This holistic mindset highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to weight management. This addresses not just physical aspects but also psychological and environmental factors.

With this refined perspective, let’s explore the type of factors influencing weight and the sophisticated strategies available to address them:

The Role of Genes

Obesity which is a chronic condition characterized by excess weight, has deep genetic roots, as numerous genes are intricately linked to obesity. One particularly noteworthy gene is the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO), present in approximately 43% of the population. The high-risk variant of FTO can elevate the risk of obesity by up to 70%.

However, the influence of genetics on obesity is not absolute and can be significantly altered by environmental factors. Physical activity, for instance, has been shown to mitigate the effects of the common FTO variant. Similarly, diets low in fat and high in protein may be beneficial. Genetic testing provides valuable insights into an individual’s genetic makeup and the presence of the FTO gene. This knowledge is crucial for mental preparation and planning personalized diets and exercise regimens, making the weight loss journey more effective and tailored to one’s unique genetic profile.

Hormones Influence Hunger and Satiety

Practising self-control can be challenging in an environment filled with readily accessible indulgent foods. This challenge could be compounded by hormones that regulate hunger and satiety, such as ghrelin, leptin, and glucagon-like peptide 1, which communicate between the brain and stomach to influence appetite and fullness. When levels of these hormones become abnormal or uncontrolled, perceived hunger increases, often leading to overeating.

The effective management of these hormones involves sophisticated strategies that promote mindful, healthy eating and stress reduction. Crafting and enjoying customized, nourishing meals help maintain consistent, healthy dietary habits. Additionally, staying hydrated, indulging in luxurious spa treatments, and engaging in meditative activities are excellent ways to reduce stress.

Recent medical advancements have also introduced prescription weight-loss medications that aid in controlling hunger. These medications, prescribed by medical professionals and combined with lifestyle changes, have led to significant weight loss for many individuals, transforming lives across the US and other parts of the world.

Metabolism Mastery

The concept of basal metabolic rate (BMR) is a cornerstone in the science of weight management. BMR represents the body’s energy at rest to sustain essential functions such as blood circulation, respiration, and cellular repair. It accounts for approximately 50-80% of the body’s daily energy expenditure. Various factors, including medical conditions, lean muscle mass, age, biological sex, and physical activity, influence BMR.

To enhance BMR and achieve positive metabolic outcomes, it is essential to have refined lifestyle habits. Tailored exercise regimens, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and cardio workouts, are designed to sculpt, tone, and increase lean muscle mass, thereby boosting BMR. Additionally, curating meals that are rich in protein, and incorporating fat-burning ingredients and beverages like green tea can further support weight loss and metabolic health.

The Mind-Body Connection

Mental health is an integral element of holistic well-being, providing the energy, motivation, and vitality needed to pursue physical health. Mental health disturbances, such as depression, anxiety, or high-stress situations, could complicate weight management.

Cultivating a positive mental landscape enhances health-conscious decision-making and lowers stress hormone levels. Daily practices such as meditation, self-compassion, and mindful eating are essential for maintaining mental health. Achieving restful sleep is also crucial and can be enhanced through luxurious sleep environments, relaxing spa treatments, bespoke sleep concierge services, and exclusive sleep retreats or programs.

Social Network for Support

As social beings, we thrive when surrounded by the right influences and environments. A robust support system is crucial for a successful weight loss journey, providing essential medical support for health conditions, mental support for a positive mindset, and social support for motivation and accountability.

A wealth of resources is available to tailor your weight loss experience, including health coaches, gourmet chefs, personal trainers, and medical professionals. For those seeking group support, specialized weight loss programs offer valuable peer connections and have proven to deliver exceptional results.

The post 5 Biological and Psychological Factors Linked to Obesity first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post 5 Biological and Psychological Factors Linked to Obesity appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The rise of sleep tourism

Going on vacation to relax and rest better has always been part of the reasons why people travel. However, since 2022, more and more vacationers have chosen to go on holidays just to sleep, per Global Wellness Institute.

The consensus is that the Coronavirus is not only the culprit behind increased chronic fatigue, but also the reason why more people are prioritising wellness, and by extension, sleep-focused vacations.

How the hospitality industry is helping tourists sleep better

A. Sleep programs/sleep retreats: this is perhaps the highest level of sleep tourism travellers can embark on. Wellness clinics or sleep resorts usually offer these kinds of holistic programs, but increasingly, luxury hotels are adding these services to their portfolio.

Every facility has its unique package, but generally, a sleep retreat/program comprises an expert diagnosis and treatment, wellness therapies and relaxing treatments, sleep education, spa treatments, yoga and rooms designed to promote a restful night’s sleep.

Well-known hotels and clinics offering this service include SHA Wellness Clinic, Spain; Mandarin Oriental, Geneva, Switzerland; Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, USA, and, select Six Senses spas.

B. Sleep suites: if a full sleep package sounds like a lot, sleep suites are a great way to ease into the ‘sleepcation’ experience.

These rooms are designed to ensure that visitors have no other choice than to fall asleep as soon as their head hits the pillows. Using specially crafted beds and bed linens, plus eliminating distractions that can interrupt a deep rest, sleep suites are quiet, zen-like spaces perfect for people for whom falling asleep is not a problem, but staying asleep is.

Places with dedicated sleep suites include Zedwell hotels which are famous for their windowless, soundproof rooms; Unplugged, UK, whose eco-friendly, off-grid cabins welcome you but not your digital devices, and, Hästens Sleep Spa Boutique hotel, Portugal, whose innovative comfort beds, duvets, bed linens and bathrobes promise the best sleep experience you will ever have.

C. Sleep concierge services: some luxury hotels do not have dedicated sleep outlets yet, but have chosen instead to offer ‘sleep better’ services to guests who need them.

Those offering sleep concierge services can choose to partner with a third party, like The Cadogan London which has partnered with sleep specialist and hypnotherapist Malminder Gill to offer a recorded meditation and an optional, one-on-one, in-room sleep assistance session. Their concierge service also comes with a pillow menu, weighted blanket, bedtime tea blend and scented pillow mist.

The Royal Champagne Hotel and Spa in France has a similar service. In 2022, it launched its Royal Sleep Experience in partnership with French beauty brand AIME. Guests who request this service will receive AIME products that promote quality sleep, such as calming essential oil sprays and melatonin-based drops that help to regenerate skin overnight. The hotel also offers in-room amenities like a meditation box, a satin face mask, and a candle massage.

D. Sleep amenities: some luxury hotels have simply chosen to have their rooms equipped with products that promise a deep, thorough rest without too much emphasis on the art of falling and staying asleep.

At the Equinox in New York for example, the hotel has a ‘sleep system’ in place that consists of a combination of luxury bed linens and handmade mattresses, temperature-regulated bedsheets, sound-blocking walls and blackout curtains to eliminate distractions and ensure that guests stay asleep for as long as they like and need.

The Westin Hotels and Resorts has almost the same system in place. A combination of the ‘Heavenly Bed’, a rest-inducing superfood menu and lavender balms have been made available so that guests have no trouble sleeping at night.

Which sleep package is best for you?

It is difficult to say since everyone’s needs are unique to them. But, if the growing sleep tourism trend sounds like something you need right now, then you can rest assured that there is a service that is just right for you.

The post Sleep Tourism: Which ‘Sleepcation’ Package is Right For You? first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post Sleep Tourism: Which ‘Sleepcation’ Package is Right For You? appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The rise of beauty tourism

Like many other things, it may be difficult to determine when exactly beauty tourism became a thing. Go deep enough, however, and you’ll see that it most likely has its origins in medical tourism, since some of the procedures, like dental work, fall under this category.

In 2019, medical tourism consulting group, Patients Beyond Borders estimated that medical tourism, which includes beauty procedures that range from rhinoplastly to abdominoplasty, breast surgery and injectables like Botox — was worth anywhere from $74 to $92 billion. By 2022, estimated figures had gone up to $115.6billion. Growth is expected to continue in this sector as more people go beyond their home countries to seek quality treatment not available back home, or to undergo procedures that are cheaper than what obtains in their country.

5 things to consider before mapping out your beauty tourism calendar

If you’re looking to join thousands of people travelling each year in search of a physical transformation, you’re not alone. But, before you book your tickets and head on the next flight out to Turkey or other countries rumoured to be the best in cosmetic surgeries, where are some factors to consider

Your Destination

Mystery trips may be a rising trend, but in the world of beauty tourism, this isn’t something you should be considering at all.

While exploring the local culture and scenery may be on your to-do, remember, your primary goal is whatever cosmetic procedure you’re looking to get. Wherever you choose to go must offer you the best of both worlds: a vacation to remember and the best cosmetic procedure for you.

Looking for ideas? Per the experts, Mexico, Costa Rica and Thailand are great options for cosmetic surgery, while Greece is better for botox injections and even dental procedures. You may choose Turkey if it’s a hair transplant you want, or go to South Korea for laser skin treatments.

Today, beauty tourists are spoiled for choice as more and more countries boast of quality services at competitive prices. And while some of these procedures are non-invasive, they are not without risks, which is why it is important to go with the best

Medical practitioners and facility

Bad doctors and sub-standard hospitals abound globally, so it is not enough to visit a country for your procedure simply because everyone says it is the go-to place for it.

Luckily, due to increased demand, more hospitals and specialists have gotten international accreditation to stand above the crowd. As of 2019, more than 950 hospitals and clinical departments were JCI (Joint Commission International) accredited and more have joined since then.

Before settling for a destination or doctor, make sure to do your research properly. Review credentials, read up on unbiased reviews, and ask questions until you are satisfied.

As you do this, ensure you’re adhering to your

Your Budget

Of course, you cannot up and travel without money, and how much you’re willing to spend on your beauty vacation is just as important as other factors to consider before embarking on one.

Your budget must cover the treatment and everything involved including doctor’s fees, hospital stay if necessary, drugs, and aftercare. You should also consider accommodation and feeding, as well as touristy activities you can indulge in while you’re there. After all, it is still a vacation, right?

And speaking of vacation, you should also factor into your decision, a

Recovery plan

Beauty tourism is exactly that: going on a vacation to get a beauty procedure done. The keyword here is ‘vacation.’

In your search for where to go for the best treatment, it is so easy to forget that you’re also going to be on vacation, leading you to be hyper-focused on one and quite lax with the other, until it is too late and you are already there.

As you make your plans, explore relaxing activities you can do in the country of your choice. Alternating between periods of rest and periods of fun would not only boost your overall mood but may also help you heal faster and better. You may even realise that one country is not enough for your dream beauty vacation, and a multi-destination trip might be necessary.

In which case, it is best to

Work with an expert

Even if one country seems to have everything you need, it is always easier, safer and less stressful to work with consultants who are experts in planning beauty vacations.

Not only would they have a list of trusted hospitals and doctors, but they also have the experience in delivering exciting themed vacations that tick all the boxes for their clients. This may even include discounts on procedures and accommodation, and access to places and activities you would never know on your own.

A beauty vacation sounds like a fascinating activity to pursue, but, like everything in life, making the right decisions is the only way you can get the best out of it. By taking into consideration these recommendations outlined above, it is almost certain that you will be getting the best experience that is exactly right for you.

The post Beauty Tourism? Yes Please! But First, These 5 Tips first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post Beauty Tourism? Yes Please! But First, These 5 Tips appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

Whilst the subscription/retainer-based models are popular today, the concept is not. This form of health care is also about to become more popular, states Dr Chichi Menakaya, founder of Annomo Health, a UK-based global concierge medicine company.

“Personalised healthcare and wellness is here to stay.”

“I think that’s where medicine is going anyways. It’s all about personalised health care and wellness in the whole world at the moment.”

“I was always the person that people would call and say, ‘I want to go and see a doctor in London. Do you know anyone I can see?’ And then I would do that,” Dr Menakaya said during our conversation. But then I think what really made me start the business was when a few years ago – like 13 years ago, that was when the dream started – I had a relative that was in the UK and he had to see a particular doctor. So I went in, found someone I thought was the best person to see [and] referred them to that person. This relative even though they were paying cash to the doctor, turned up 15mins late to that appointment, and the doctor refused to see them even as they were coming from abroad. So what the hospital did was find the next available [doctor] and refer him to the person. And even though the person he was referred to had the best manners, did really, really well; when it now came to their surgical option, what that person offered them was not the best practice option. So they offered them an open surgery when there was already a robotic option for the surgery. What then happened – because obviously, I am a doctor, so I can easily detect – [I realised] that this is not the right thing for this person, because there is more advanced treatment.”

“I was upset so I found the best surgeon to handle the surgery, who also happened to be on the queen’s medical team. The day we eventually went to that appointment with the relative, this professor, even though he is one of the best in the UK, came downstairs to welcome the patient. And for me, that was literally an eye-opener, because it meant that although you could get the best, their manners are also very important.”

“And after that time, I said to myself, ‘I need to start a place where people can get the best care that they need.’ A lot of people are coming from abroad and they can afford it. They get given some mediocre doctor just because they think you’re coming from [another country]. They’re going to get you the cheapest doctor for the hospital … while the hospital is making the most money.”

“And obviously, there is another story to it about other people saying to me, ‘Listen: let’s get this done as a business, right?’ But I think that is the reason, like for me, I just wanted to make sure people got the best care that they needed. And I think that story is actually what triggered me to get in. And … literally 2 years later, we got the business up and running.”

“Medical concierge is not health insurance.”

Starting any business is difficult, and even though it’s in the health industry, Annomo Health was not without its challenges in the beginning.

“I think the biggest challenge I faced starting the business was explaining to people that Harley Street does not mean everything on Harley Street is good. I think that is [still my biggest challenge]. Because everyone comes to the UK and goes, ‘Oh my doctor is on Harley Street’, and I am like ok yeah, whatever. There are people in Harley Street that don’t know what they’re doing and I don’t want to use that word exactly, but there are people that are not that great and they’re on Harley Street.”

“What was also difficult for us is explaining to people that a concierge company is not an insurance company. Every time I have a meeting, no matter how educated they are, they say to me, ‘Is it health insurance?”

“Someone would say ‘I am coming from Nigeria, and I just want to see anybody because it is better than Nigeria.’ But that is not the point. The point is that they’re not doing it for you for free. Therefore, what you need to be asking for is ‘I want to see the best person because I am going to spend money seeing that best person. So it does not matter whether it’s me … it’s best to see the best person. And I think that is really difficult to explain to people. And as a company, we are still explaining that every day.”

“Concierge medicine is … having an advocate in your corner … constantly fighting for your health”

So, what exactly, in layman’s terms, is concierge healthcare, at least through the lens of Annomo Health?

“So I think there are very simple ways to explain Annomo Services, right? What Annomo Services does is simple: all we want to do is put the patient first. And all we want to do is get the private patients to see the best doctors, be treated in the best hospitals and have access to the best technologies. That’s all. And literally, we want to introduce them to the doctors’ doctors and make sure they are treated the way they need to be treated and get value, not just because of the money they have, but also because they’re using their money to get the best out of the service. That’s a summary of what we do.”

“I think for a lot of people, especially Africans, we see health as something we have to think about when it gets bad, but that’s the whole idea of having preventive medicine: you don’t have to wait till you’re sick. I think we’re getting to a point where people would need to start thinking that what they need to spend the most money on is making sure their health is right, and every other thing is secondary.”

“I think at some point we will get there obviously because it is like a learning process, everybody is trying to understand that and that is what we’re trying to do all the time by saying to people, ‘listen, make your health your priority.’ and that’s just the truth. I think that for every single person, whether you’re a child, an adult, you’re old, a concierge is important for everybody; personalised health care is for everyone: it’s not like for anyone in particular.”

“At Annomo Health, it is not all about money”

While we say concierge medicine is for everybody, in reality, not everyone can and would have access to it. There are various reasons why this would happen, with finance being top of the list, but according to Dr Chichi, this is not even always the case.

“When I say concierge is not about money, people don’t understand me sometimes. We had a pregnant, one-off client who wanted us to provide her with accommodation amongst other services. But, unless you have a maternity package where we’re constantly looking after you, it is a one-off service: we get you to the [OB/GYN who] is going to look after you and your baby. We settle you in and we walk away.”

“But because the woman was coming with a child [and] had no assistance … we offered to give a complimentary concierge service for free. [Unfortunately] from day one that she arrived, it was all abusive, everything was wrong [and] we could never make her happy. And trust me, it wasn’t the hormones. So we then discontinued the complimentary service that we had offered her, and we did instead hand her over to her gynaecologist to look after her.”

“I know this sounds a bit arrogant for us, [but] we don’t care how much you’re bringing into the business. If the relationship is not working we will refund. And we refunded all her money, to be honest. We refunded every single service that she had paid for, and let her gynaecologist look after her while we just hovered to make sure she was ok.”

There’s another instance where Annomo Health could decide not to extend its concierge services to a client. “If we look at [the medical reports we get from the patient’s country]  and think that making an out-of-country trip is a waste of time for the family in terms of the prognosis, whether they’re in the UK, in Nigeria, Ghana, wherever else; we will call the family and advise them not to come abroad because it is a waste of money. Because what you don’t want is people spending all this money and the outcome is still the same. Over the last 10 years, we’ve turned down about maybe 5 patients. Maybe more than that actually … it’s us saying that we don’t think it is going to work.”

“People think [personalised healthcare] is a luxury service, [but] it actually saves you a lot of money”

Speaking about membership tiers and benefits at Annomo Health, Dr Chichi clearly states that, “at the moment, we have 5 tiers of membership for the private members club. One is called the ‘travelling membership’ and it gives access to health care in both the UK and the US, including emergency services in the US. And it is actually only available to travelling executives through their companies; it is not for individuals.”

“Then we have the ‘individual membership’, the ‘family membership’, the ‘corporate membership’ and also something called the ‘student membership’. In each of those memberships, there are different cadres of membership. So it starts out with silver to gold to platinum and something called bespoke. And literally what bespoke means is you handpick what services you want, depending on what you want.”

“The family membership at the moment is actually for a husband and a wife, or a couple with 2 children, and the children are add-ons. When you come to corporate membership, it is also for high-level executives. The company has to have at least 3-10 members to be able to access this package. And obviously, each time you add a different person, you get a bit of a discount. And these memberships are targeted at preventative medicine and also give you access to having a personalised doctor, your own personal nurse and a personal health consultant … which means in this case a concierge health consultant who basically can do stuff like your luxury concierge for you, and also do your health things and be your advocate. But then you have a doctor you can call anytime, text, [and] message when you are really stressed out, whatever you want to talk about. And then also you have a nurse that can go out to you.”

“Then we have something called the student membership. Literally, the student membership is for people based in the UK only. And what that does is that if your child is here on private education, we have a pediatric consultant that actually looks after the students. Of course, depending on their ages: if they are more than 18, they don’t have a paediatrician, they now have a general practitioner that looks after them. And again, it’s a personalised service so they can hold them when there is a problem, give them advice, come out and visit them, whatever they want to do and it’s just a yearly membership for the kids also. Because obviously, when kids are abroad, you want to make sure that they are having the best care that they can get.”

“The other thing I didn’t mention with the corporate membership is that we also offer them health education services a few times a year depending on what they want, and this is training people on things like stress management, how to cope with workload, and masterclasses that we do for an hour just to support them. And like I said, each of these memberships can be made bespoke. We have families with three wives, four children: they can just pick what they want and create a personalised package. Because … there is no one fit for everybody in medicine we’ve tried make sure that people can handpick what they want and mix and match, till they get what they need.”

“Now I think that I spoke about the health bit of the membership, but what I forgot to mention is the luxury concierge that comes with it also. So, with the membership, you get access to a concierge assistant who literally would do all the other things you need them to do for you. So if they have to do personal shopping for you, airport pickups [they’ll do it]. Some people might say to me, ‘Listen, I need someone to come and help me pack my bags because I’m travelling’: they can do that also for them.”

“And that’s it, that’s just how it works. That’s the membership..in a nutshell.”

“Concierge Medicine is like having health care in your pocket and walking around with it”

It may appear that concierge healthcare involves moving from one point to the other in search of excellent healthcare. But actually, this is not the case. This niche in medicine is only concerned with one thing: giving the patient real value for their money. And while it may involve travelling, especially if the options the patient seeks are not close by, it does not mean concierge health care cannot be local.

“While we do not offer our services in every single country we can localise our services in the client’s home country. So I’ll give you an example: the services we offer in Nigeria are mostly rehabilitation. If someone has had an operation in the UAE, if they go back to Nigeria, we have a team of people that would manage their aftercare, including a doctor that would go out to see them.”

“And we do that a lot with cancer patients because chemotherapy is really expensive in the UK. So someone comes to the country because they have lymphoma, they come to the UK, they have all their scans done, [and] we do a treatment protocol for them that says they need chemo for 6 weeks. Doing chemo in the UK would cost like, I don’t know, 70,000 pounds. But in Nigeria, it may cost 4 million naira. We would plan the treatment plan in the UK, they would go back to Nigeria. We would find a professor in oncology that can give them the chemo in Nigeria, [and] when they need to have their scans or follow up, [they] come back to the UK to see their professor [who has all the while been] speaking to the one in Nigeria.”

“So we do those types of services for people in their home countries to 1) help them with cost. 2) to help them be able to stay around loved ones when they’re being treated. But they are really handpicked cases, we don’t do it for every single service. The only other way we also do it is that sometimes we’ve flown doctors from here to like Nigeria; we’ve done that a lot with UAE. So we fly doctors from here to go do operations in those countries for patients. So like somebody can say, ‘Listen, I’m in Dubai. I don’t really want to come to the UK, I don’t want to be treated in the UK.’ Because we have partner hospitals we work with, we fly a surgeon from the UK to do the operation for them, because obviously, they can do it in their home country. We have a lot of that also.”

Annomo Health has shown that concierge medicine is clearly a fantastic option for just about anyone seeking more flexible and effective healthcare. But potential subscribers should beware: it is not entirely flexible.

“So let me be honest with you: we’re really not that flexible. We’re very, very strict with rules, not because we’re difficult, but because there is regulation for different things. And we have to be strict about the regulations.”

“Concierge healthcare can work in Africa”

Can concierge medicine become ubiquitous in Africa? Dr Chichi thinks so.

“Actually, we were planning to offer the same services in Nigeria in 2019, [but] then the pandemic happened. And I think Nigeria is the first market for it; that’s my honest opinion. I think it would work in Nigeria: you just have to get it round people’s heads to do it. And I think in the future, yes we will. For me, my ultimate goal is to make sure healthcare in Africa is better and to be honest, I don’t like people coming abroad for healthcare. When I say it, people don’t believe me. What I want is that if Nigeria had those services, then we should be able to utilise them in Nigeria.”

“The problem we have in Nigeria is that people think that nice-looking hospital means they know what they’re doing. It’s all about handpicking people and I know that there’s a lot of groups now in Nigeria saying we can do this. The problem I worry about is … we need to have regulations, we need to have policies in place that actually censor what people are doing. But I think we’re getting there because I am now seeing court cases in Nigeria won by families because doctors screwed up. And I think it is really important because these are human beings. We need to be asking questions.”

“And I think healthcare in Nigeria is fantastic, I think Nigeria has a lot of experienced and seasoned doctors. But I think that we need to put in rules and good regulations to be able to sieve out [the rest]. Like if I was sick in Nigeria, I would go to the teaching hospitals easily, I won’t even be worried because I know that they are very good at what they’re doing. But people don’t see that … there are very good doctors in Nigeria; I know a lot of them and I have spoken to a lot of them.”

“Annomo Health is taking concierge medicine to Turkey”

What then is next for Annomo Health?

“Turkey.”

“So I think we’re going to do business in Turkey. It’s going to take us like one or two months to set it up because there is so much that needs to be done. We’re going to send a few people as [part of a] pilot and then get our board’s approval.”

But of course, expanding any business comes with its unique sets of challenges and learning curves.

“I think scaling the business part is easier because of the people we want to try and get. I think one of our biggest challenges is 2 things.”

“For a long time, you know pre-pandemic, we ran membership by invitation only. Now, there is a one-off service but initially, when we started, we struggled to ensure that we were not offering the same service to people in this category because we were used to our premium healthcare packages. 

“Now that we are scaling even further, we want to be able to ensure that we never dilute the brand or make a mistake with the brand. Because if you’re going to expand and go into new markets, you need to have better options that offer wider, more varied payment options. So not everybody can afford the very expensive people that we work with, but some other people can. We’re trying to navigate that by opening up other countries that are more affordable. We would never stop working with the best people, right? And obviously, the best people cost more money, but what we could do is get the best people in places where the entire health service is cheaper. And that is what we are trying to do. But it’s a bit hard sometimes to navigate all of that.”

Dr Chichi Menakaya: the human behind Annomo Health Services

I cannot leave home without

“My mobile phone and my Macbook. If I don’t have my Macbook my life is not normal.”

I cannot go into a meeting without

“My Macbook. I love it so much, it’s like my best friend. It’s so bad, my Macbook sleeps on my bed.”

A typical day for me would be

“Fun with a bit of stress, and also exciting. I normally get up about 5:30am. If I am operating on that day, I am at work at 7, just to see my patients. Then I operate the whole day: my operating days are an all-day operating day. If I have a clinic day, then it’s not really that busy. But in between, I could have a business meeting or meetings with people. I also love watching movies, that really helps me relax. And I say my prayers and I go to sleep and the next day starts.”

“It’s always different every day. Sundays I do less business work. I spend a lot of time with family over the weekend, in the evenings mostly. My weekends are also full of business meetings for the businesses.”

What are your 3 absolute best cities to visit?

“Paris – it is the love of my life. I’ve been about 1 billion times a year.”

“South Africa – I love South Africa a lot. I’ve been to Cape Town which I really loved.”

“Sicily – I’ve never been to Sicily but Sicily is like the love of my life also. And I am not going to go to Sicily till a special time.”

My most expensive buy is

“I have to confess: I am addicted to shoes and bags. I buy a lot of shoes and bags, like you don’t even want to know. But the most expensive thing I own is a wristwatch I have. It’s nothing that anyone uses. It’s an Italian brand and it’s got real diamonds in it. I can’t remember the name, but I bought it in Italy like 12 years ago. I bumped into Milan and I bought it.”

What are 3 things most people don’t know about you?

“I have a relationship commitment phobia.”

“Even though people think I’m very confident, I still get scared when I have to do a presentation, but people don’t see that. They only see the fact that I am so confident when I’m doing it but deep down I’m scared. I don’t want it to go wrong. But once I say my name, the fear leaves me. My mum used to say to me, you need to remember who you are, whose child you are. So whenever I say my name and hear my name, it makes me remember who I am and it helps me take away that fear.”

“My best friend when I was a child was a dog called Oscar. Till I was 21, my best friend was Oscar, but he died of hepatitis.”

If you were not a doctor, what would have been a natural career path for you?

“It would have been one of multiple things. My natural career path would have been to do charity or missionary work. I love meeting new people because I think life is all about your relationships, your network with people. And I feel like if you can make one person smile if you can take away pain from one person, it works. That’s why I did medicine in the first place.”

“Two, I would have wanted to do fashion which I still do as a doctor. I design clothes. The other thing I would have really wanted to do is business full-time, like buying and selling or owning a shop.”

The post ASPIRE CEO: Dr Chichi Menakaya is Delivering the Ultimate Concierge Medicine Experience first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post ASPIRE CEO: Dr Chichi Menakaya is Delivering the Ultimate Concierge Medicine Experience appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

Until it’s time to leave the hospital and you realise those kind nurses are not going to follow you home. Even if your hospital stay was not the best of experiences, suddenly having to deal with a newborn can be an overwhelming experience for mothers. Granted, in some cultures like what obtains here in Africa, it is expected that a member of the family, usually the grandmother, comes over to stay for at least a month to help the new mum adapt. But, times are changing, and even with the support of family members, adjusting to life post-birth can quickly become stressful for new parents.

Luxury retreats for new mums want to help solve this challenge, and they are on the rise.

The idea for luxury retreats for new mums has its origins in postpartum confinement practices in Asia, which can be traced as far back as 960 AD. It is based on the fact that childbirth, though beautiful, can be difficult, and coming home to guests who would have to be entertained, as well as chores and sometimes older children, while adjusting to the demands of a newborn can be too much for mummy. So, a ‘middle home’, which eases parents gently into their new role – whether or not they’ve had children before – is the best solution for everyone.

In South Korea, this post-natal retreat concept is called Sanhujori and is typically offered at choriwons (postpartum care clinics).

Singapore, nearly 5000km away, offers the same kind of services, but in a completely different way. Instead of postpartum clinics, they have luxury postpartum retreats. These five-star-like hotels for new mums come with all the bells and whistles, including spacious, fully-fitted rooms with perks such as 600-thread-count sheets for deep, comfortable sleep; aesthetic clinics for rejuvenating facials; in-house physiotherapy centres to help soothe aching muscles and help new mums get their bodies back to shape; spas that offer weekly postnatal massages and yoga classes. There are also salons that help fix mum’s hair, chauffeur services to take her and baby to the hospital for checkups, herbal baths to promote healing and dining services that offer foods tailored to deeply nourish mom and baby, and help to heal the latter.

In-house nannies and general nurseries are on hand to help take care of the baby when she wants to rest solo. Dads are welcome, and so are family members/other visitors, although the latter are usually not allowed to stay overnight.

The concept is beginning to catch on outside Asia.

The Boram Postnatal Retreat at the Langham Hotel in Manhattan, New York offers the same services as the Singaporean luxury retreats for new mums. There is a nursery run by employees with backgrounds in infant care, a mother’s lounge where moms can attend seminars organised by paediatricians, physical therapists and mental health specialists on everything from pelvic floor therapy to curing insomnia. Messages and sitz baths are offered to mums to help with swelling and soreness, while a robust menu, “prepared by an award-winning chef” ensures the new mothers have all the nutrients they need at this stage.

At $900 per night (the Singaporean Luxury retreats on average cost less at roughly $770 per night) the facility does not come cheap. But those who have used them swear that they are the best thing that happened to them after childbirth. And while it has not become commonplace outside Asia, the fact that non-Asian postnatal facilities like the Boram require bookings well in advance is a good indication that it is simply a matter of time.

The post Luxury Retreats for New Mums is a Thing. And it is probably coming to a Location Close to You first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post Luxury Retreats for New Mums is a Thing. And it is probably coming to a Location Close to You appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

Avoid a stressful, panic-filled trip across different stores with our thoughtful holiday gift edit that has something for you and everyone on your list.

Shop the ASPIRE x Montaigne Place 2022 Holiday Gift Edit below!

Gift Ideas for Him

Creed Aventus for Him

What could possibly go wrong with a fragrance that starts out citrusy, light and bubbly, then dries down to a smokey, musky scent that lasts and lasts?

Nothing, if you ask us.

But, if you’re shopping for something more robust, bolder, more intense and more intimate, then you should look at:

Apex by Roja

Read our review on this chypre, citrusy fragrance to discover more.

Gift Ideas for Her

Creed WindFlowers

If you’ve never been drawn to powdery, citrusy scents that are popular with female fragrances, allow us to introduce you to Wind Flowers, Creed’s latest perfume for women.

Our review breaks down everything you need to know about it.

Clive Christian Crab Apple Blossom

This fresh, fruity, bubbly fragrance is all bright and cheerful thanks to its top notes of apple blossom and bergamot. However, as it tapers down to its heart notes of driftwood and sandalwood, it becomes warmer, like a shift from a bright sunny day to a cooler evening.

Perfume Accessories

Some perfumes have really great sillage and can last the whole day. However, it does not mean you couldn’t touch up at different points during the day. 

Atomisers are an excellent, comfortable and compact way to have your favourite perfume with you everywhere you go.

Know someone who is always on the move? Get them these chic atomisers from Creed.

Creed Atomiser 10ml, Gold

Creed Atomiser 50ml, Black

Gift Ideas for the Home

Sometimes, the best way to experience a scent is to have it fill up a space.

These luxury scented candles and diffusers will infuse every nook and cranny with their fragrance. The candles also have the dual effect of creating a warm, intimate mood.

Orens Parfums Home Collection

Silenda d’Ecume reed diffuser

A mix of bergamot, apple and peach at the top; with heliotrope, orris and lily of the valley in the middle mixed with cedarwood, musk and vanilla at the base makes for a long-lasting fruity scent with a tinge of woodiness.

Serr D’Eden Candle

Spice up your home this holiday season with this candle that contains notes of pepper, tangerine, rosemary, vetiver and vanilla.

Callis Subtile Candle

Callis Subtile combines notes of sugar and amber with musk and moss for a sweet, earthy scent reminiscent of warm, intimate evenings.

Orens Photophore Kadou Candles

These beautifully-engraved candleholders that come with three small candles are the perfect accent for your dinner parties this season.

Roja Parfums Luxury Home Fragrance

Paris ‘Love is in the Air’ Candle

Bring the unmistakable scent of Paris into your home or the home of that ardent traveller this season.

London ‘the Capital of Cool’ candle

Quintessentially British fragrances of rose, lavender and violet are softened by vetiver and warmed up by amber and myrrh in this candle that would be a welcome addition to any home this season and beyond.

Amber Aoud

Here, the intense woodiness of oud is countered with the sweetness of fig and benzoin and warmed up by cinnamon and saffron.

Aoud

If you love oud, then this traditionally-oud fragrance is the perfect gift for you.

Luxury Reed Diffusers

What makes the Roja diffusers stand out is the fact that the scents (sold separately) were created as perfumes using high-quality oils. Whether you’re going for the lavender or the musk aoud scent, the long-lasting fragrant effects of the diffuser make it a great gift for anyone, including you.

Gift Ideas for the Skincare Enthusiast

The face is literally the first part of you people see before their eyes get drawn to other aspects. This is why gifting facial products is always a great idea.

Here are some great ideas to look out for at Montaigne Place

Troiareuke H+ Cocktail

These K-beauty ampoules are infused with antioxidants and phytochemicals to combat signs of ageing and leave the skin softer and more supple. Each formulation addresses different skin concerns from dryness to acne-prone and sensitive skin.

Troiareuke GPS Mask

This minimal at-home spa kit includes a cleanser, a mask sheet and an energy cream that takes out dirt and revitalises the skin.

Clarins Double Serum

Want more youthful, firmer, radiant skin? Clarins Double Serum promises to give you all these and more.

Clarins Body Brightening Veil

Not only does it offer light protection from the sun with its SPF20, but Body Brightening Veil also evens out skin tone for clear, youthful-looking skin.

Clarins Nutril-Lumiere Day/Night cream

This day and night cream is another powerful anti-ageing formulation perfect for mature skin.

Murad Essential C cleanser

This Vitamin c cleanser will not only remove impurities without stripping your skin of moisture, but it will also leave your skin brighter and more refreshed.

Murad Essential C toner

The Vitamin c toner is a perfect accompaniment to the vitamin c cleanser. Full of antioxidants, it infuses even more moisture into the skin while treating hyperpigmentation.

Murad Retinol Youth Serum

Retinol is considered the OG of anti-ageing, and with Murad’s retinol tri-active technology, this hyaluronic-infused retinol serum, formulated for sensitive skin, is a great gift for anyone.

Ready to shop the gift edit? Visit the nearest Montaigne Place store or call/Whatsapp 0700MONTAIGNE. You can also download a pdf version of the gift edit here. 

The post The ASPIRE x Montaigne Place 2022 Gift Edit first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post The ASPIRE x Montaigne Place 2022 Gift Edit appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

In other words, because we are social beings, the act of giving gifts, either to ourselves or to others, is important for our survival. Giving is not just the way we express appreciation, but it is also one of the ways through which we grow and evolve as a species.

But even if we all understood its benefits, shopping for the right gifts that would express the sentiments we are hoping to convey is hard. It is why we have chosen to team up with Montaigne Place to help ease this process a bit for you.

Montaigne Place is well known for stocking the biggest and best names in the luxury fragrance, skincare and beauty world, so, if you’re looking to get gifts in these categories, it is definitely the place to go. One brand to look out for is Ajmal, a Middle Eastern perfume brand with a rich heritage spanning over seven decades and an international presence in over two dozen countries of the world.

Wondering what Ajmal perfume would be a great gift to give this season? Here are some great suggestions to consider

Amber Santal

If you’re in the market for a woody scent with a rich and creamy, consistency that manages to last for a long time without being overbearing, then you should definitely get Amber Santal.

A member of the Ajmal A series, Amber Santal’s top notes of cypress, pepper and nutmeg, alongside its base notes of sandalwood, patchouli, cedar and amber is a great gift for a perfume lover with a bias for the sandalwood scent.

Amber Wood

For a stronger, muskier and more intoxicating woody scent, Ajmal’s Amber Wood should be the scent on your radar.

This perfume might be better suited for a romantic partner or a close family member/friend as its fragrance is reminiscent of warm, intimate moments. It would also be a great gift for yourself if its notes are to your liking.

Hatkora Wood

Don’t let the wood in the name fool you — Hatkora Wood by Ajmal is more citrusy than woody, and with the top notes of Hatkora lemon, lemon and peach; middle notes of saffron, lavender, ginger and rose, and, base notes of agarwood (oud), sandalwood, ambergris, amber and musk, you get a scent that is strong enough to pass as a fragrance for men, but with whiffs of softness that it can easily be worn by a woman who loves a perfume that veers away from the traditional feminine powdery fragrances.

Violet Musc

This floral, powdery Ajmal perfume is a perfect gift for a female friend, family member or even a colleague this holiday.

While it is true that not every female loves floral, powdery fragrances, an expert mix of musk, lily of the valley, ylang ylang and rose at the top followed by the more elegant violet and finished off with the base notes of amber and more musk make the Ajmal Violet Musc a delightfully floral affair that is hard to resist.

Purely Orient Amber 

This is definitely the scent to get for someone whose taste in perfume you’re unsure of.

A mix of bergamot and pepper with rose, rosewood, jasmine and palisander finished off with amber, oud, musk and sandalwood ensures that there is something of interest here whether the receiver is a lover of spicy scents or one that leans towards powdery fragrances or even someone who is more interested in woody perfumes.

All Ajmal perfumes are available at Montaigne Place stores nationwide. 

The post This Season, Give the Gift of an Ajmal Perfume — or Two! first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post This Season, Give the Gift of an Ajmal Perfume — or Two! appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

Olivier Creed, the nose behind the House of Creed’s latest fragrance for women, Wind Flowers, explained that for this particular scent, he drew inspiration from the strength of a woman ‘flying through the air’ in some form of dance movement. This image, of a female dancer switching rapidly between different movements – perhaps, sometimes slow, sometimes fast with different twists and turns all coming together to form a graceful, fluid choreography – is the perfect metaphor for the Creed Wind Flowers perfume.

Female perfumes always almost evoke memories of flowers and powdery fragrances; of soft scents that are intimate yet safe and elusive; of aromas that tease and lightly draw you close as though their wearer were so delicate that a more powerful movement would crush them.

Creed Wind Flowers turns this myth on its head.

When the fragrance initially hits your nose, your first thought would probably be, ‘no, this is just another flowery, citrusy scent.’ And this reaction would not be altogether wrong, because the top notes of jasmine, orange blossom and peach are well, flowery aromas. And the heart notes of jasmine sambac, tuberose petals and rose extract only reinforce the smell of flowers.

But, at the base of all of these fragrant layers is where the real change starts to occur.

The sweet yet sharp scent of praline is mixed with the equally sharp citrusy but sour orange blossom, the woody and rich sandalwood as well as the powdery, buttery iris fragrances that are all then diluted with the clean, unique musk scent to create an overall aroma that starts out familiar and unsurprising, but gradually segues into an unexpectedly different experience that can either delight or shock.

The situation (that is ideal for Creed Wind Flowers)

As this is a generally citrusy, flowery fragrance, it is perfect for spring and summer. Yet, because this Creed scent is also a soft and long-lasting perfume that makes an impression without overpowering all who experience it, you can confidently wear it all day knowing that it will stay with you like a loyal, dependable friend.

The stores (where you can buy a bottle. Or two)

Creed Wind Flowers is available online on the house’s website.

But, if you’re in Nigeria, the perfume can be gotten at any of the Montaigne Place stores, across the country. Montaigne Place in collaboration with the House of Creed launched the scent at an uber-chic yet dreamy private launch in Lagos, at the visually stunning Art Hotel that was the perfect backdrop for the event. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly a graceful yet energetic performance by young ballet dancers, further enlivened by decor reflecting the perfume’s notes; effortlessly conveying the scent’s unique narrative to tell a beautiful story.

You can also choose to call/Whatsapp Montaigne Place Concierge on 0700 MONTAIGNE, or follow their Instagram, @montaigneplace, to make a purchase.

The post Creed Wind Flowers: The Latest Luxury Scent that Should Be on Your Radar first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post Creed Wind Flowers: The Latest Luxury Scent that Should Be on Your Radar appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

Well, I have, and it would not be an exaggeration to anyone who owns a Roja and already knows about the wonderful fantasy that is a Roja scent. For its latest launch, Apex by Roja, the maxim ‘experience is the best teacher’ is the only fitting description.

On September 8, 2022, in Lagos, 31 specially-curated guests united by the love for great scents and comprising fragrance collectors, luxury aficionados and the media were hosted by Montaigne place at the Z kitchen to a multi-sensory experience involving fine dining, delightful scents, deep conversation and a budding camaraderie. Underpinning it all and at the centre of the evening was the ‘scent of the hour’, Apex by Roja Parfums.

On arrival at the dinner after pre-dinner drinks, one was immediately drawn in by a large, leafy wreath, with the words APEX at its centre providing a green shade for the perfume.

Dotting this wreath were all the fruits and fruity notes that make up the new fragrance. From the introductory flavours of lemon, bergamot, mandarin and orange, to the slightly stronger scent of pineapple in the middle and a definitely powerful base note of juniper berries.

The bottle itself is square-shaped, with a black into green ombre effect from top to bottom. Inside this dark and mysterious bottle is Roja Apex, a fragrance that begins with a citrus-based top consisting of zesty lemon, bergamot, mandarin and refreshing orange.

Connecting us to our primal energies, the animal-like effects of leather, ambergris and musk lay in the shadows, bringing their sensual impulse to this highly-addictive new fragrance. Roja Apex celebrates the natural wonders of the world, honing in on those who roam it.

The result is a fruity, floral and chypre fragrance that is at once fresh as it is strong, not in the least overbearing, but incredibly sexy and unapologetically bold.

The brand might have created this as a masculine scent, but all the ladies at the event including yours truly, unanimously agreed that we had no reservations whatsoever in getting our hands on a bottle for ourselves!

The launch event delicately and with the utmost attention to detail delivered on the Apex ethos. From the delicious green signature cocktails at the pre-dinner reception to the entire decor and menu. It was an evening that was most befitting of the powerful fragrance that is Apex by Roja.

Roja Dove, the perfumer behind this new fragrance, said Apex was inspired by ‘primal instincts.’

“I have always said that we must not forget that we are animals. We’ve been using scent for millions of years to catch food, escape danger, and to find a mate. it is these primal instincts that inspired me to create Apex. [It] connects man and nature. The citrus opening represents the beginning of reaching your Apex with a bright blend of bergamot, lemon, mandarin and pineapple. Base notes of patchouli and fir balsam evoke the feeling of being surrounded by nature, while notes of leather add warmth and sensuality. We have also used sandalwood and frankincense to give it a spiritual feel,” explains Dove.

If you’re on the lookout for a scent that is as smokey as it is woodsy, but one that is also fresh and invokes the feeling of the great outdoors while still somehow conferring upon its wearer a hint of prestige and success, then you should try Apex by Roja. As we’ve said, it is a fragrance that is better experienced than described.

Apex by Roja is available at The Montaigne Place, Nigeria’s largest luxury Skincare, Cosmetic, and Fragrance retail company. For more information and enquiries follow @montaigneplace on Instagram and Facebook.

The post Apex by Roja Parfums is Poetry in Motion, Speaking to the Heart first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post Apex by Roja Parfums is Poetry in Motion, Speaking to the Heart appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

Oh! and you may also begin to notice the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines (even when your face is ‘resting’); under-eye bags hours after you’ve woken up; your skin might appear duller and your pores larger.

This comes as no surprise: skin cell turnover slows down somewhere in the 30s, collagen production decreases, and antioxidant defences decline. By the time you hit 40, the process is much slower and the decline faster. But it’s not all gloom and doom. While the general rule is to have an anti-aging beauty routine on lockdown in your 30s, it is never too late to start when you turn 40.

Wondering what skincare products will work at reducing wrinkles and keeping the fine lines at bay for people in their 40s? Here are some of the best to start with

Yves Rocher Overconcentrated Lift Serum

The overconcentrated botanical compound here comes from Ajupa Reptans (also known as Carpet Bugle) which, among other things, is known to help with speeding up the process of healing, promoting cell growth and reducing inflammation.

According to Yves Rocher, following a clinical study involving 25 cases, 92% said they noticed wrinkles looked reduced almost immediately. After one month, the skin appeared to sag less and looked stronger.

The Overconcentrated Lift serum can be used in the morning and evening on both the face and neck to reduce wrinkles and tighten the skin.

Troiareuke Energy Cream

Because cellular turnover slows down as we age, our skin tends to retain dead cells longer than it can replace them with younger, healthier-looking ones. Don’t forget also that collagen production is rapidly declining, which means that not only do you have a higher percentage of dead skin cells all over, you now have to contend with skin that is less elastic and less hydrated.

The key ingredients of camellia seed oil, galactomyces ferment filtrate, ginseng root extract, as well as 7 different types of peptides make the Troiareuke Energy Cream a great ally in the fight against ageing skin.

Camellia seed oil is an antioxidant that protects and moisturises the skin, while peptides, which contain amino acids that can be easily absorbed by the skin, can help to stimulate your skin to produce collagen.

Troiareuke Rejuvenating Formula Ampule

Formulated with Hydrolyzed Collagen and Acetylhexapeptide-8, Troiareuke Rejuvenating Formula Ampule works well in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

And with the addition of licorice root extract which helps to fade dark spots, this serum will not only help you look younger in a non-invasive way, it will also help your skin appear brighter and well hydrated.

Murad Resurgence Complete Skincare Regimen

The Murad Resurgence Complete Skincare Regimen is perfect for people just starting out in their anti-ageing beauty routine. It contains a renewing eye cream, a sun cream (age-Balancing Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30), a hydrating toner, a cleansing cream, a rapid collagen infusion serum and a moisturising cream.

Use the Renewing Cleansing Cream, Hydrating Toner, the Intensive Age Diffusing Serum and the Age Balancing Moisture SPF 30 in the morning, and the Renewing Cleansing Cream, Hydrating Toner, the Intensive Age Diffusing Serum, the Age Balancing Night Cream and the Renewing Eye Cream in the evening for improved firmness and the reduction of wrinkles and fine lines.

Sunscreen

Any beauty regiment would be moot without sunscreen, so whether you’re going with a serum or a cream, make sure to finish up with an SPF 30 at the very least.

The above-mentioned products are available at Montaigne stores nationwide.

The post 5 Great Skincare Products for the 40s and Over first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post 5 Great Skincare Products for the 40s and Over appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.