samar Binzaeid gives us her top tips for hair care, just in time for party season.

Do!

Use a soft towel for wet hair, then replace it with another dry towel for 5 minutes. Leave your hair to dry in the open air before using a hair dryer or styling iron.

During summer, protect your hair from the rays of the sun by wearing a sun hat, and applying hair conditioner.

When using a protective serum, first comb your hair and dry it. When it has completely cooled down, apply the serum.

If you have dry, brittle hair: 1) Use a natural ingredient shampoo to wash your hair 2 or 3 times a week; you can wash daily using only conditioner. 2) Keep an eye on your vitamin blood levels. Most important for hair are Vitamins D, C, serum ferritin, and Omega 3. 3) Trim your hair ends every one and a half months to get rid of split ends and to encourage hair growth.

Don’t!

Apply hair serum, cream or any substances before using a hair dryer, as this burns the hair shaft.

Use hairbrushes that don’t belong to you, as they might have old hair with chemical residues or dust, such as at hair salons. This affects hair badly.

Avoid lightening or dying your hair, or using chemicals on it before going to the beach, as your hair can burn from the sun, heat, and salt.

Don’t over-lighten your hair away from your natural color, and it is advisable to dye roots only when they turn grey once every month or two.

Stay away from any chemical treatments to straighten or curl hair.

Heat badly affects hair; any hair iron with more than 1800 watt can badly damage your hair.

Contact info:

Instagram: #samarzaied_skincare

7 Spas and Retreats with a Difference

Don’t worry about jet lag. When you need to revitalize and de-stress in a stunning locale these  very special spots are just a short hop away. Combine healthy living and the latest in spa treatments with relaxation, culture and sightseeing and come back refreshed and revitalized.

Cyprus

Ayii Anargyri Natural Healing Spa Resort

Location:

Ayii Anargyri Natural Healing Spa Resort is located in the village of Miliou, around 20 km north of Paphos.

Treatments and wellness:

Thalion face care, Thalion body treatments, Thalion slimming body treatments, massage therapies, men’s treatments, hand and foot care, fitness and physiotherapy, finishing touches – waxing, yoga.

Facilities:

Ayii Anargyri offers a complete range of spa treatments in an exclusive spa, fed by the mineral-rich sulphur waters of the Ayia Anastasia spring. It is the only Paphos spa using natural spring water that is channelled into three treatment pools, for kinesiotherapy, rheumatology and phlevology. The medical spa treatments are intended for conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, gout and joint pain, and are complemented by a wide range of wellness treatments. Over 100 courses of spa treatments have been developed scientifically by leading experts from Cyprus and abroad. The spa center is specially equipped for guests with impaired mobility.

Healing and Wellness Packages:

  • 7 Night Psoriasis Program
  • 7 Nights Detox Program
  • 7 Nights Rheumatoid Arthritis/Arthritic Package
  • 7 Nights Healing Program
  • 7 Nights Slimming Program
  • 7 Nights Absolute Yoga Retreat

Accommodation:

56 rooms as Garden Suites, Bungalows or Classic rooms.

Nutrition and cuisine:

The dining facilities offer tempting à-la-carte menus, in addition to a daily set menu showcasing the best regional dishes, using high quality, nutritious, locally sourced produce.

What to see and what to do:

Agii Anargyri is perfectly positioned for excursions into the scenic Akamas Peninsula, the Troodos Mountains or the Kathikas wine producing area. Thanks to an abundant supply of spring water the area is full of citrus groves, almond trees and vineyards, and during spring, becomes a panorama of wildflowers.

Activities like tennis, jet skis, scuba diving, windsurfing, horse riding, mountain biking, rock climbing, sea kayaking, snorkelling, trekking, and golf can be arranged by the hotel team.

Myrianthousa Spa – Casale Panagiotis

Location:

Casale Panagiotis is located in Kalopanayiotis, in the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus. Set in the heart of the picturesque Marathasa Valley overlooking the Setrachos River, it is easily accessible from Nicosia, Limassol and Paphos. The Myrianthousa Spa is available for day visits, but the area itself is so picturesque that it is well worth booking into the charming Casale Panagiotis hotel accommodation and enjoying a series of treatments.

Facilities: Sauna, Mint Ice Mist, Herbal Steam Room, Snow Cabin, Tropical Rain Bath, Hydrotherapy Pool, Rasul Mud Cabin, Private Whirlpools.

Treatments and wellness:

The Temple Spa treatments draw on the health benefits offered by the diverse herbs and plants found in the region, all known for their healthy and positive effect on the skin, complexion and body. There is a wide range of massage therapies, facial treatments, chromotherapy and nail treatments and manicures.

Accommodation: There are 41 luxurious rooms and suites embedded across seven traditional houses across Kalopanayiotis village.  Each house has been lovingly restored to retain its original character and charm. 

Nutrition and cuisine:

Embracing locale culture, cuisine and produce, the choice of atmospheric restaurants offers everything from a simple snack up to a full-scale dining experience. The area is rich in fruit, vegetables, nuts, and local delicacies, all of which are showcased along with meat, fish, and dairy produce through beautifully prepared dishes.

What to see and what to do:

Every day can be a new experience with a plethora of activities to choose from. The Marathasa valley is a haven of exquisite Byzantine art, and host to several historic monasteries, which are well worth a visit.

Learn how to make the famous Cypriot national cheese halloumi with local villagers, or go wine-tasting. Go fruit picking in the orchards to enjoy the best of the season, or visit a local kitchen to discover the delights of traditional Cypriot delicacies like soutzouko, honeyed nuts, or pastelaki.

If you are feeling energetic you can explore the area on a mountain bike, or take a hike through one of the many nature trails. The really adventurous can even enjoy the mountains to the full by rock-climbing and abseiling.

Greece

Euphoria Retreat

Location:

Awarded Greek Hotel of the Year 2019, Euphoria Retreat is located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mystras, in the spectacular mountains of the Peloponnese region.

Facilities:

Sphere Pool, Tepidarium, Byzantine Hammam, Salt Cave, Watsu pool, and yoga and fitness rooms.

Treatments and wellness:

Treatment and therapy programs blend ancient Hellenic and Chinese philosophies and practices. The healing program of Euphoria Retreat applies a unique, clinically proven process to create fully personalized exercise and nutrition plans that result in a boost to metabolism and energy levels. A simple test gives the team of experts the information they need at a microbiological level to understand the body’s redox condition and its cellular needs in antioxidants, metabolic regulation, anti-ageing and longevity.

3GL is a personalized phenotypic health intervention based on nutrition and exercise. At a scientific level, it measures and analyses the body’s levels of glutathione, an endogenous antioxidants affecting lifestyle diseases such as morbid obesity, and even forms of cancer and autoimmune illness. It assesses the actual needs of the body in fuel, antioxidants and cellular protection.

Programs include Euphoria Wellbeing Detox, Advanced Weight Loss, Euphoria Retreat Signature Nutrigenomics, Euphoria Relax and De-stress, Euphoria Inner and Outer Glow, Euphoria Fitness, Euphoria Yoga and Mindfulness, Euphoria Yoga-Fitness, Euphoria Escape, Euphoria Escape for Couples, Euphoria Spartan Spirit of Adventure Retreat, Euphoria Intelligent Mediterranean Metabolic Homeostasis Therapy (EIMMOT), Emotional Physical and Transformational Retreat, Ulysses Journey Mini Retreat, Self – Awareness Through The 5 Elements, Euphoria Meaningful Relationships Mini Retreat, Self – Awareness Through The 5 Elements (Dates: December 20 – 22, 2019), and Emotional and Physical Transformation Retreat (Dates: November 3 – 10, 2019).

Accommodation:

Byzantine art and Zen minimalism feature in all guest rooms.

Nutrition and cuisine:

Using locally grown and sourced, mainly organic produce, the basis of the diet is Mediterranean. It offers an outstanding nutritional experience that is not only healthy but also tastes delicious. Food options include meat, vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan.

Regular, smaller meals are taken during the day to regulate the precise metabolic needs to detoxify the body, boost metabolism, fight inflammation and reinforce the immune system.

What to see and what to do:

The idyllic mountainous area around Euphoria Retreat is easily accessible for biking, trekking and outdoor classes. The lovely coastal town of Gythion is an easy drive away, and the historic sites of Ancient Messene, Arcadia, Olympia, Epidaurus, Mycenae and Monemvasia are also within a couple of hours’ drive.

Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort

Location:

Located 25 km from Heraklion in Crete, the resort enjoys a stunning position on a private peninsula on the outskirts of the traditional fishing village of Aghia Pelaghia.

Facilities:

Fit4life Fitness Lounge, Pnoe Wellness Day Spa, Namaste Yoga Program; outdoor and indoor pools leading to the meditative experience of a Sphere Pool with hydrotherapy; the Tepidarium with steam baths, Finnish sauna, cold plunge and ice mists; the Waterwell with Kneipp Walk Therapy and indoor and outdoor relaxation and recreation spaces.

Treatments and wellness:

The Spa offers holistic treatments and therapies that go beyond beauty and focus on health, stress-reduction, recuperation, and wellbeing by using pure and natural environmentally friendly products. The relaxation, massage, slimming and anti-ageing treatments offer instant pleasure and long lasting beauty results thanks to the expertise of Valmont and Algoane.

The wellness treatments on offer at the Medical Wellness Suite include Molecular Hydrogen, Detox5+™ (Gen2), a complete detoxification program offered by Out of the Blue, Capsis Elite Resort. It includes meal plans based on Intelligent Mediterranean Detoxification, which consists of a scientific “slow food” nutritional approach with organic meals drawing on local Cretan recipes. The fruits, vegetables and herbs are either hand-picked from its’ own greenhouse, or sourced locally. In the resort, a professional team of doctors, clinical nutritionists and wellness experts is there to address health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and excess weight.
Programs also include yoga classes, aqua aerobics, and meditation.

Accommodation:

Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort offers wide range of accommodation. Options include everything from rooms, bungalows, suites, or maisonettes, to full-scale villas.

Nutrition and cuisine:

A unique organic nutritional approach is applied according to each guest’s individual program and needs, including detoxing programs.

What to do and what to see:

There are complimentary daily activities such as lectures, morning hikes, and a Technogym-equipped gym with TRX. The roster of activities includes yoga, mat Pilates, energy movement and fit walks.

Milia Mountain Retreat

Location: A painstakingly restored settlement with traditional guesthouses, Milia is located in a mountainous and environmentally sensitive area of Western Crete, in the Chania area at the cent of the Kissamos province.

Facilities:

Milia Mountain Retreat is more about immersing yourself in the beautiful natural surroundings than following a formal program. It is basically an eco-environment that celebrates the local culture and cuisine.

Accommodation:

All the guesthouses in Milia Mountain Retreat are room-houses that pre-existed in the 15th century, carefully refurbished to detail, capturing some of the essence of that time. There are four kinds of rooms, including standard double rooms, large double rooms, suites and family apartments.

Nowadays, every single house has its own unique appeal and decor. Water is provided by natural springs and electricity is produced by solar panels. All houses have central heating, plus a fireplace or a wood stove for wintertime, ensuite bathrooms, balconies, patios or roof-terraces for relaxation. The rooms are surrounded by chestnut trees and a magnificent variety of plants.

Nutrition and cuisine:

The unique Cretan cuisine is based exclusively on fresh, quality products of the land and the gastronomic culture of the Cretans. The vegetables are picked from the certified organic garden, the meat is raised in Milia and the other products come from the nearby villages.

Cooking is usually done in casseroles and the wood-burning stove, and includes fresh handmade bread and delicious traditional dishes such as lamb with herbs, zucchini pot pie, vegetarian moussaka, exceptional soups, aubergine spread, and local handmade cheese and herb pies. Milia Mountain Retreat serves its own handcrafted wine, as well as many more wines by distinctive Cretan wine producers.

What to see and what to do:

The region of Western Crete is ideal for calm or adventurous holidays. Milia Mountain Retreat is located in the middle of the Kissamos region, making it easy to arrange daily or shorter excursions to some of the most beautiful spots in Crete. If you are looking for peace and quiet and a chance to unwind, take a stock of books to read or enjoy the board games available.

Turkey

The LifeCo Bodrum

Treatments and wellbeing:

At The LifeCo Bodrum, you can choose from six different, extremely effective Detox and Healthy Nutrition Plans. All programs are built around one of these plans with the option of enhancing the experience by trying various treatments and supporting therapies, nutritious supplements, physical and spiritual exercises, educational lectures, and raw-food workshops.

  • Various IV Treatments are available to boost the healing process and generate youthfulness.
  • Liver support package.
  • Diabetes recovery package
  • Cancer care.
  • Stem cell therapy programs.
  • Juice fasting programs (the master detox program has been recipient of various international awards).
  • Body composition analysis.
  • Tailored solutions.

Accommodation:

There is a choice between well-appointed standard rooms or suites.

Nutrition and cuisine:

There are numerous healthy nutrition and diet plans, all carefully composed to work effectively at optimizing physical health, and sense of wellbeing.

What to see and what to do:

Resort activities include yoga, meditation, beach activities, and daily nature walks. The charming town of Bodrum offers shopping, scenery, as well as lovely lanes and alleys to wander through.

NaturMed

Location:

Located high in the Samson Mountains near Kuşadasi, Natur-Med enjoys a mild climate and is only 4 km away from the coast of the Aegean Sea. One of Turkey’s first wellness resorts and spas, it benefits from thermal spring water that contains 30 different minerals. Along with the therapeutic properties of magnesium, sodium bicarbonate, calcium, bromine, iodine, and many other minerals, Natur-Med hot spring water has a high content of silicon dioxide, which is recognized as the rejuvenation mineral.

Facilities:

Facilities include an indoor thermal pool, two outdoor thermal pools, a fresh water outdoor pool disinfected with ozone, three private thermal pools, a Turkish Bath (hamam), a  fitness center, indoor and outdoor restaurants, a conference hall, laundry service, airport transfer, and wireless internet connection.

Treatments and wellness:

The health center offers a host of treatments and therapies, including rejuvenation, cleansing and anti-aging programs, treatments for chronic diseases, weight loss programs, pain treatments, quit-smoking therapies, treatments for depression, osteoporosis, arthritis, rheumatism, fibromyalgia, skin diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, asthma, diabetes, wellness and beauty packages. This includes ozone therapy, colon hydrotherapy, massages, lymphatic drainage, pressotherapy, SWT (sound wave therapy), magnetic field therapy, vitamin and mineral therapy, personal training and mud treatments.

Accommodation:

50 standard and suite rooms.

Nutrition and cuisine:

The wellbeing routine is supported by a healthy detox diet with fresh juices.

What to see and what to do:

The Natur-Med daily program offers group activities like forest walks, fresh thermal mineral spring water cures, yoga and Pilates, water gym, saunas and a Turkish Bath.

Cyprus

Ayii Anargyri Natural Healing Spa

Resort

Tel: +357 2681 4003

Web: www.aasparesort.com

Myrianthousa Spa – Casale Panagiotis

Tel: +357 2295 2444

Facebook @Myrianthousa-Spa

Facebook @casalepanayiotis

Greece

Euphoria Retreat

Tel: +30 2731 306 111

Instagram / Facebook @

EuphoriaRetreat

Web: www.euphoriaretreat.com/en/

Out of the Blue – Capsis Elite Resort

Tel: +30 281 081 1112

Instagram : @capsisoutoftheblue

Facebook: @CapsisEliteResortCrete

Web: www.capsis.com

Milia Mountain Retreat

Tel: +30 694 5753743

Instagram : @miliamountainretreat

Facebook: @miliacrete

Web: www.milia.gr

Turkey

The LifeCo Bodrum

Tel: +90 252 377 6310

Instagram / Facebook @thelifeco

Web: www.thelifeco.com

NaturMed

Tel: + 0256 657 2280

Instagram: @naturmedkusadasi

Facebook: Natur-Med Kuşadası

Web: www.natur-med.com.tr

The Nest at Botanica: A Blissful Retreat on Cairo’s Doorstep

When vacation season has been officially over for a while, the stress of city life starts to wear you down. Despair not, there is an idyllic spot with minimal noise nearby where you can unwind and recuperate for a couple of days. We caught up with Katherine Jones, Manager of The Nest to learn everything you need to know about this new holistic retreat and how to plan your next escape from the frantic pace of Cairo.

How did the idea of creating The Nest come about?

KJ: The idea for The Nest was inspired by a growing need to escape city life. The Nest was set up in a large botanical farm called Botanica, established by Khaled Shoukry almost 20 years ago. His vision was to create a space where people could come to get away from their stressful lives and reconnect with nature.

Where is The Nest located?

We are located on the Cairo-Alex Desert road at Exit 5; it takes about an hour to reach us from Maadi and Down Town Cairo.

What can we expect?

The Nest is essentially a botanical garden which covers roughly 100 feddans. The land is tucked away from the main road, so when you arrive you really feel like you’ve stepped away from the city and can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. We have many mature exotic trees and cacti which make the place feel like a real forest.

What are the accommodation options?

There is a variety of rooms to meet different needs and budgets. We have two double rooms with ensuite bathrooms, a guest house with two double rooms, a shared living room and kitchen, two huts with a star-gazing roof and we also allow camping.

What facilities and amenities does The Nest offer?

As well as the accommodation and botanical forest, there is a beautiful space for classes, built a tree-level and surrounded with netting so you really feel like you’re practicing among the trees but without any insects! We can also arrange for an indoor space to practice in if the weather requires it.

Are all meals provided?

Yes, for retreats and private bookings we provide two or three delicious vegetarian meals per day, served as a buffet. We also welcome guests who wish to rent the guest house, which has its own kitchen, and they can bring their own food.

Can people come as individuals or only in organised groups?

The Nest welcomes both so long as they share our views on a holistic lifestyle.

Is there a minimum age requirement?

We are open to all ages.

Can pets be accommodated?

No, as we have our own team of friendly dogs and any new additions can unbalance their hierarchy.

How can we book?

The Nest accepts reservations by email or through the Facebook Page.

Are there any rules or requirements in place that people should know about?

There is a strict policy against drugs and alcohol, and smoking is only permitted in outdoor spaces. We also ask that people avoid playing loud music unless it is part of a group exercise such as ecstatic dance. We do not have Wi-Fi and the phone signal can be erratic but we see this as a wonderful opportunity to disconnect from electronics and take time to be with nature. We also request that you take any plastic garbage away with you as we only recycle paper and organic waste.

Contact info:

Email:  thenestbotanica@gmail.com

Facebook: The Nest at Botanica

Instagram: @thenest_botanica

How Food Affects Our Mood

There are days when you feel on top of the world, and days when your energy plummets and you are down in the dumps. Sometimes you can’t pin down an actual reason. Maybe a look at what you’re eating is due. They key to managing our moods and mental health lies very much in our diet. After all, you are what you eat, remember!

Leading nutritionist, health coach and certified health professional, Noura Hassaballa de-mystifies things for us.

The way our diet impacts our mood is a hot topic these days, what is the core principle in this finding?

NH: After carrying out research doctors, scientists and dieticians have found that food has a big impact on our moods. The consumption of refined sugars and starches like pasta, cookies, white flour and bakery products has a decidedly negative effect.

What foodstuffs impact our mood and state of mind, either positively or negatively?

When you eat a lot of refined sugar or starch, your blood sugar level spikes up right away, only to drop drastically after about an hour or so, making you feel cranky or low. This is known as an ‘energy crash’. The Cleveland Clinic has advised people to avoid processed and sugary foods, juices and sodas.

The reverse effect happens with the consumption of complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, brown rice, quinoa and fruits. They take much longer to digest, so maintain a steadier level of blood sugar, resulting in fewer mood swings.

What are the most important nutrients required to maintain a calm, positive, alert state?

Above all, we need to have a balanced diet to maintain a happy, healthy lifestyle and a stable mood. Proteins are the main source for this, with foods like lean organic poultry, fish and low-fat Greek yoghurt. Proteins slow down the absorption of carbohydrates, which helps in the release of dopamine and norepinephrine, both of which help you stay calm and focus more.

I recommend avoiding red meat unless you are sure it is organic or grass fed. Meat from other sources can have very high levels of hormones or antibiotics. A recent study also showed that there was a marked increase in violent behavior in men who consumed red meat on a regular basis.

What foods give us that extra boost when we are feeling down?

Look for complex carbohydrates. They play an important role in releasing serotonin, the ‘happy hormone’. Foods containing tryptophan, such as dairy, salmon, spinach, eggs, nuts and poultry also help in this. Vitamin B12 is also very important for the neurons which affect our moods and energy levels. When we are stressed or depressed it breaks down the Vitamin B12 in our bodies, so we need to keep topped up with leafy green vegetables, lentils, salmon, broccoli and oats.

Avoid foods high in sugar, preservatives, hydrogenated fats and canned foods, as it has been found that they contain additives which mimic our DNA, causing a lot of problems, such as autoimmune diseases that we had not seen before. Along with a healthy diet it is important to increase our exercise and activity levels. Any physical activity releases endorphins, which play a critical role in boosting our mood.

Which foods can boost our brainpower and concentration?

Seafood keeps us calmer, through its high levels of Omega 3. Omega 3 plays a vital role in how our brain functions by enhancing our memory and ability to focus. We should eat fish at least three times a week as it is also important for cardiac health. The spices saffron and turmeric are also important. They have been very effective in the treatment of Alzheimer’s.

Does the time of day we eat influence our nutrition and mood?

It is important to avoid eating a heavy meal loaded with a lot of fat or carbohydrates at night. Your last meal of the day should be at least three to four hours before you go to sleep, as your brain works involuntarily while you are sleeping for digestion and stabilizing the hormones. Have a light snack before sleeping, but avoid carbohydrates and sugar.

Our bodies should ideally fast for 12 hours each day. This helps us to get into a fat-burning mode. It makes you feel lighter, you wake up with more energy, and it aids your metabolism. We should be eating frequently during the day, in small portions every three or four hours to enable our bodies to process efficiently.

5 TIPS TO MAINTAINING POSITIVITY THROUGH FOOD

  • Emotional eating is an easy trap to fall into. We need to focus on our state of mind rather than reaching for comfort food. Whether we are angry, happy, stressed or sad, the first question should be, “Am I hungry?”
  • Water plays an important role in our food consumption. Sometimes you are actually thirsty and dehydrated and your body simply signals it incorrectly. Drink some water and wait ten minutes to see if you still think you are hungry.
  • Don’t go without eating for long periods. Your blood sugar can drop and create a state of hypoglycemia. Have small regular meals that contain complex carbohydrates so the release of serotonin remains stable.
  • Pick healthy options. Aim for 90% healthy and 10% free choice each week.
  • Don’t aim to stick to a very strict diet for a long time. It can be depressing. Allow yourself small quantities of foods outside your usual meal plan.

 

5 BAD CHOICES PEOPLE MAKE WITH FOOD

  • People often make the mistake of going food shopping when they are hungry. It is so easy to end up buying food that you don’t need, or want.
  • Skipping breakfast. When you skip the first meal of the day you are much more likely to overeat during the remainder of the day.
  • Using a busy schedule as an excuse for poor food choices. I recommend that a meal plate should be 50% green, with salad or leafy green vegetables, 25% complex carbohydrates, like brown rice, quinoa or lentils, and the remainder should be proteins.
  • Even if it states that there is no added sugar, it does not mean a juice is sugar-free. Juices naturally contain a lot of sugar.
  • Caffeine consumption should be kept to a healthy level. Too much caffeine causes insulin resistance and raises our cortisol levels.

2 MYTHS ABOUT FOOD & MOOD

  • Why do we think that eating chocolate makes us happy? It is actually the cocoa in the chocolate that boosts our mood, not the sugar. That will just give us sugar spikes.
  • Eating junk food as ‘comfort’ food. Burgers and fries only give a temporary boost, the longer term effects are the reverse.

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