| May 17, 2012
Whether or not you believe in the magical powers of yoga as propagated by enthusiasts (You’ll never get diabetes if you twist your spine every day! Yogis can run a marathon without training!... are just two of the more outlandish claims I’ve heard), learning to strengthen your body and calm your mind can only be beneficial to your overall health. If you’re interested in learning more about Ayurveda and health-improving yoga practices then check out this workshop: Yoga For Life and Ayur Yoga International are partnering up to hold a two-day Ayurvedic yoga workshop on May 23 and 24. The aim is to help improve one’s digestive system and overall health through asanas (yoga poses).
The course is $1,500 for two days, or $888 for one day, and the classes go from 6:30pm to 9:30pm each evening. If you’re interested, contact Vinod at 2771-1405, marketing@ayuryoga-intl.com; or Mindy at 2167-7401, mindy@yogaforlife.com.hk.
Because marine algae is one of its active anti-aging ingredients, ultra-expensive beauty brand La Mer knows which side its bread is buttered on. Every year since 2005, it’s joined forces with Oceana, an ocean protection advocacy group, to raise money and awareness for ocean conservation. This year, it’s pledged US$200,000 to Oceana, which it will raise with sales of a limited-edition 100ml jar of Crème de la Mer (priced at a heart-stopping $3,400). In addition, La Mer has also partnered with National Geographic for the “La Mer Oceans” photography contest, taking place between May 15 and July 31. Participants can submit up to three photos that capture the beauty of the world’s seas, which will be judged on creativity, photographic quality and how effectively it encapsulates the theme of the contest. Ten runners-up will receive $1,000 worth of La Mer products (one-third of a jar!?), a National Geographic print and the book “Ocean Soul” by photographer Brian Skerry. But the big prize is the reason I’ll be dusting off my Ixus (or more accurately, cajoling M into lugging his camera to the beach): the contest winner will get to go on a 12-day National Geographic Photography Expedition that explores the northwest seaboard of North America—including flights, accommodation and meals for two. They’ll also get a year’s supply of Crème de la Mer.
To enter, log onto www.nationalgeographic.com/LaMerOceans before the end of July. Winners will be announced in September.
Stuck in town over the summer holiday? The W is selling six one-day passes to its gym and pool facilities for $1,800, valid from now until the end of August. The pass includes access to its rooftop pool, fitness studio, steam room, sauna and outdoor jacuzzi. Plus, you’ll also be able to redeem one of three sweeteners, too: choose from a 50 percent discount on a “Blissage 75” spa treatment (regular price $1,150), a $500 voucher that can be used on spa treatments or spa products or a 60-minute personal training session valued at $1,000.
Meanwhile, Dragonfly Spa is offering a 90-minute hot stone massage for $560 (regular price $860) until the end of May. It’s also offering 20 percent off Shellac nail treatments and 30 percent off their “Worlds Away” two-therapist massage.
Email me at sfung@asia-city.com.hk, or follow me on Twitter: @sarahefung
