Staying In

Try A Dark Shower

Struggling to get a good night’s shuteye? The latest sleep hack to go viral online is dark showering – and unlike many social media fads, this one is backed by science. The sleep perks of taking a hot bath or shower before bed have been well-documented: the hot water temporarily heats you up before triggering a rapid cool down afterwards, which aids the natural body’s natural temperature regulation process and results in better sleep. Meanwhile, studies show the type of light we see in the hours leading up to bedtime has a critical effect on sleep as light regulates our circadian rhythms – while also influencing the body’s production of melatonin, AKA the sleep hormone. The principles of dark showering also ring true in Ayurvedic medicine. ‘“Dark showering” isn’t a traditional Ayurvedic term, but it reflects a broader concept from Ayurveda known as Snāna, or mindful bathing, described in texts like the Charaka Samhita,’ explains Dr. Vijay Murthy, Ayurvedic doctor and founder of The Murthy Clinic. ‘Bathing was seen as a daily reset for both body and mind, ideally done in a calm, non-stimulating environment.’ Keen to give it a go? Don’t go full dark mode: dim lights or a couple of candles will prevent accidents (a non-slip mat would also be welcome).

Going Out

Be First In At The New Calcot Treehouses

Bookings are finally open for Calcot Manor & Spa’s treehouse escapes. Scheduled to open this June, the new hideaways are nestled amongst 220 acres of rewilded land – giving guests the chance to enjoy the Cotswolds’ wild beauty, without giving up any home comforts. Treehouses sleep up to four guests, and come with all the amenities for a well-rooted break in nature: binoculars for birdwatching, rewilding maps, panoramic views of the surrounding woodland plus a private deck to take it all in. (Make sure to take a moment to look out from the balcony; you’ll be able to see birds flying across the meadow in the day, and stars shining brightly in the sky at night.) And if you’re craving some social interaction, fear not – treehouses are just a stone’s throw from the hotel (and its luxurious spa and restaurant). Bookings are open now at calcot.co

Property Of The Day

From the architect behind Oxford’s Bridge of Sighs (technical name: Hertford Bridge), this Grade II listed country home in Somerset is a landmark in its own right. 

On the market for £3.5m, search.savills.com

Little Luxury

Forget your morning porridge: Pavyllon London is taking the most important meal of the day up a notch, offering the capital’s first Michelin-starred breakfast tasting menu. Expect five courses that elevate the classics, with an optional drinks pairing including the pleasingly named amuse juice. Saturdays from 6.30am and Sundays from 7am. £70pp + £20pp for the drinks pairing. opentable.com

Competition Time

Enter now for the chance to win a SkinCeuticals best-sellers bundle worth £464. Experience the ultimate defence against signs of ageing and reveal glass-skin radiance with this SkinCeuticals best-sellers routine, featuring C E Ferulic (30ml), the renowned Vitamin C serum, P-TIOX (30ml), a revolutionary wrinkle modulating peptide serum and Advanced RGN-6 (50ml), a skin rejuvenation cream.

Psssst…

For the first time in its 107-year history, Aperol Spritz has launched a ready-to-drink can. That’s our summer picnic drink, sorted.

Whatever You Do, Don’t

Drag yourself to the gym in the mornings if you’re more of a night owl: health researchers say you should exercise at the time of day that best suits your own internal body clock. This comes off the back of a new study which explored the impact of synchronising workouts – with the evidence suggesting doing so could boost exercise performance (ultimately meaning we reap more benefits).