Inevitably, each new year is accompanied by the famous “good resolutions”, which are supposed to at the very least sweep away all the gastronomic excesses of the end of the year – a month of steamed fennel and lemon-ginger juice – and in some utopian existential perspective transform you into a certified wise man! Oscar Wilde once said, “Always aim for the moon, because even if you fail, you’ll land in the stars.” Me, I say: “The stars… that’s pretty good!” Delphine Raimond
When we say “good resolutions”, we mean first and foremost “good care” for ourselves, because what we want is to feel good! Whether we land on the moon or in the stars, our goal will always be achieved! So in 2024, let’s look after our bodies and minds, to achieve a healthy well-being and a balanced life. And that’s accessible and effective to everyone!
Eliminate stress with sophrology
Jennyfer Cheniart is a sophrologist, hypnotherapist and personal development coach. For the past fourteen years, she has been guiding people on the path to a more serene and fulfilled daily life, as they seek to better understand themselves. Having made stress and emotion management a speciality, she offers training and individual coaching for companies, as well as her own practice in Tamarin. “Sophrology is a set of techniques and lifestyle behaviours that work on both body and mind. Techniques alone are not enough; you also need to adopt lifestyle behaviours. Living in the present moment, not taking things personally, practicing non-violent communication, etc.” Jennyfer tells me about the three phases of stress: alarm, resistance and exhaustion. “When we can’t deal with an ongoing situation, we fall into bad stress, and the body begins to produce the inherent hormone cortisol. In addition, the stress hormone affects us physically (prevents us from sleeping), emotionally (leads to anxiety, sadness, anger, etc.) and mentally (can lead to depression, even burnout). Regular practice – because repetition is important – of sophrology tools such as breathing, relaxation, positive thinking, visualization… generates hormones such as endorphin, serotonin, oxytocin and dopamine, which contribute to our general well-being. It’s a question of balance, of real equilibrium. We’re definitely going to be able to sleep peacefully, and be a calmer, more serene person in our daily lives.” Jennyfer stresses the importance of a daily ritual and concludes with the four pillars of good mental health: eating well, sleeping well, exercising and managing stress.
We’re interested in coaching
Among the speakers approached to unlock the secrets of positive thinking, here’s what meta-coach Valérie Imbert suggests: “Faced with resolutions that usually last a month and make us feel guilty and indebted, what if this year we broke the old agreements! What if we just decided to set an intention that will free us, that will make us wake up, nourish us, become us, be us, put us at the heart of the equation! So that by encouraging the positive, by being in the present moment, by taking good care of ourselves, we give ourselves permission, we listen to ourselves and we please ourselves! Don’t you think the rest would follow as if by synchronicity?” What a simple way to be supported in our goodwill-filled reflections for 2024! And Valérie adds: “Let’s apply the Four Toltec Agreements, as a code of conduct, consistently and perseveringly at all times: let your word be impeccable, whatever happens don’t make it personal, don’t make assumptions and always do your best.”
Sandra Dal Ferro is the author of Réveillez le génie en vous: le guide de l’épanouissement personnel. A personal and professional coach (Atiola Consulting) certified in NLP (neuro-linguistic programming), she is also a hypnotherapist, using the Ericksonian approach based on the subject’s collaboration and autonomy, not the hypnotist’s control. In writing the book, Sandra used specific techniques “to relax the reader, to get them to go deeper, to put themselves in a state of introspection to do their work on themselves”. Her aim with this book is “to offer a guide to all those in search of meaning, to those seeking to rediscover their life path”. She talks about time, that most precious of resources, and how to manage it effectively. The fundamental role of goals, those “pillars on which the construction of your future rests”, the process of making them a source of motivation and enthusiasm, setting deadlines and action plans, assessing obstacles and overcoming them… In other words, helping us to set and achieve them. It evokes perseverance. It points to the art of communication, where the way we speak and listen can make “all the difference between success and failure, between mutual understanding and misunderstanding”. To be honest with you, if the endless books on personal development have never convinced me, this little book (on sale on Goodreads and Amazon), which bears the author’s direct and effective pen, is indeed likely to awaken the genius in all of us. Sandra kindly guides us towards a deep understanding of ourselves and our unimaginable ability to be positive.
Improve your sleep
Valérie Imbert gives us some tips to help us get back to quality sleep. “Sleeping badly, or sleeping very little, not getting a real restorative sleep, can have many negative consequences on our body, our memory, our mood. When we sleep well, we can move mountains!” So, Valérie, what can you do?
– Care for the atmosphere. The room, if possible decorated in cool shades, should be well ventilated, clean (no pets) and at a moderate temperature (18 to 20°C), so that the body temperature can be lowered. Feet should be kept warm.
– Good bedding.
– Immerse yourself in darkness and silence.
– Avoid stimulants. As a reminder, blue light is very exciting. Avoid screens after 8:00 p.m. or 30 minutes before bedtime. Avoid coffee, tea (even green tea), sugary foods, vitamin C, caffeinated soft drinks and cigarettes before going to bed.
– Manage your digestion. Eat a light meal as early as possible, ideally two hours before bedtime.
– Set up a ritual. Go to bed at a fixed time, if possible before midnight, to benefit from hours of recuperative sleep. Plan to sleep at least seven hours a night.
– Get into condition. Do something relaxing to slow your heart rate. This could be herbal tea; make-up removal and skincare; a book, magazine, podcast; anchoring, meditation or breathing techniques. Some will need to make the next day’s to-do list to calm their minds.
– Exert yourself during the day. Physically and/or intellectually.
Taking care of yourself
Our island abounds in institutes dedicated to our well-being, with addresses nestled in the heart of resorts offering specific programs and other detox treatments.
In 2024, Constance Spas invites you on a journey… olfactory, sensory and exotic. Geranium, grapefruit, fennel and ginger to detoxify. Ylang-ylang, frangipani, lemongrass and neroli to release tension. Peppermint, eucalyptus and rosemary to reduce muscular pain. Through redesigned signature protocols, the hotel group continues to raise its standards of well-being. “As we embark on this new year, our teams are more inspired than ever to offer you unforgettable experiences. We’re working tirelessly to further enhance our current offerings, offering a range of activities from fitness sessions and outdoor yoga classes to reconnect you with nature, to guided meditation sessions for mental relaxation,” says Chase Webber, Corporate Spa Manager. Numerous rituals based on ingredients with medicinal virtues and balanced menus, with gourmet options, specially designed to perfect the experience; tofu mille-feuilles, cauliflower and truffle risotto and many other healthy surprises.
At theAnantara Iko, on the southeast coast, we love the concept of personalized treatment and activity programs. Opt for a tailor-made 5- or 7-night package featuring specific wellness treatments (naturopathy, acupressure, reflexology…) inspired by techniques from around the world. Your individual preferences and needs are assessed to create a fully customized ritual, in addition to existing formulas for couples, mothers-to-be and children. Enhance your wellness retreats with Thai, Balinese or Hawaiian massages; Ayurvedic or detox treatments; Reiki sessions, to restore balance and energy; or nature practices, included in the packages, such as yoga, Tai Chi, bike rides. Accompany it all with healthy cuisine: seafood grills at Sea Fire Salt, a vegan menu at Bon Manzer or Indian cuisine at Zafran. And don’t forget the incredible, unobstructed view of the wild coastline!
Are you familiar with Ninety-Six’s I Spas? Located in three of the chain’s four luxury city hotels – the Suffren Hotel & Marina in Port Louis, the Hennessy Park Hotel in Ebène and the Village in Port Chambly – these havens of peace, open to the public seven days a week, are both wellness and fitness centers, offering affordable rates and a full range of treatments, as well as a range of facilities, including sports grounds and gyms, yoga, belly dancing and aqua aerobics classes, a swimming pool, sauna and steam room. Coaches are available to members, who also benefit from special rates at hotel restaurants. At the Suffren, take up squash or enjoy the hydro-jet pool. At the Hennessy, discover the elegant Invictus hairdressing salon and its natural treatments, or Cédric Lanappe’s make-up studio. At The Address, play tennis, volleyball or pétanque… Ninety-Six Hotel Collection General Manager Rolph Schmid informs us that “the Fit Fun Party, Mother’s Day offers, themed conferences led by specialists, monthly workshops and themes, such as detox month, phytotherapy, masculine well-being, self-love, etc., will be back again this year”.
In the immaculate premises of the Aestheticare clinic on La Croisette, I surrendered myself to Sandra’s expert hands, testing out facial drainage for you. Fifty minutes of absolute relaxation at a very reasonable price (1400 rupees), just like the whole range of rituals on offer. The precise technique frees your vital energy, improving lymphatic circulation and reducing bags under the eyes and skin inflammation. The intense relaxation and sensation of lightness that this facial drainage brings, combined with its benefits for the skin – freed of toxins and stress – are pure bliss! The beauty clinic offers a range of treatments that stimulate, rebalance and relieve… without breaking the 2,000 rupee mark. From Oh my Lymph drainage to facial or foot reflexology. From the renowned Japanese Kobido rejuvenating massage to the prowess of the LinLine laser (exclusive to the Indian Ocean) and its techniques for permanent hair removal, tattoo removal, elimination of acne pimples, blemishes and scars, tissue ablation and more. At his facility, Dr. Van Den Broeck handles a wide range of aesthetic and anti-aging treatments: botox, filler, collagen induction, PRP injections, peels…
We release endorphins
In other words, exercise! Physical activity strengthens both body and mind, contributing to psychological well-being and reducing stress, anxiety and depression. What’s more, engaging in a regular program or workout develops a number of abilities such as patience, resilience, self-confidence and the ability to meet challenges in many other areas. In short, it’s a win-win situation! There are those who love gyms with a lively atmosphere, swimming in the ocean, walking or hiking, jogging or trail running… and there are those who are ready to take on new challenges!
Officially launched in August 2023, the Mo’Bike Park is dedicated to enduro mountain biking. Located in Chamouny, in an area of several hectares, the site already offers 15 km of trails for all levels, and is aiming to expand to several dozen kilometers. The manager explains the principle: “Enduro is all about downhill riding. We take care of transporting the riders and their mountain bikes up the mountain, using a shuttle system (pick-up and trailer). Once at the top, the markings are identical to those on the ski slopes: green for easy, blue for medium, red for difficult and black for expert.” As I ask myself about the skills required, I’m forced to admit that I have no more excuses for discovering this discipline, which is both fun and sporty. The area is accessible to all those who are at least 1.50 m tall, and there’s no need to have a good level of mountain biking, as the various trails are adapted to novices and experts alike, at their own pace. Ultimately, the aim of Mo’Bike is to offer mountain bikers an original experience in an exceptional setting! Small group sessions, coached by Christophe, international enduro expert and track shaper, are a great way to get started.
The greatest asset of the private estate is undoubtedly the abundance of its flora and fauna. “It’s imperative to respect our environment. All our trails are marked and marked out by us. Our shapers mark them with traditional hand tools (pickaxes, rakes, etc.), which are not motorized. Our footprints must have as little impact as possible on nature. One of our tricks is to follow the natural tracks made by the deer, and to adapt them in certain places to allow the passage of mountain bikes. When we need to widen a path, we line its sides with vetiver grass. To build a structure (bridge, jumping base…), we use local guava wood. Everything is done as naturally as possible with the elements we find locally.” The base is divided into three parts: the reception area for customers on arrival, in the buildings of the Cerf d’Or estate; the Café du Rider and its view of the valleys and the deer, from its terrace; the shop and the workshop. Designed in the spirit of international bike parks, most of the infrastructure is made from reclaimed wood. Here, we do our bodies and minds good, without damaging the planet! In 2024, competitions are on the horizon… right up to the organization of an event dedicated to Mo’Bike’s first anniversary!
Another address on the island unites sports enthusiasts, the curious and those eager for new sensations, around the same passion for sport: RM Club! Opened in Forbach in 2020, the increasingly successful brand will inaugurate its second complex in the heart of Tamarin’s Smart City, as well as a third in the center of the island, in the second quarter of 2024. But the expansion doesn’t stop there, as a fourth project has been signed at Anahita Golf & Spa Resort, which has handed over its sports center to the group, seen the construction of its first padel court… and this year will be equipping itself with two additional courts, on the former Beau Champ sugar factory. Next year, 2,000m2 of facilities will be available to customers in the East. A forerunner in a variety of sports, RM Club has launched padel tennis, pickleball and a climbing wall in Mauritius, and now offers people from all over the country the chance to take up a number of racquet sports, including volleyball, basketball, handball, 5-a-side soccer and fitness. “RM Club is much more than just a sports club, it’s a real place to live (children’s areas, restaurants, stores), a lifestyle! Our strengths are the quality of our infrastructure, the latest technology and customer service. With our youngest member aged 4 and our oldest 97, we’re a family club par excellence,” says assistant manager Laetitia Darche Schaub.
We challenge ourselves!
From June 22 to 23, 2024, the island will host the first edition of the Mauritius by UTMBÆ, one of forty extreme races taking place around the globe this year, affiliated to the global Ultra Trail Mont Blanc network. The aim? To accumulate running stones for the UTMB World Series circuit, in order to gain access to the mythical and prestigious final stage, scheduled for the end of August, crossing eighteen communes in France, Italy and Switzerland and aiming to circumnavigate Mont Blanc in less than two days! Yotta Sports, whose parent company XEFI (based in Lyon) has a branch in Mauritius, has signed a four-year contract as organizer of the Mauritius by UTMBÆ and purchased the license for the Indian Ocean.
Departing from Domaine de Bel Ombre, the local event combines all the difficulties, technicalities and extreme conditions required, over four distances: 22 km, 55 km, 97 km (positive altitude difference of 4400 m) and 135 km (positive altitude difference of 6100 m), to reach Le Morne. “Runners from all over the world will have the opportunity to experience an ultra trail event in paradise, with breathtaking views over the Indian Ocean, and Mauritians will have the chance to hike the exceptional trails of their island. Mauritius by UTMBÆ will take runners on extraordinary trails,” says race director Gaël Mainard. Clothilde Lefébure, the event director, tells me about the incredible logistics of the event and the challenge it represents for participants, especially local runners. Hundreds of Mauritians and residents have already registered, benefiting from a 50% discount on registration fees! The initiative has mobilized the enthusiasm of the most daring on the flagship event, as well as those who wish to challenge themselves on the 22 km, for example! “All trail runners know about the UTMB, but what we want to do is reach out to the Mauritian public, offering them the opportunity to discover the scale and international scope of the event, and to take part!
Registration: https: //mauritius.utmb.world/fr
