The best virtual spas to check in to now for some R&R

The best virtual spas to check in to now for some R&R… As we become better-acquainted with our homes (and the contents of our wine cooler), many of us are hankering after a serious mind- and body-overhaul.according to tatler.com, Fortunately, some of the very best spas and retreats around the world are bringing the art of detox into our homes, virtually…

In need of a skin MOT? ESPA have the answer – and their YouTube and Instagram pages are where you’ll find some expert facial and makeup masterclasses, designed to help those at home overhaul their beauty rituals. Otherwise, their Essence of Modern Alchemy series is available via Instagram Live and promotes reconnection and self-care. Stay tuned for more information on their virtual, one-to-one skin consultations which launch this month.

read also; Spas for the soul

When it comes to fitness, plenty of gyms are offering effective, on-screen solutions – but Mandarin Oriental has gone one step further. A partnership with global health and fitness platform Grokker means that those at home can turn their sitting room into a veritable wellness centre, with complimentary 60-day access to the platform. Sessions range from Pilates to full-body workouts, plus there’s some wonderfully restorative yoga and meditation (good for days when you can’t summon the energy to work up a sweat)…

Other wellness destinations offering mindful solutions to lockdown include Rancho La Puerta, which has launched a ten-part meditation series with author and meditation guru, Dr Elliott Dacher, via Zoom; and Ayurvedic spa, Ananda, which is sharing basic Pranayama (breathwork) and meditations via Instagram and YouTube. Closer to home, Bodhimaya founder Cornelius O’Shaughnessy is offering complimentary, 30-minute Zoom meditations each morning at 8am – otherwise, why not book his newly-launched At Home Retreat, which can be tailored to address immune system support, gut repair, hormonal imbalance, stress and anxiety?

For those seeking ongoing support, look no further than Mytras-based spa Euphoria’s Virtual Retreat. Rooted in Greek philosophy and mythology, the immersive programme enables attendees to explore a different element each week via a series of wellness practices that are at once healing, grounding and uplifting – while daily webinars with founder Marina Efraimoglou and spiritual mentor, Mary Vandorou, means that followers can dip in and dip out with ease. Meanwhile, for targeted support and mental clarity, look no further than the Original FX Mayr, where cure coach Claudia Waldner is offering Skype sessions to help during lockdown. Their Instagram is also bursting with alkalising, gut-friendly recipes and cooking tips to spark joy in the kitchen.

Otherwise, you could look to One&Only, which has just launched online platform ‘One&Only At Home’ on its website and social channels. With recipes dedicated to the joy of travel, featured dishes (such as the One&Only Royal Mirage’s signature chicken tagine, and the One&Only Palmilla’s spicy yet virtuous avocado margarita) are both healthy and easy-to-prep. While Chiva Som – famous for its non-depriving weight-loss programmes – has launched an on-demand library of inspiring wellness content across its channels, covering energy-boosting recipes and holistic wellbeing advice, as well as tutorials on immunity-boosting, self-massage and how to have a better night’s sleep.

Though just as remedial is to recalibrate through the power of sound, courtesy of Antonis Sarris, head therapist at Alpina Gstaad (find his energetic sound healing session on the hotel’s Facebook page). Otherwise ilapothecary are running gong bathing sessions throughout the week with head therapist, Sophie Andrews (classes cost £10, redeemable against products); while Athena Ko (otherwise known as the Gong Girl, she’s normally found at Bamford Brompton Cross) – is offering her dreamy sound baths via Instagram Live – so you can roll straight into bed afterwards. See? Sometimes there’s a silver lining to staying at home…