Latest news with #wellnessretreat
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Win a copy of Can You Solve The Murder? by Antony Johnston in this week's Fabulous book competition
IF you love a murder mystery and grew up reading choose-your-own-adventure novels, then grab a copy of this brilliant book. Step into a detective's shoes when you arrive at Elysium wellness retreat to find the body of a local businessman – and a host of suspects and motives! 1 10 lucky Fabulous readers will win a copy of this new novel in this week's book competition. To win a copy, enter using the form below by 11:59pm on June 14, 2025. For full terms and conditions, click here.
Telegraph
26-05-2025
- Telegraph
This secluded North Yorkshire fishing village is perfect for a summer break
Back in the 80s, when the great British holiday was at its peak, I would spend my summers on Sandsend Beach with my sunburnt, trunk-clad father – who looked, then, like a young George Harrison (complete with prolific sideburns) – and mother, more charismatic than Sophia Loren. We were the cool, working-class family, camped out on the golden sand, with warm sarnies, half-melted ice-creams and a Thermos. We'd competitively build sandcastles, bury each other in the sand and chase the waves. As we were in Yorkshire, the sea was always 'refreshing'; there was a steady supply of blankets at hand; and raincoats were as obligatory as salty fish and chips wrapped in newspaper. Now, my children are the ones writing their names in this sand. But this year – as a full-time working mum in need of some peace and quiet – I decided to go it alone, checking into Sandsend's new luxury wellness retreat, Saltmoore, where I walked, spa-ed, ate well, and slept like a baby on crisp Egyptian cotton sheets. There's something a bit magical about this sleepy, romantically named coastal spot – and visiting feels a bit like walking into a Hayao Miyazaki animation. Here are all the reasons I think you'll like it too. It's easy to relax Why do I love Sandsend? For the most part – and despite its many attributes – it's for its chilled-out, family-friendly energy. There's not a lot to do apart from relaxing at the beachside, which makes it easy to switch off. There are cottage rentals, a couple of beachside cafés (one aptly named for modern times: Wits End Café), a fish and chip shop, and a pub. It's a place to tune out to the soundtrack of the sea. The petite, three-mile-long sweep of sand sits between tourist favourites Whitby and the tiny village of Lythe, in the Scarborough district of North Yorkshire and the civil parish of Lythe. The latter, set atop a steep hill, is not for the vertically challenged – but it does have a nice array of endearing little village characteristics: a grocery shop, a pub, a school and rows of pretty honey-stone cottages. Sandsend, meanwhile, is utterly unfussy – with traditional fishing village appeal, a secluded and peaceful sandy shoreline, sublime coastal walks, and a calm inlet perfectly designed for little ones who want to paddle. The food is unfussy, too. Just across the road, there's The Fish Cottage, a local fish and chip shop (well worth visiting for the terrace and the fish tacos), while a 12-minute drive brings you to the excellent Restaurant Number 20, in nearby Port Mulgrave. There's plenty to do outdoors Being on the coastal part of the Cleveland Way, there are various spectacular coastal hikes within easy reach. My family often goes to beautiful Runswick Bay, from where it's a ten-minute drive or just over two hours' to walk the incredible clifftop route from Sandsend to Runswick. Hop on the X4 bus back, or book The High Chapel for the night if you'd like to linger. You can also join part of The Cinder Track (21.7 miles) in Sandsend, a stunning coastal walking or cycling route from Scarborough to Whitby. It follows the old railway line, which closed in 1965. With Sandsend being on the fringe of the North York Moors National Park, allocate some days to go to the moors or forest – 8,000-acre Dalby Forest is a family favourite for walking, or cycling. In summer, the purple heather-draped moorland close to Sandsend is especially beautiful. …and convincing reasons to stay indoors, too If bolting about the wind-whipped countryside isn't your cup of tea, Sandsend offers plenty in the way of comfortable indoor options, too – not least at its newly opened wellness retreat, Saltmoore. Formerly the sprawling Raithwaite Estate, the hotel sits in 85 acres of woodland, sandwiched between the wild moors and the sea. Nature and wildlife are par for the course here; on arrival, I was greeted by a friendly deer, and woke to birdsong each morning. It's a soul-soothing place. It is, in fact, not one hotel but two – Saltmoore House and The Beach House, and The Sanctuary – a glassy spa and health suite with herbaceous Wildsmith treatments (which will soon include wild swimming), and three restaurants. At Saltmoore House, there are nods to the sea and moors throughout the design (the handiwork of Sapin Studio and its founder, Madeleine Sadler), while The Beach House is geared more towards families, with coastal design elements and outdoor tubs – great for when you've all just dashed back from the beach. The three restaurants (overseen by head chef, Adam Maddox, and chef consultant, Tommy Banks) make for another good reason to stay indoors (or reward yourself after one of the aforementioned hikes). There's the outstanding The Brasserie (where I had a superlative Whitby crab tart), a Wellness Café, and Calluna, an immersive fine-dining restaurant (which is not yet open, but I'm assured will be soon). The staff are all local (their knowledge of the area and wry Yorkshire humour made this immediately plain), and it's the sort of place you could happily book for a week without ever getting itchy feet. Essentials Rachel Everett was a guest of Saltmoore (01947 661 661), which has doubles from £300 per night, at both Saltmoore House and The Beach House, including breakfast. In late 2025, seven two- and three-bed lodges will also be opening.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What Happened in 'Nine Perfect Strangers' Season 1? Getting You Up to Speed for Season 2
With the second and long-awaited season of Nine Perfect Strangers finally here, we're recapping season one for those of you who've forgotten what happened. Starting on May 21, the new season of the show – which follows guests at a boutique health-and-wellness resort that promises healing and transformation – which will include a whole new lineup of 'strangers,' will finally be on Hulu. More from SheKnows Nicole Kidman Poses With Red Hair in New Photos Days After Suffering a Wig Malfunction at Cannes The new season, which will see Nicole Kidman reprising her role as the bone-chilling Russian healer Masha, will also star Murray Bartlett, Annie Murphy, Christine Baranski, Dolly De Leon, Maisie Richardson-Sellers, King Princess, Aras Aydin, Lucas Englander, Henry Golding, Mark Strong, and Lena Olin. But before we tune into season two, let's refresh our minds a bit. What happened in season one that could carry on in season two? What happened to Masha? Find all those answers below: Season one follows nine strangers who attend an expensive wellness retreat at the Tranquillum House, hosted by Masha. The group consists of novelist Frances (Melissa McCarthy), divorcee Tony (Bobby Cannavale), health-retreat addict Lars (Luke Evans), rich young couple Ben (Melvin Gregg) and Jessica (Samara Weaving), single mom Carme; (Regina Hall) and the Marconi family, Napoleon (Michael Shannon), his wife Heather (Asher Keddie) and their daughter Zoe (Grace Van Patten). The group is all battling their own inner demons. For example, Ben and Jessica's lottery win changed their relationship, the Marconis are struggling to heal after the suicide of their son Ben, and Carmel is trying to lose weight after a messy divorce. Masha and wellness consultants Yao and Deliah surveil the group closely, involuntarily giving them microdoses of LSD. Masha eventually admits to drugging the guests, but it's too late as they all embark on a trip that will cause them to face their inner demons. After the trip goes awry, Masha ends up locking them all in a room and flees, but before the police show up, the guests work through their trauma and decide to cover for Masha. More details below! One of the most surprising plot lines in season one developed between Masha and Carmel. As it turns out, Carmel decided to go to the retreat because Masha had slept with her husband. But in addition to wanting some revenge via her alarming threats, Carmel also wanted to learn from her to potentially get her husband back. And, as was revealed in their heart-to-heart in her room when Carmel changed contacts, she was actually the one who shot Masha years ago. Luckily, Masha didn't hold a grudge. Instead, she forgave Carmel because the incident is the reason Tranquillum House exists in the first place. Plus, Carmel admitted she never intended to shoot Masha that day, and her attitude was what made her pull the trigger. They leave the conversations with everything resolved; Carmel is no longer a threat, and Masha finally knows the truth. While Masha's goal in the retreat is to heal her guests, viewers also learn that she wants to unlock a way to see her daughter, Tatiana, who passed away years earlier in an accident. By the end of the season, Masha gets there with the help of Zoe Marconi. While grieving the loss of her twin brother Zach (Hal Cumpton), Zoe is joined by her parents, Napoleon and Heather, in trying to connect with Zach and work through his sudden passing. In their biggest hallucination in the season, Zoe takes Masha to her daughter, and they reunite. After an entire season investigating Masha's unorthodox methods, Lars does write an exposé. In addition to welcoming a baby with his partner, Lars also published a cover story for The New Yorker titled 'Psychedelics to the Rescue.' While Delilah (Tiffany Boone) was determined to call the cops and expose Masha's practices at the end of the season, it seems her methods didn't exactly work, and Tanquillum House is alive and well. When the police arrive, none of her guests incriminate Masha, and she leaves scot-free. By the end of the season, viewers see that Ben and Jessica are now leading Tranquillum and welcoming a new set of strangers into the retreat. Not only does Masha escape any problems with the police, but she's on cloud nine after reuniting with her daughter. In the final scene of the season, she's seen driving with her daughter in Ben's yellow Lamborghini. Much like season one, season two of the show will follow a group of nine strangers at a retreat, this time taking place in the snowy Austrian Alps. 'Nine people chosen under bizarre circumstances for a healing retreat?' Mark Strong's character says in the trailer. 'Feels like a setup.' 'I've invited you all here because sometimes you shouldn't deal with pain gently,' Masha says in another moment. With all the season one characters either moving on with their lives or doing their best to stay away from Masha, we're guessing Kidman will be the only returning star. May this be another intriguing batch of characters!Best of SheKnows Gabrielle Union, Olivia Munn & 44 More Celebrities Who Keep It Refreshingly Real on Social Media 15 Things You Probably Never Knew About Kelly Clarkson 20 Of Jackie Kennedy's Most Iconic Summer Outfits
The Sun
24-05-2025
- The Sun
Find idyllic mountain chalets, chic spas with knockout views and total bliss in the Austrian Alps
GLIDING through the water towards the majestic mountain range ahead of me, I feel more serene than I have in yonks. I'm swimming above clusters of fluffy clouds in a jaw-dropping infinity pool, with the Austrian Alps as my backdrop, and I never want to leave. 5 5 Just over an hour's drive from Salzburg, Priesteregg Premium Eco Resort is a much-needed escape in the ever-stressful rollercoaster of life. With just 18 chalets perched at 3,600ft high, owners Huwi and Renate are keen to keep this place exclusive. Those with megabucks book the super-high-end pads with private pools or swimming lakes, so often we're the only guests at the chic spa, where the saunas and treatment rooms come with yet more knockout views. And bathe… Our rustic Berg chalet sleeps five and is home to a hot tub, sauna, monsoon shower and freestanding bath. There's a huge TV above the reclining day bed for us to snuggle on come evening. 5 And each morning, much to the delight of Poppy, six, and Raffy, three, 'breakfast fairies' sneak in downstairs to lay out a wondrous, candle-lit spread of local, organic goodies. They return later to tidy up, too! One day, we follow a forest trail even higher up the mountain past the yoga platforms nestled among the towering pines, before hopping on the resort's electric mountain bikes (with a trailer for the kids), to explore the undulating countryside. Arriving home to a basket of home-made cake each afternoon is yet another treat. Stays at Priesteregg include Saalfelden-Leogang lift passes too, so we drive 10 minutes to the Asitzbahn gondola where, once up the mountain, my husband Andy faces one of the world's longest and fastest ziplines, flying Superman-style at 130kph across the valley. Rides cost from £48 per person ( Martin Lewis gives travel advice about checking your passport The kids, meanwhile, join a free bread-making class, tackle obstacle courses and decorate wooden balls, £2 each, for brilliant ball runs down the mountainside. When Andy returns, we all have a giggle on a musical toboggan, which sets off chimes as we fly through checkpoints, £3.50 per ride ( before we head back for a refreshing dip in Priesteregg's second pool – a natural one surrounded by lush grass. Hat stuff The mouth-watering Hat Dinner in the picture-perfect garden of Priesteregg's eatery, Huwi's Alm, proves a must. We sizzle strips of beef and pork on a metal hat, which has a brim filled with beef broth and veg, plus there are sides of potatoes, sauces and salad, £27 per person. 5 I satisfy my pudding stomach with sweet dumplings and boozy plums, £10, and sip a Hugo cocktail, £6.50, as the sun sets. One evening, we order succulent pork and cheese escalopes in a tomato and basil sauce with taglioni, £21 per person, to our chalet. Another night, Huwi and Renate host a complimentary family-style supper for guests by a pond. Freshly caught trout is barbecued over hot coals and served up with an array of sides and crisp white wine. The air is soon full of chatter and, as the night draws to a close, we wander back beneath the star-studded sky to our chalet – ice-cream cones in hand, giant smiles plastered across our faces. If I could bottle the feeling of contentment Priesteregg gave me, I would. I'd really love to have a breakfast fairy every morning, too… 5
News.com.au
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Murray Bartlett on the ‘thrilling ride' it was joining Nicole Kidman on Nine Perfect Strangers Season 2
Aussie actor Murray Bartlett is far from The White Lotus. The 54-year-old went from playing resort manager Armond in the first season of the dark comedy to being cast as cancelled puppeteer Brian on Season 2 of the drama series Nine Perfect Strangers. But Bartlett, who was born in Sydney and raised in Perth, is far from lost – and he is no stranger to fellow Aussie actress Nicole Kidman, who reprises her role of enigmatic wellness guru Masha Dmitrichenko in the new season. 'She's an icon in the world, but she's like a special icon for us. So I think it was a thrill for all of us to jump on board with her and be able to be part of this world with her,' he tells ahead of the Season 2 premiere on May 22 on Prime Video. 'It's an extraordinary character that she's created and she's wild and mysterious and unpredictable. And so that was also a thrilling kind of ride to be on, to be in scenes with this character. You're not sure whether she's helping you or messing with you, which I think makes the show really compelling to watch.' Like in Season 1, nine people with different traumas convene for 10 days at fictional wellness retreat Zauberwald in the Austrian Alps led by Masha (Kidman). But with the Russian guru's unconventional approach to healing, it's anyone's guess what journey is required for them to undergo their transformations. Murray plays a once-popular children's TV show host and puppeteer who is 'cancelled' for his offensive meltdown on screen. 'I love the character. I love the way he was written. I think it's really interesting to explore the nuances of cancel culture and what it looks like from both sides and trying to suspend judgement on both sides of a situation like that and just kind of dive into the emotional stuff that people are projecting or dealing with in that kind of situation. So I felt there was so many kind of interesting things to explore with Brian,' he says. Mainly for Bartlett, it was the cast that made the series. Among them are billionaire father Peter Sharpe (Mark Strong) and son David (Henry Golding), glamorous divorcee Victoria (Christine Baranski) and her enraged daughter Imogen (Annie Murphy) and a nun named Agnes with a mysterious past (Dolly De Leon). 'It's this great ensemble show. I didn't know at the time when I signed on what a wonderful group it would be, but it's amazing to be able to be part of such a great ensemble and to tell this story together and lean on each other and develop those relationships,' Bartlett says. Co-star Annie Murphy agrees. She played Alexis Rose in the award-winning Netflix hit Schitt's Creek on all six seasons. In Nine Perfect Strangers, Murphy portrays Imogen – a guarded woman raised with wealth and privilege. 'I was so excited by the prospect of working with a big cast,' Murphy tells ' Schitt's Creek was such a special show because it was such an ensemble piece and that really is where I feel most comfortable and the opportunity for adventure. We spent six months in Munich and travelling around Austria. It was just an obvious no-brainer to hop on board.' Adds Bartlett: 'I love a situation like that. Similar to your experience in Schitt's Creek, I had that in White Lotus and other jobs that I've done where I love being part of an ensemble. And this was a pretty extraordinary special group to be part of.' While parts of the show explore the depths of trauma and mental health, Bartlett says the cast, the location and the comedy in the chaos balance out the darkness. 'There's so many beautiful layers in the show connected to that dealing with trauma and facing your demons and trying to let go of the baggage you might've been carrying,' he says. 'But also its beautiful locations. It's beautifully shot. It's a gorgeous place to spend some time in watching this show. It's got a lot of complimentary aspects to it that it's got those depths, but it's funny. It's a really brilliant group of actors inhabiting some really funny, fascinating, interesting characters.'
