Latest news with #MichelleThomas
Khaleej Times
28-02-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Ramadan 2025 in Dubai: Private schools ready to shift to remote learning on Fridays
Private schools in Dubai have confirmed their readiness to implement the decision allowing remote learning on Fridays throughout the holy month of Ramadan. They have also emphasised their flexibility in ensuring a smooth transition between in-person education for those who prefer it and distance learning, helping students balance academic performance and family commitments while honouring the spiritual essence of the month. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Michelle Thomas, Principal/CEO of GEMS Al Barsha National School, highlighted, 'Providing the option for remote learning on Fridays allows students to balance their academic commitments with spiritual and family time, fostering a more holistic learning experience,' she said. Thomas assured that the school fully supports this initiative, which reflects the leadership's commitment to student well-being and family unity during Ramadan. 'For families who prefer in-person learning, our school will remain open and fully operational, ensuring students continue to receive structured, high-quality education in a supportive environment,' she added. 'Our teachers and staff will be on hand to facilitate in-person learning, maintaining the same level of engagement and academic rigor as always. At the same time, we are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for students who opt for remote learning, leveraging our advanced digital platforms and interactive teaching methods.' The school's decision aligns with Dubai's recent announcement allowing private school students to study remotely on Fridays throughout Ramadan. However, students with mandatory in-person examinations on Fridays must attend school for their exams. Additionally, schools are encouraged to accommodate families for whom remote learning may not be suitable by allowing students to participate in person if needed. Flexible approach to education during Ramadan Kelvin Hornsby, CEO/Principal of GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi and Senior Vice President of education at GEMS Education, praised the initiative, calling it a 'visionary decision' that supports family, well-being, and balance during Ramadan. 'Allowing students to learn remotely on Fridays helps them manage their studies while also observing the spiritual and family aspects of the holy month,' he said. He also highlighted the importance of flexibility, noting that 'offering in-person learning when needed shows the UAE's commitment to inclusivity and personalised education.' He assured that GEMS schools will stay open for students who prefer to attend in person, with a full teaching schedule for both remote and in-person learners. 'We will ensure a safe and supportive environment, with adjustments for fasting students, like less physical activity and quiet spaces for reflection,' he explained. Hornsby emphasised that GEMS Education is also taking steps to ensure that online lessons remain engaging and effective. We understand that Ramadan affects daily routines, so we are adjusting schedules and encouraging cultural activities to help students appreciate and respect the traditions of this special time. 'Earlier, the Ministry of Education (MoE) announced that all public school students will also have remote learning on Fridays during Ramadan, further reinforcing the UAE's commitment to student well-being and academic flexibility during the holy month. Service-learning Friday To make distance learning more effective and engaging, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) announced on Friday the launch of the Service Learning Friday initiative for all students across Abu Dhabi as part of UAE's year of communication. Running throughout Ramadan, this initiative redefines how students connect with the world beyond their classrooms by integrating academic knowledge with real-world impact. Every Friday during Ramadan, schools in Abu Dhabi will focus on service learning instead of traditional lessons. This hands-on approach helps students engage with their communities, contribute to meaningful causes, and develop essential life skills, making it a vital part of education. Students will partner with local organisations on environmental conservation, support for people of determination, cultural preservation, and health promotion initiatives. Through activities like planting trees and recording oral histories, they will foster empathy, leadership, and responsibility — qualities not taught in textbooks.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
6 of the top retreats and spas to beat burnout
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). 'Burnout' is a term we've become increasingly familiar with over the past decade. A report published at the beginning of 2024 by charity Mental Health UK revealed one in five people polled had to take time off work due to a mental health crisis. Another shocking statistic: with 35% of adults experiencing extreme stress, the UK could wind up a 'burnt-out nation'. In a frenetic, increasingly inter-connected world, it can feel like there's no escape. Thankfully, more of us are recognising the symptoms and seeking help — and it's out there. A growing number of wellness centres are offering tailored burnout breaks; examples include a 28-day immersive programme at Clinic Les Alpes in Switzerland and a digital detox at The Burnout Recovery Journey at the Sanctuary Beach Resort in Monterey County, California. The latter targets tech-fatigue with a 'disconnect to reconnect' approach, alongside sleep hypnosis. Michelle Thomas, meanwhile, founded Portuguese retreat centre, Quinta Carvalhas. 'Common threads of burnout are chronic fatigue, mental fog, detachment and a growing sense that even small tasks are overwhelming,' she explains. 'Very commonly, people just 'don't feel like themselves'. They obsess over getting small unimportant tasks exactly right while neglecting the bigger things. That's what we tackle here.' In the UK, there's Unplugged, with 20 off-grid cabins nationwide. Co-founder Hector Hughes says he experienced burnout himself while working on a tech start-up. After spending two weeks at a silent retreat in the Himalayas, he hatched a plan to create his own retreats, where guests completely switch off (you hand over your devices at check-in) and recharge surrounded by nature. The formats of burnout retreats vary, with some focusing on talking therapies while others provide silence and seclusion to soothe strung-out spirits. What they all agree on, however, is the need for a nurturing and replenishing environment — a safe space. Below, we shine a spotlight on six of the best, from a mindfulness break in Portugal to a hiking sojourn in Canada. 'Firmete' means 'take a break' in the Puglian dialect, and the ethos of this new retreat revolves around creating a sanctuary for the mind. The concept forms part of a revitalised wellness programme at Borgo Egnazia, set in an ancient borgo (hamlet) in the peaceful Puglian countryside, in southern Italy. The five-day programme allows guests to pause, breathe and re-focus. Bespoke workshops have been designed to help them regain balance, free the mind from negativity and support cognitive function through activities such as juggling and outdoor yoga. These are blended with more traditional approaches such a massage and meditation, while sensory walks and forest bathing among olive trees encourage guests to reconnect with nature. The five-day retreat costs from €4,720 (£3,900) per person on a full-board basis. This farm-turned-luxury-retreat is the kind of place where you can pad to breakfast in your pyjamas. Owner, yoga teacher and reiki master Michelle Thomas explains that guests arrive expecting to be active and do things, but as they find inner peace and stillness, they gradually let go. It takes a minimum of three days' deep rest, she says, before energy levels rise and they have the mental space to engage. Quinta Carvalhas is an hour from Lisbon in the rolling green Ribatejo countryside. The team helps guests put together their own tailor-made retreat, choosing from activities such as sound healing sessions, yoga, meditation, reiki and art and equine therapy (utilising the healing power of horses). Swimming in the sprawling saltwater pool, listening to the birds sing, watching the sun set over the pond and feeling the earth beneath their feet also helps to reground and reconnect people with both nature and themselves. Prices start from around €720 (£595) per person for a three-night stay on a full-board basis. Wellness travel pioneer Stella Photi founded Wellbeing Escapes after a high-flying career led her to experience burnout first hand. She sees it as a modern-day epidemic. 'A survey we conducted last year showed that 53% of our clients named it as a top reason for booking with us,' she says. 'I believe burnout comes from normalising or pushing through chronic stress symptoms, and we're seeing a growing demand for specialist retreats to help beat it.' So much so that in March she's launching an annual two-day retreat to teach preventative techniques and share her experience and expertise. She's bringing in experts such as transformational coach and author Claudia Roth. The retreat will be held at 17th-century Tofte Manor, surrounded by a 50-acre estate. Dedicated to self-care, it will show how to reduce chronic stress, slow down and guard against burnout. Activities will include mindful movement, such as restorative yoga and qigong, stress management, seasonal eating and journaling workshops, plus pre-sleep sound baths to calm the nervous system. The two-night retreat runs from 14-16 March and costs £595 per person full-board in a shared room. A desert-meets-coast oasis on the northern tip of Qatar, the Middle Eastern outpost of legendary Thai wellness resort Chiva-Som is low-slung and honey-hued, with architecture designed to resemble a traditional Qatari village. Chiva-Som's wellbeing philosophy believes that a balanced mind, body and spirit makes people thrive. Here, the team look to achieve this by blending traditional Arabic and Islamic medicine (TAIM) with modern therapies, and the personalised burnout retreats start with a wellness consultation. From there, therapists create a targeted, tailor-made stress reset programme. Designed to help guests recuperate from mental fatigue and make sustainable lifestyle changes, each day features a mix of holistic activities and relaxing treatments such as the Tadleek massage with heated stones and herbal oils to help lymphatic drainage. Add this to meditation, pranayama breathing, reiki and the slow rhythmic movements of Tai Chi, guests learn to switch off. From £650 per person per night. Disconnecting from the noise and distractions of the modern world can relieve the symptoms of adrenal burnout. The Maamunagau Resort in the Maldives has recognised the healing power of peace and quiet, and the Hermit Days Silent Immersion programme allows guests to sink into stillness surrounded by the beauty of the Raa Atoll. Days are spent in privacy and seclusion, while a dedicated wellness mentor designs a personalised programme of activities and mindfulness practices. Yoga, meditation and spa treatments promote relaxation and help guests reconnect with themselves. 'Our silent retreats were inspired by a desire to create a sanctuary for those seeking a break from their busy lives,' wellness mentor Seema Rana explains. 'This state of quietness allows individuals to reflect on their thoughts and emotions in a focused manner. By integrating mindfulness practices and holistic wellness approaches, we aim to support people in achieving a deeper sense of peace.' Villas from £780 per night based on two sharing. 'Health, happiness and hiking' is the promise of this retreat, set in British Columbia's majestic mountains. For the past 30 years, from a base in a pine-cradled lodge, Mountain Trek has been helping people reboot their minds and bodies. Created as a place to unplug and recharge, it encourages guests to start the day with a green smoothie and detoxifying lemon and ginger tea. From there, expect daily three- to four-hour hikes, functional fitness classes, lifestyle talks, sunrise yoga, guided relaxation sessions and therapeutic massages. There's no alcohol, caffeine or sugar on site and the combination of physical exertion, recovery massages and mental health discussions combine to help guests return home revitalised, their physical, emotional and mental health rebalanced. A one-week Health Reset Package costs from £5,250 per person on an all-inclusive basis. Published in the Spa & Wellness Collection 2025 by National Geographic Traveller (UK).To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
National Geographic
19-02-2025
- Health
- National Geographic
6 of the top retreats and spas to beat burnout
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). 'Burnout' is a term we've become increasingly familiar with over the past decade. A report published at the beginning of 2024 by charity Mental Health UK revealed one in five people polled had to take time off work due to a mental health crisis. Another shocking statistic: with 35% of adults experiencing extreme stress, the UK could wind up a 'burnt-out nation'. In a frenetic, increasingly inter-connected world, it can feel like there's no escape. Thankfully, more of us are recognising the symptoms and seeking help — and it's out there. A growing number of wellness centres are offering tailored burnout breaks; examples include a 28-day immersive programme at Clinic Les Alpes in Switzerland and a digital detox at The Burnout Recovery Journey at the Sanctuary Beach Resort in Monterey County, California. The latter targets tech-fatigue with a 'disconnect to reconnect' approach, alongside sleep hypnosis. Michelle Thomas, meanwhile, founded Portuguese retreat centre, Quinta Carvalhas. 'Common threads of burnout are chronic fatigue, mental fog, detachment and a growing sense that even small tasks are overwhelming,' she explains. 'Very commonly, people just 'don't feel like themselves'. They obsess over getting small unimportant tasks exactly right while neglecting the bigger things. That's what we tackle here.' In the UK, there's Unplugged, with 20 off-grid cabins nationwide. Co-founder Hector Hughes says he experienced burnout himself while working on a tech start-up. After spending two weeks at a silent retreat in the Himalayas, he hatched a plan to create his own retreats, where guests completely switch off (you hand over your devices at check-in) and recharge surrounded by nature. The formats of burnout retreats vary, with some focusing on talking therapies while others provide silence and seclusion to soothe strung-out spirits. What they all agree on, however, is the need for a nurturing and replenishing environment — a safe space. Below, we shine a spotlight on six of the best, from a mindfulness break in Portugal to a hiking sojourn in Canada. 1. Borgo Egnazia, Puglia, Italy 'Firmete' means 'take a break' in the Puglian dialect, and the ethos of this new retreat revolves around creating a sanctuary for the mind. The concept forms part of a revitalised wellness programme at Borgo Egnazia, set in an ancient borgo (hamlet) in the peaceful Puglian countryside, in southern Italy. The five-day programme allows guests to pause, breathe and re-focus. Bespoke workshops have been designed to help them regain balance, free the mind from negativity and support cognitive function through activities such as juggling and outdoor yoga. These are blended with more traditional approaches such a massage and meditation, while sensory walks and forest bathing among olive trees encourage guests to reconnect with nature. The five-day retreat costs from €4,720 (£3,900) per person on a full-board basis. Quinta Carvalhas offers a selection of retreats and workshops to soothe both mind and body. Photograph by Rebecca Hope Photography The grounds at the Quinta Carvalhas farm retreat are designed to induce ultimate zen moments. Quinta Carvalhas 2. Quinta Carvalhas, Portugal This farm-turned-luxury-retreat is the kind of place where you can pad to breakfast in your pyjamas. Owner, yoga teacher and reiki master Michelle Thomas explains that guests arrive expecting to be active and do things, but as they find inner peace and stillness, they gradually let go. It takes a minimum of three days' deep rest, she says, before energy levels rise and they have the mental space to engage. Quinta Carvalhas is an hour from Lisbon in the rolling green Ribatejo countryside. The team helps guests put together their own tailor-made retreat, choosing from activities such as sound healing sessions, yoga, meditation, reiki and art and equine therapy (utilising the healing power of horses). Swimming in the sprawling saltwater pool, listening to the birds sing, watching the sun set over the pond and feeling the earth beneath their feet also helps to reground and reconnect people with both nature and themselves. Prices start from around €720 (£595) per person for a three-night stay on a full-board basis. 3. Wellbeing Escapes, Bedfordshire Wellness travel pioneer Stella Photi founded Wellbeing Escapes after a high-flying career led her to experience burnout first hand. She sees it as a modern-day epidemic. 'A survey we conducted last year showed that 53% of our clients named it as a top reason for booking with us,' she says. 'I believe burnout comes from normalising or pushing through chronic stress symptoms, and we're seeing a growing demand for specialist retreats to help beat it.' So much so that in March she's launching an annual two-day retreat to teach preventative techniques and share her experience and expertise. She's bringing in experts such as transformational coach and author Claudia Roth. The retreat will be held at 17th-century Tofte Manor, surrounded by a 50-acre estate. Dedicated to self-care, it will show how to reduce chronic stress, slow down and guard against burnout. Activities will include mindful movement, such as restorative yoga and qigong, stress management, seasonal eating and journaling workshops, plus pre-sleep sound baths to calm the nervous system. The two-night retreat runs from 14-16 March and costs £595 per person full-board in a shared room. The Hijama treatment is one of the oldest ways to drain toxins from tissue and organs. Photograph by Zulal Wellness Resort, Chiva-Som 4. Zulal Wellness Resort, Qatar A desert-meets-coast oasis on the northern tip of Qatar, the Middle Eastern outpost of legendary Thai wellness resort Chiva-Som is low-slung and honey-hued, with architecture designed to resemble a traditional Qatari village. Chiva-Som's wellbeing philosophy believes that a balanced mind, body and spirit makes people thrive. Here, the team look to achieve this by blending traditional Arabic and Islamic medicine (TAIM) with modern therapies, and the personalised burnout retreats start with a wellness consultation. From there, therapists create a targeted, tailor-made stress reset programme. Designed to help guests recuperate from mental fatigue and make sustainable lifestyle changes, each day features a mix of holistic activities and relaxing treatments such as the Tadleek massage with heated stones and herbal oils to help lymphatic drainage. Add this to meditation, pranayama breathing, reiki and the slow rhythmic movements of Tai Chi, guests learn to switch off. From £650 per person per night. 5. Maamungau Resort, The Maldives Disconnecting from the noise and distractions of the modern world can relieve the symptoms of adrenal burnout. The Maamunagau Resort in the Maldives has recognised the healing power of peace and quiet, and the Hermit Days Silent Immersion programme allows guests to sink into stillness surrounded by the beauty of the Raa Atoll. Days are spent in privacy and seclusion, while a dedicated wellness mentor designs a personalised programme of activities and mindfulness practices. Yoga, meditation and spa treatments promote relaxation and help guests reconnect with themselves. 'Our silent retreats were inspired by a desire to create a sanctuary for those seeking a break from their busy lives,' wellness mentor Seema Rana explains. 'This state of quietness allows individuals to reflect on their thoughts and emotions in a focused manner. By integrating mindfulness practices and holistic wellness approaches, we aim to support people in achieving a deeper sense of peace.' Villas from £780 per night based on two sharing. Many retreats suggest having time away from your phone by storing it in a lockbox. Photograph by Rebecca Hope Photography 6. Mountain Trek, Canada 'Health, happiness and hiking' is the promise of this retreat, set in British Columbia's majestic mountains. For the past 30 years, from a base in a pine-cradled lodge, Mountain Trek has been helping people reboot their minds and bodies. Created as a place to unplug and recharge, it encourages guests to start the day with a green smoothie and detoxifying lemon and ginger tea. From there, expect daily three- to four-hour hikes, functional fitness classes, lifestyle talks, sunrise yoga, guided relaxation sessions and therapeutic massages. There's no alcohol, caffeine or sugar on site and the combination of physical exertion, recovery massages and mental health discussions combine to help guests return home revitalised, their physical, emotional and mental health rebalanced. A one-week Health Reset Package costs from £5,250 per person on an all-inclusive basis. National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click Published in the Spa & Wellness Collection 2025 by(UK).To subscribe to(UK) magazine click here . (Available in select countries only). Save $5 on a Nat Geo Digital Subscription Your interests, backed by facts and science—now only $19 SAVE NOW
The Independent
17-02-2025
- The Independent
Everything we know about Kent Valentine's Day shooting as police name woman killed
A woman who was shot dead outside a pub in Kent on Valentine's Day has been named by police. Lisa Smith, 43, from Slough, was pronounced dead at the scene at the Three Horseshoes in the village of Knockholt, near Sevenoaks just after 7pm on Friday, Kent Police said. Kent Police said that they believed the suspect may have entered the water, while a gun was found in a car nearby. Here's everything we know about the incident: Police were called to the pub just after 7pm on Friday after receiving reports of a shooting. Michelle Thomas, who runs the pub, told Sky News she was printing off menus and preparing for the Valentine's dinner service when she heard two loud bangs that she initially "thought were fireworks". "There was so much commotion - screaming, shouting, crying. People were outside, on their phones. We tried to get people inside the pub to consolidate them,' she said. At the time, around 30 people were at the pub for dinner, while 20 more were in the bar with the dinner service underway. Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, Ms Smith was declared dead and her next of kin have been informed. The force said the suspect, believed to be known to the victim, left the area and a car and gun were later found at the Queen Elizabeth II bridge. Police later received reports of a man on the wrong side of the barrier. It has been reported that a Gravesend RNLI Lifeboat was tasked with searching the area by the HM Coastguard at around 10.25pm. It is understood neither the suspect nor the victim was from Kent but had local connections to the area. What have the police said? Senior investigating officer detective chief inspector David Higham, said: 'Call handlers received reports of a man on the wrong side of the barrier and we are not ruling out the possibility that he may have entered the water. 'We are currently only looking for one suspect and do not believe there to be an ongoing risk to the public. 'Specialist officers continue to work with the families of both parties involved to support them following this tragic incident.' Kent Police revealed on Monday they were continuing to search areas of the River Thames after a suspect linked to a murder in Knockholt is believed to have fallen from the Queen Elizabeth II bridge. They said: 'Whilst the victim has not yet been formally identified, she has been named as Lisa Smith, aged 43, and who was from Slough.' What have locals said? Local parish councillor Ray Picot told Kent Online that he heard 'a couple of loud bangs' at 7pm. He added: 'It's a shock. We've never had anything like this. It's a very busy pub – a great pub. It never has any trouble and is very well managed. 'I understand those inside the pub were ushered back to their houses by police as they were all in terrible shock. It sounded awful.' Fellow parish councillor Steve Maines told the BBC he heard a 'commotion' outside the venue and was told someone had been shot. He said: 'We were sitting having our Valentine's Day meal when all of a sudden we heard this huge commotion outside in the car park. 'We were told someone had been shot so we had to leave.' And Dorothy Wong, who lives in the village, said: 'I heard around three to four bangs outside and loud shouting from a woman's voice.'
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Yahoo
Landlady of pub where woman was shot dead heard loud bangs 'like fireworks'
The landlady of a pub where a woman was tragically shot on Valentine's Day has described hearing two loud bangs that she initially thought were fireworks. Michelle Thomas, who runs The Three Horseshoes in Knockholt, Kent, told Sky News that patrons began "screaming, shouting and crying" as they realised what had occurred. A woman in her 40s sadly died at the scene following a shooting in the pub's car park, according to Kent Police. The suspect, believed to be known to the victim, reportedly fled the area, with a car and gun later discovered at the Queen Elizabeth II bridge crossing the River Thames. Police subsequently received reports of a man on the wrong side of the barrier, leading them to believe he may have entered the water. Ms Thomas was preparing for the Valentine's dinner service when she heard the bangs. READ MORE: Full list of stores closing before end of February including New Look and Dobbies - and one in Greater Manchester READ MORE: Tragedy of girl, 7, snatched by a monster as she slept in a tent in the garden. Now he wants freedom She estimated around 30 people were at the pub for dinner, with an additional 20 in the bar when the incident unfolded just after 7pm. "People were only just starting to sit down, it was early on in the evening," she told Sky. She also recounted how an off-duty firearms officer intervened to manage the situation. The victim had visited the pub before but "wasn't a regular", she told the broadcaster. It is understood that neither the suspect nor victim were from Kent, but had local connections to the area. Detective Chief Inspector David Higham, the senior investigating officer, provided an update on Saturday: "Call handlers received reports of a man on the wrong side of the barrier and we are not ruling out the possibility that he may have entered the water. "We are currently only looking for one suspect and do not believe there to be an ongoing risk to the public. "Specialist officers continue to work with the families of both parties involved to support them following this tragic incident."
