'Spas can be hardcore': Jodie Kidd on finding her balance
The former model and racing driver turned pub landlady seizes the opportunity to recharge anywhere she can put the brakes on, from the mountains of Nepal to the Surrey countryside.
WELLNESS BREAKS OFFER A COMPLETE RESET of your brain, your eating habits, your self-care routine and fitness habits. I come away from them feeling really refreshed and recharged. It can be difficult to make the time to take care of yourself when you lead a busy life, but it pays dividends.
WE NEED TO BE KINDER TO OURSELVES. We live in a society that likes to run at a pace that isn’t sustainable or desirable for a lot of people – like a hamster on a wheel that can’t get off – and that has dire effects on your body. It’s nice to be able to put the brakes on, be kind to yourself, eat good food and scrub, buff and cleanse away your stress. It does so much for you mentally, and if you spoil yourself you feel better able to take on your daily chaos – or even change how that chaos is impacting you.
BEING AMONG NATURE IS INCREDIBLY CALMING. The Datai Langkawi is a luxury beachside and eco-retreat set in the rainforest in Malaysia. Its Ayurvedic treatments are legendary among the glitterati. If you’re a foodie, then its Michelin-starred chefs won’t disappoint.
I FIND THERE’S SOMETHING VERY HEALING about being in the mountains. The purity of the air gives me a tremendous sense of energy and I get a massive sense of peace.
THE BRITISH COUNTRYSIDE IS A GREAT SPOT FOR A SPA BREAK.Pennyhill Park in Surrey is one of my favourite spas in the UK and it’s where the England rugby team train. One of the nicest treatments I’ve ever had was there, which involved getting a full body scrub, then wrapped in a sheet and tucked up in a giant blanket. I sweat like never before, but my skin after the two-hour session was glowing.
FITNESS IS KEY TO WELLBEING. Skiing is perfect for clearing your head. You get up early and as soon as you’ve done that first run, all the cobwebs are blown away. I also love experiencing the world on horseback. Your viewpoint is different and it’s a great way of seeing the sights. There are so many incredible journeys, such as trekking over the Andes and following the Spice Trail. You also get a great workout even though the horse is doing most of the work.
SPAS CAN BE HARDCORE. If you want a scientific wellness retreat, then head to Viva Mayr in Austria. It can tackle an array of health concerns, both physical, mental and emotional. But be warned – it can be quite brutal and strict!
ONE OF MY MOST SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCESwas in a remote monastery in Nepal. When I walked in, I was surrounded by the monks chanting – the noise and the incense was soporific and calming. Then one of the monks took me into a prayer room for private meditation. Everything just came to a grinding halt. Meditation is about living in the now and helps ease worries. It also helps to put things in perspective.
GO EASY ON THE FOOD when travelling abroad. I start off by eating as plainly as I can until I slowly introduce new ways of cooking to my diet. Nothing unusual or fancy; basic vegetarian curries are best in India and Asia.
I WASN’T PARTICULARLY IMPRESSED BY BALI. I went with high hopes, but it was just a bit mad, a bit crazy for me. Closer to home, the Cowshed spa at Babington House didn’t live up to the hype.
YOGA IS A GREAT WAY TO LOOSEN UP AFTER A FLIGHT. Download a yoga app to your tablet or phone and do some basic stretches. Yoga is great because you can do it anywhere – although maybe not the downward dog in the aisle of a plane! Once you arrive at a destination, a gentle run and a swim can also help you feel less crunched up.
KEEP THE POST-HOLIDAY GLOW GOINGby bathing with fizzy Epsom salts to keep your body cleansed of toxins and your skin dewy.
I WOULD LOVE TO VISIT HAWAII AND BORA BORA – they’ve both got an amazing holistic vibe, but Bora Bora’s remoteness makes it special.
Interview by Sarah Ewing
Balance Your Life by Jodie Kidd and Amélie Khellaf-Govett is published by DK, priced ￡16.99.