Blockages in the body are revealed by tenderness in areas of the feet or the therapist will come across a build-up of crystals says
“Blockages in the body are revealed by tenderness in areas of the feet, or the therapist will come across a build-up of crystals,” says Katie. “These can be released with pressure, which stimulates the meridians in the foot and the organs relating to them. It’s excellent for getting the endocrine system in peak condition.”Where: contact the British Reflexology Association (01886 821207).How much: pounds 15-pounds 30 a session.36THE BERKELEY, LONDON SW1Where better to repair after a serious shopping session in Knightsbridge? The Berkeley provides a luxury haven in the heart of London on its “Day Spa Escape”. Work up a sweat in the excellent gym before submitting to a series of deluxe treatments – Sarah pronounces the Dior range “just divine”. Perhaps the Berkeley’s biggest draw, though, is a swimming pool with views over Hyde Park and a roof that opens up in fine weather. An all-round “mega-pampering experience,” promises Sarah.Where: Wilton Place, London SW1 (0171-201 1699).
How much: pounds 225 for the Day Spa Escape.37PALMS HEALTH & FITNESS CLUB, NORFOLKPart of the glossy Potters Leisure Resort, this health and fitness club offers a Flame Award-winning combination of high-tech commitment to fitness, with a cardiovascular studio, personal training regimes and soul-seducing spa facilities – including a Turkish bath and two indoor pools.Where: Coast Road, Hopton-on-Sea, Norfolk (01502 734869) Mon-Fri 7 am-9.45pm, Sat 7.45am-2pm, Sun 8am-10pmHow much: annual membership pounds 420, no joining fee.38SURVIVAL SCHOOLGetting back to nature is a tougher task than dropping your kecks and making daisy chains. Ex-SAS man Ginge Tyler’s survival school in the Brecon Beacons offers a rigorous mental and physical workout for willing victims “This is not for vegetarians,” advises Rupert. “You learn how to trap and kill, as well as build shelters, start a fire and navigate at night.” Tyler keeps the pace slow so that you can take in the landscape, “but if you want steep, he’ll give you steep.” For those less adept at living off the land, Rupert recommends stashing chocolate to stave off hunger pangs.Where: Breakaway Survival School, 17 Hugh Thomas Ave, Holmer, Hereford (01432 267097).How much: weekend course pounds 60; five-day course pounds 150.39CYCLINGJohn Prescott became an unlikely bike ambassador this year when he swapped his Jag for two wheels and exhorted us to ride to work. Besides alleviating mental stress by allowing you to dodge gridlock, cycling is a fun way to an excellent cardiovascular and muscle-toning workout which is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. And don’t limit your horizons to the high street: the National Cycling Network gives alternative routes to ensure pleasant pedalling in both town and country.Where: contact the National Cycle Network (0117-929 0888) for details of maps and courses on safety.How much: new, standard bikes cost anything from pounds 50 to pounds 450; maps pounds 5.99.40REIKI”Reiki means `universal energy’,” says Katie.
Practitioners simply channel this energy through themselves to the patient by laying on hands. “You’re a technician who changes the fuse to make the energy for the light to work,” explains practitioner Firouzeh Tajadod. The aim is to release energy which has become blocked by a negative mindset, stressful lifestyle, etc. “It’s very grounding,” says Katie, “and good for both healing and general wellbeing, with the added benefit that you can practise it on yourself” – even on your pets.Where: send an SAE to the Reiki Association, Cornbrook Bridge House, Clee Hill, Ludlow, or The Reiki School, Budworth, Shay Lane, Hale, Cheshire.
How much: from pounds 30 a session.41DORCHESTER SPA, LONDON W1An enticing menu of treatments will wrestle body, mind and soul into blissful submission at this urban retreat. “You feel like you’re being pampered by the best hands in Britain,” says Sarah. “I’d book myself in if I had a really special evening planned – and I’d have the works.” A state-of-the-art gym will equip you with stamina for a night on the town, for which you can add the finishing touch here: a cut in the salon of the Hairdresser of the Year, Charles Worthington.Where: Park Lane, London W1 (0171-495 7335) 7am-9.30pm daily.How much: pounds 35 per day for use of pool, sauna, etc; treatments extra.42CLEMENTS HALL LEISURE CENTRE, ESSEXFast approaching its 20th year, Clements Hall remains one of the UK’s top leisure centres, testimony to its sensitivity to fitness trends (Body Pump, etc) and its ability to cater for a diverse clientele (they have a creche, holiday activities for kids, and facilities such as pool hoists for the disabled). Runner- up in the Flame Awards for Manager of the Year, Wendy Edwards presides over a team that works hard to maintain a club atmosphere which is stimulating but welcoming.Where: Clements Hall Way, Hawkwell, Essex (01702 207777) Mon-Fri 7am- 11pm, Sat & Sun from 8am.How much: monthly membership pounds 35, plus pounds 50 joining fee.43SWIMMING WITH SEALSThe warm, clear waters of the Isles of Scilly play host to a marvellous array of sealife, accessible on one of Mark Groves’ “underwater safaris”.
No experience is needed for his trips to swim with the local seal colony. “This is something everyone should do,” says Rupert, recalling a magical experience. “Seals are athletic swimmers, and these, well used to people, carve sweeping arabesques and circles around you as you hover on the surface.” What better way to get body and soul in perfect harmony?Where: Island Underwater Safaris, “Nowhere”, Old Town, St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly (01720 422732) Easter onwards.How much: snorkelling pounds 30.44YOGAStrike a pose in the name of health with this perennially popular discipline. Deriving its name from the ancient Sanscrit meaning “union”, yoga promotes harmony within ourselves – mind, body and spirit – and the world.