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The magic of
PILATES
HOW I CAME TO LOVE MY BODY AND
REGAINED MY STRENGTH
FEBRUARY 2021 $9.95
ON SAFARI
with Photographer Karmen Harley
Valentine’s Day
GIFT
GUIDE
FRONT COVER
artwork separate
Do not print
Wellness issue
WELLNESS & TRAVEL FOR BODY, MIND & SOUL
new
MOON
manifestations
for 2021
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LONDON
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Rosé—
Spritz
Spritzed rosé with natural botanicals.
78 calories, 3.6g sugar per serve.
riotwineco.com.au
MODEL: ZSA ZSA POWER
PHOTOGRAPHER: CHRISTIE VICTORIA PHOTOGRAPHY’
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AS NO BLEED
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LUXNOMADE.COM
EDITOR Julia Gralberg
SUB EDITOR
Sophia Frank
ART DIRECTION
Rebecca Mountain
PHOTOGRAPHER
Shamim Nakhaei
PARTNERSHIP MANAGER
Amanda Sykes
CONTRIBUTORS
Nikki Watson, Sally Matheson,
Karmen Harley, Isbabella Loneragan
EDITOR
julia@luxnomade.com
ADVERTISMENT
sales@luxnomadc.com
OFFICE
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is correct at time of going to press, it is subject to
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EDITOR’S
PICKS
Lover Necklaces,
LION WILDE
$180.00
Welcome! It is with much excitement
and joy I bring you Lux Nomade’s
debut print magazine. In our first issue,
we set out to find inspirational
women who have followed their passion
leading them to the roads less
travelled. Photographer Karmen Harley’s diary notes and her
breathtaking photographs from the wild African savannah is
a beautiful reminder of what awaits when travel restrictions
ease. And from India, Australian equestrian and entrepreneur
Nikki Watson takes us on a journey through Rajasthan
from the back of the indigenous Marwari horse. When it
comes to healing, Sally Matheson, writer and author, shares a
personal story about how Pilates transformed both her body
and mind. We are also learning about detoxing with essential
oils and how to turn our homes into day spas to give our skin
the best possible at-home facials. With the many changes
and uncertainties we are currently facing, turning to nature
can be comforting and the moon, with its very predictable
cycles, can be used to manifest our future desires, as Chala
Guzel, a Sydney-based Reiki Practitioner and PSYCH-K®
Facilitator who specialises in Moon Ceremonies talks about
in ‘Manifesting with Moon Rituals’. I hope our first issue will
inspire you and I wish you a wonderful and healthy 2021.
Love and light,
The Concentrate,
LA MER
$285.00
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Trinny London
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Urbanista
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Julia Gralburg
EDITOR
FACEBOOK FACEBOOK.COM/LUXNOMADE INSTAGRAM @LUXNOMADE
TWITTER @LUXNOMADE WEB LUXNOMADE.COM
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15
CONTENTS
FEBRUARY 2021
BEAUTY
23
21 LUX LIST, VALENTINE’S DAY
Our top picks to get in the mood
for self-love
23 LUX LIST, BEACH READY
Get ready for the beach and
keep the summer spark
32 ASK AN EXPERT
Celebrity Facilist Isabella
Loneragan’s Skincare Secrets
52 TOP DAY SPAS
Where to kick start 2021 for some
serious pampering
WELLNESS
24 MOON MANIFESTING
Learn how to manifest your
future with moon rituals
34 THE MAGIC OF PILATES
How I learned to love my body
and grew strong in the process
48 HEALTHY SNACK RECIPES
Skin-nourishing smoothies, snacks
and treats will take your inner
beauty routine to the next level
75 WELLNESS BOOKS, 2021
Our top picks from the highly
anticipated reads for this year
76 DETOX WITH ESSENTIAL
OILS
Aromatherapy Specialist shares
her top tips for using essential oils
for massages and scrubs
34
75
MODEL: ZSA ZSA POWER
PHOTOGRAPHER: CHRISTIE VICTORIA
PHOTOGRAPHY
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PHOTO: Tourism NT/Sam Earp
21
Halcyon
Spa
52
STYLE
48
Check out our
Valentine’s Day Gift Guide
with our top picks
38 ART MEETS FASHION
An interview with Ingrid Bonnor,
founder of Homebodii on her new
collaboration with Australian artis
Jay Vasicek
ESCAPE
40 ON SAFARI IN AFRICA
We join Australian Travel Photographer,
Karmen Harley to find
out what a day in our life is really
like
40
57 RIDING IN RAJASTHAN
Dashing across India’s vast Thar
Desert on the regal Marwari horse
with Mahima Rides
64 NORTHERN TERRITORY
Must-see destinations in the
Northern Territory including some
lesser-known locations for the
seasoned traveller, from tropical
Top End to the Red Centre
REGULARS
15 EDITOR’S LETTER
A welcome note from editor
Julia Gralberg.
18 CONTRIBUTORS
Nikki Watson, Isabella Loneragan,
Sally Matheson and Karmen Harley
IPHOTO: KARMEN CREDIT: HARVEY KARMEN HARLEY
Isabella Loneragan, one
of Australia’s top
skincare experts and
founder of The Dermal
Diary
32
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17
CHALA GUZEL
IIN HEALTH COACH
Chala Guzel is a Mind Stylist, IIN
Health Coach, Reiki Practitioner and
PSYCH-K® Facilitator based in Sydney,
Australia. She assists her clients
in energy clearing therapy targeting
emotional blocks, helping release the
feelings and life experiences holding
them back while freeing negative energies
causing stress and anxiety in-order
to re-create new, healthier, and life-affirming
beliefs. Chala also hosts Moon
Ceremonies in Sydney each month.
You can find out more on chalaguzel.
com and Instagram @chalaguzel.
18 LUXNOMADE.COM | @ LUXNOMADE
ISABELLA LONERAGAN
SKIN THERAPIST
Isabella Loneragan is one of Australia’s most experienced
skin therapists, qualified with Yakov Gerschovich
in Paris in Advanced Facial Sculpture Massage,
and the Buccall Massage, which features in The
Intrinsic Facial Experience at The Dermal Diary.
NIKKI WATSON
EQUESTRIAN
Nikki is an equestrian
traveller and entrepreneur.
Passionate
about ethical horsemanship
and sustainable
travel, Nikki
explores the world
by horseback, running
guided expeditions
for likeminded
adventurous equestrians.
Specialising
in the indigenous
Marwari breed of India,
she pioneered a
new horseback route
across the Great Indian
Desert.
CONTRIBUTORS
KARMEN HARLEY
PHOTOGRAPHER
Karmen Harley is an Australian travel photographer
capturing exotic destinations, wild adventures and
bucket list experiences the world over. A childhood
spent growing up in a small seaside town in
Queensland sparked a passion for photography and
started what has so far been a 20 year career spanning
over 60 different countries. From sailing the
Greek islands on a private yacht to camping under
the stars in the heart of Africa, Karmen’s photography
will inspire you to get out there and explore.
SALLY MATHESON
AUTHOR & WRITER
Sally grew up in the Northern Territory, then travelled
her curious heart out before settling in Sydney.
A long-standing member of the travel industry,
giving a unique take on travel experiences is her
go-to. Recently she has found strength in vulnerability,
by writing the real-life experiences that
she was once too scared to talk about. She can be
spotted before sunrise down at the beach, exploring
with her favourite travel buddies, her two spirited
fun-loving boys.
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1
LUX LIST
2
7
6
3
4
8
5
VALENTINE’S
Day
5
5
1. Lover Necklaces, LION WILDE RRP$180.00 | 2. Sunsets In Capri Candle 380g, Glasshouse RPP$54.95 | 3. Penhaligon’s Elisabethan
Rose 100m RRP$289.00 | 4. SAND & SKy, Australian Pink Clay Mask RRP$69.90 | 5. Jurlique’s Exclusive Edition Rose Body
Oil RRP$88.00 | 6. Lucky Cherry Lipstick, Charlotte Tilbury RRP$57.00 | 7. Climate Cup, CLEAN SIP RRP:$28.00 | 8. Mayberry
Tie-Dye, EMU Australia RRP$69.95
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1,400,000 views
balibody Introducing 1 Hour Express Self Tan
Bronzed & flawless skin in 60 minutes ✨
View all 245 comments
2 DAYS AGO
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8
1
7
2
6
9
6
2
4
4
3
BEACH
Ready
5
1. Invisible Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50 RRP$29.99 | 2. RIOT Rosé Spritz - 4 Pack. Riot Wine Co
RPP$22.00 | 3. BALI BODY, 1 Hour Express Self Tan RRP$32.95 | 4. BFF EYE Serum Concealer ,Trinny London RRP$48.00
| 5. Organic Rosehip Oil, Br Biologi RRP$25.45 | 6. Smooth Body Exfoliating Kit, Medik8 RRP$99.00 | 7. Wash, Rinse, Treat, Repeat,
RRP$69.00 | 8. Beosound Balance, Bang & Olufsen RRP$4,100.00 | 9. Lip Oil Balm, Ipsum RRP$24.00, Hydrate, evo RRP:$28.00
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23
MANIFESTING WITH
NEW
MOON
RITUALS
WORDS: CHALA GUZEL
I
f 2020 taught us anything, it showed us
life can change very quickly and very
unpredictably. In what has been an incredibly
stressful year fuelled by a global
pandemic and ambiguity, it makes
sense that most of us are looking to
create stability, find meaning and take
charge in creating a life we want to live
by each day, no matter what’s thrown
our way. While there are many lifestyle
changes we can make to ensure we
move in the right direction, the starting
point should come from within. From
solitude and re-designing your subconscious,
setting intentions and learning
to manifest growth, once you become
conscious of the power you have to
create your life EXACTLY as you’d like
to live it, that’s where positive change
takes action.
24 LUXNOMADE.COM | @ LUXNOMADE
If you check your horoscope each month,
there’s a good chance you’ve heard about
the enigmatic power of a new moon. However,
what you may not be aware of is that you
can actually harness the power of the moon
to influence your attitudes, relationships and
energy levels. A fresh start is summoned, and
in turn, manifesting with the moon comes into
play. So what is manifesting and where do you
start? In the simplest terms: manifestation is
putting your intention towards something that
you hope will happen. If you think it in your
mind you can create it in reality. It’s about
understanding what it is that you want for
your own life experience, and then creating
those outcomes.
Humans have been living by lunar cycles for
centuries, and in our modern world, connecting
to these energies can give us a sense of
grounding and synergy with the earth. The
moon also has an influence on the cycles and
natural rhythms of life: the movement of the
oceans, our bodily fluids and our emotions.
Everything that moves on planet Earth, is
moved to some degree by the moon too.
So whether you want to improve your health,
your career or your relationships, the lunar
cycles are a road map to manifestation. When
you align with the moon, you can work with
natural forces to clarify and continually refine
what you want to call into your life until it
comes into fruition. While the moon has its
magic, manifestation is a process. Your most
significant desires don’t merely arrive overnight;
they take time, and you must trust that
timing. Tuning into the phases of the moon
provides a framework to turn to, while empowering
you to find peace and understanding
in the unfolding of your life.
CHALA GUZEL
WHETHER YOU WANT
TO IMPROVE YOUR
HEALTH, YOUR CAREER
OR YOUR RELATIONSHIPS,
THE LUNAR CYCLES
ARE A ROADMAP TO
MANIFESTATION
One of the best ways to connect with the moon
and start leveraging its energy is with a moon ritual.
While it may sound a little contrived, moon rituals
are an ancient and sacred practice that originated
throughout Egypt, India, and China, where
moon worship was a part of culture and viewed as
a sacred and necessary part of every cycle.
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25
Life happens, naturally, and we can’t change
what challenges we’re faced with; however we
all have control to take charge and shift our
mindset. Below are some tips on how you can
work with the moon in 2021:
GET RID OF OLD HABITS
The new moon offers us its energy of intention,
to rid ourselves of habits in our life that don’t
serve us. New moons represent the beginning
of a cycle, the slate is wiped clean and the soil
is being prepared for new seeds to be planted.
New moons are the best time to start something
new, get clear on the future and bring fresh
energy into our life.
GET QUIET
Whilst we are living in an age full of hyperconnectivity,
smartphone addiction and distraction,
creating moon rituals is an important and therapeutic
time to get quiet, plant seeds of intention
and be with the energy of our environment
free from disturbances. A time where we can go
within and get real with what we truly desire.
MANIFEST A WISH
In ancient Shamanic traditions, the new moon
is called upon to manifest a dream, a hearts-desire
or a wish, and release it to the moon so it
can blossom in its own time.
It’s important to understand that we can’t
change what’s going on outside of us, however
we all have choice and power to shift things
within us. If you’re feeling stuck, want to let go
of the stress that was 2020, then moon rituals
are a perfect time to gain your power back.
You’ll be amazed by the energy that comes
from hitting the reset button each new moon,
which is why having an exercise every month to
set your intentions and journal them down is
healing powerful.
26 LUXNOMADE.COM | @ LUXNOMADE
HOW TO CREATE A
Take a bath with sea salt
to clear your field of any
negative energies, or have a
shower.
MOON RITUAL?
The secret to manifesting isn’t just visualising and creating
a mood board, it’s taking inspired action steps towards your desires:
showing up monthly for yourself summoned, and in turn, manifesting
with the moon comes into play. So what is manifesting and where do
you start? In the simplest terms: manifestation is putting your intention
towards something that you hope will happen to create intentional
change.
1. 2.
After you cleanse yourself
it’s important to cleanse the
space with sage, which is
a herb used to clear space
and make it sacred for ritual.
Light the end of the sage
and blow on it until there is
a smouldering glow. Use it
around your own body, and in
the space of your ritual.
3.
Now it’s time to clear your mind
with meditation, using music or just
quieting down in your cleared, sacred
area. Start by lighting a candle,
focus on getting present and letting
go of everything spinning through
your mind. Spend a few moments
thinking about what you want to
release, and what you want to call in.
4.
Next write down and be clear
with your intentions for the new
moon. Journal prompts include:
What do you want to accomplish?
What do you want to focus
on this month?
What are your intentions? How
do you want to show up? What
actions steps will you take?
New moon dates in Australia in 2021 are: January 13th 2021, February 12th, March 13th, April 12th, May 12th,
June 10th, July 10th, August 8th, September 7th, October 6th, November 5th and December 4th.
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27
SHIFTING
PERSPEC-
TIVE
Life is full of ups and downs, there’s always
going to be things that happen that we can’t
avoid. However, there are some applied tools
that you can implement to restore energy. One
of the most effective ways of changing our
belief patterns is through practising soulful
techniques and maintaining rituals to create
peace when things feel dense and heavy.
Starting your day with a morning routine sets
the tone and standard for your day. Reaching
for your phone, checking your emails or reading
the news headlines as soon as you open
your eye will innately cause instant unnecessary
stress and not allow your mind to have a
fresh start to your day. Here are techniques you
can apply that give you power to change your
perspective and create peace and flow, which
will add value and opportunities to your life.
28
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1.
GRATITUDE
The best way to start your morning is by appreciating
and being grateful for what you have.
Once you start appreciating what you have, no
matter how big or small, you’ll feel a positive
sensation run through your body. The power in
gratitude is you’re picking and focusing your
energy on things that are working for you. I
recommend creating a list of 3 things you are
grateful for in the morning and in the evening.
Do it every day for 14 days straight and reflect
on how you feel after.
MEDITATION
85% of our behaviours is automatic and determined
by our environment. If we allow our environment
to dictate our mood, then our life will
feel like an emotional rollercoaster. It’s hard to
see things from a new perspective when you’re
stressed and anxious, practising meditation will
help relieve those negative feelings leaving you
open to a new point of view. Meditation boosts
the chemicals in your brain and body, elevating
your mood. We have been taught to never leave
the house without brushing our teeth, so why
not apply the same ritual with meditation as this
is cleaning your mind daily.
A simple meditation you can do right now is
close your eyes and practise focusing your energy
just on your breathing, letting whatever emotions
come up without judgement. Breathe in for
4 seconds and hold, then exhale for 4 seconds
and hold. Repeat this 6 times and you’ll instantly
feel your anxiety and stress levels reduce.
2.
3.
EXERCISE
Studies have proven that getting a sweat session
in each day improves and self-regulates
your mood, reducing depression and anxiety.
So when things seem extra challenging, remove
yourself physically from your environment,
leave your phone at home and go for a brisk
walk or run.
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\OUTH Y
MAGAZINE
| Promotional Feature |
Just in time for
summer
R!OT Rosé Spritz
is all about
refreshment
When our winemaking team at Riot Wine Co set out
to create R!OT Rosé Spritz in 2019, we saw that the
rising popularity of spritz came with a side-effect or
two. For hospitality venue owners, high wastage and
slow speed of service were clear concerns, and for
consumers, inconsistency in quality and flavour.
The solution was the Riot Wine Co’s spritz-in-keg.
With zero light or oxygen penetration, stainless steel
kegs are a superior packaging format, guaranteeing a
consistent flavour profile from first glass to last.
After months of R&D and blending sessions in our SAbased
lab, we landed on the perfect balance of 10
natural botanicals to deliver the bittersweet taste
profile synonymous with a spritz cocktail.
R!OT Rosé Spritz provides an expert balance of
bitterness from citrus botanicals like blood orange
and passionfruit, married with a slight sweetness from
the grape juice to deliver a taste profile that is 100%
pure refreshment.
R!OT Rosé Spritz is a sophisticated drink that also
appeals to consumers seeking to moderate their
alcohol consumption. With only 78 calories and 3.6g
of sugar per 150mL serve at 8% alc/vol, R!OT Rosé
Spritz is the ultimate summer drink.
In true Riot Wine Co style, R!OT Rosé Spritz is made
with only the highest quality ingredients to deliver an
easy-drinking and refreshing spritz cocktail – and best
of all, it’s sustainably made.
30 LUXNOMADE.COM | @ LUXNOMADE
| Promotional Feature |
78 calories and
3.6g of sugar
per 150mL
serve at 8%
alc/vol
With strong sustainability values,
co-founders Tom O’Donnell and
Joe Cook, founded Riot Wine Co
in 2016. They set out to reinvent
by-the-glass wine and their eyes
are now set on raising the bar of
by-the-glass spritz #TheRiotWay.
R!OT Rosé Spritz is all about
refreshment,” said Tom O’Donnell,
Chief Winemaker and co-founder
for Riot Wine Co.
“Like all of our R!OT wines, we
own the process end-to-end, from
sourcing grapes, to winemaking to
packaging.
The most exciting element in
making our R!OT Rosé Spritz is
that we could design the liquid to
taste exactly as we intended. It has
all the beautiful citrus aromas you
would expect from a traditional
spritz, without all the sugar," said
O’Donnell.
And what better way to celebrate
summer than with a refreshing
R!OT Rosé Spritz. Perfect to enjoy
on a sunny afternoon after a swim
in the ocean.
R!OT Rosé Spritz is available now on
tap in venues across Australia. It’s
also available in four-packs of
250mL cans and cartons of 24 cans
at bottle shops across the country, at
The Cannery in Brompton SA, and
the R!OT online shop.
“Like all of our
R!OT wines, we
own the process
end-to-end, from
sourcing grapes,
to winemaking to
packaging"
T O M O ’ D O N N E L L , C O - F O U N D E R ,
R I O T W I N E C O
www.luxnomade.com | The Summer Issue 2020/21 | 7
Ask an expert:
Celebrity Facilist Isabella Loneragan’s
Skincare Secrets
Isabella Loneragan is one of Australia’s
best and most experienced
skin therapists and the Founder of
The Dermal Diary. Isabella offers
expert acne, rosacea, pigmentation
plus cosmetic and anti-ageing
treatments. She qualified with
internationally renowned expert,
Yakov Gerschovich in Paris in Advanced
Facial Sculpture Massage,
and the Buccal Massage, which
features in The Intrinsic Facial
Isabella has made beautiful complexions
her business, building
a solid reputation in the cosmeceutical,
beauty and dermatology
industries, as well as the plastic
surgery industry both in Australia
and overseas. Her 13 years across
all industries is evident in the results
she provides.
NEW NORTH
SYDNEY CLINIC
FACE MASKS
I recommend incorporating
a face mask into your
weekly routine. Depending
on your skin type, look for
something that will tackle
your main skin concerns be
it tightening, brightening,
acne or pigmentation
ISABELLA LONERAGAN,
FOUNDER OF THE DERMAL DIARY
Experience at The Dermal Diary,
and is also a favourite of Meghan
Markles. Isabella is one of the few
therapists in Australia qualified in
this technique.
Sydneysiders keen for one of The
Dermal Diary’s facials can visit the
new and beautiful clinic in North
Sydney and try two of the most
popular treatments; The Signature
Facial and The Intrinsic Facial.
The Signature Facial is utilising
the Sculptural Lifting Technique,
part of the expertise gained from
Isabella’s training in Paris. And
The Intrinsic Facial - Isabella’s
exclusive facial - a style of Intrinsic
(internal aka Buccal) massage,
maximising the muscle sculptural
technique and further releasing
muscle tension that drags the facial
muscles down. This technique
has become increasingly popular
as the market moves away from
the injectable trend and demands
more holistic hands on anti-ageing
results.
The Dermal Diary
4 Ridge St, North Sydney, NSW 2060
www.thedermaldiary.com
STEAM
EXFOLIATION
If you don’t have an at home
steamer, try standing in the
shower and letting the water
run hot so it steams your
face, opening up the pores
to really cleanse it each
night. The combination of
warm steam and an increase
in perspiration dilates your
blood vessels and increases
circulation.
32 LUXNOMADE.COM | @ LUXNOMADE
FATTY ACIDS
Include Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) in your daily
supplements. We recommend our clients take
EFAs (I recommend Nordic Naturals Omegas in
particular) to help feed a healthy oil production
within the skin, keeping it hydrated and plumper.
Furthermore they are also great for brain and
eye health.
FACIAL MASSAGE
Take the time to work your products in,
whether it’s your serum, moisturiser OR your
exfoliator - the more you physically massage
your face, the better the products will absorb
and then work and the better your face will
look. Facial massage in an upwards direction
will also help lift the face, giving you a more
defined look.
ZINC SUPPLEMENTS
Add Zinc into your daily supplement regime. Zinc is anti-inflammatory
and healing so great for any inflammation
in the body, including your skin. Though not technically an
antioxidant (like vitamins C and E, for example), zinc is a
key part of your skin’s dietary defense squad.
The mineral lessens the formation of damaging free radicals
and protects skin’s lipids (fats) and fibroblasts (the
cells that make collagen) when skin is exposed to UV light,
pollution and other skin-agers, so it helps heal and rejuvenate
the skin.
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33
The MAGIC
of PILATES
WORDS:: SALLY MATHESON
MODEL: ZSA ZSA POWER
PHOTOGRAPHER: CHRISTIE VICTORIA PHOTOGRAPHY
34
Islipped into pilates by accident,
flailing around the
fast-paced Eastern suburbs of
Sydney, like a fish out of water.
Without knowing it at the time, my journey
that led me to being here began around a
year prior. I ensured a spontaneous vertebral
artery dissection. That is, a tear in one of the
two main arteries that travel down the back
of your neck. There was no predisposition,
no lifestyle or medical reason this happened,
it just did. Half my body paralyzed from the
lack of blood to my brain. My trademark
invincible positive nature left my body along
with the cannulas draining my blood, as I was
being told the news. Eventually I was told to
buy a lotto ticket as after a few hard intensive
months, my physical body was back to symmetric
functioning. My recovery throughout
that year consisted of rehab, strength training
sessions at the gym and truckloads of PTSD
therapy. Like rain on a tin roof, the pressure I
put on myself to return to a healthy “normal
person” was relentless. The running a marathon
goal I had set myself, not the kindest
of things I could have rewarded my damaged
brain and body with. Nevertheless, I had
bought into the infamous culture of needing
to aggressively train my body and make
it hurt. For it to be “healthy”. I had subconsciously
set out to punish my body for how it
had failed me. I believed that proving it could
handle pressure would be the best thing to
do.
So, simply to compliment my running, I entered
the Pilates studio for a private lesson with excited
energy. My head racing instinctively like a cheetah,
miles in front of my body. I was going to run this
marathon. I was greeted by an instructor who was
as sweet as the smell of the saltiest sea air. As I
explained my goal, smiling delicately, my instructor
asked me if I had been cleared to run a marathon?
I bent the truth. My neurological professor would
most certainly not approve. Then she explained
that the global muscles I had been recruiting to lift
at the gym, pick up the kids and run on the hard
concrete, needed some support. We focused on the
smaller stabilising muscles so they could support my
movement in life.
I WENT FROM
FEELING DISAPOINT-
ED IN MY BODY, TO
APPRECIATE IT
Over the next month, whilst creating space in and
lengthening my body, I started to unwind. Like a
fierce ocean rip, whilst I wasn’t watching, my strength
increased organically. I no longer craved a physio or
a massage therapist. I didn’t have to psych myself up
with an energy drink before the class. Music didn’t
have to pump and I wasn’t gritting my teeth. Closing
my eyes and being gentle with myself, holding
my composure when it burned, I loved the power of
breathing through Pilates . At the end of each session,
my instructor would ask us to place a hand on
our body and thank it for one thing we were grateful
for. I went from feeling disappointed in my body, to
appreciating it. These subtle little movements were
bringing my exhausted body and soul back on kilter.
LUXNOMADE.COM | @ LUXNOMADE
35
Empowering women to be their happiest and confident selves, the Roar
Republic’s activewear is designed in Australia and can be tailor-made.
MODEL: ZSA ZSA POWER
PHOTOGRAPHER: CHRISTIE VICTORIA PHOTOGRAPHY
36 LUXNOMADE.COM | @ LUXNOMADE
As the months went on and I started to master
how to move with greater technique, the
progression became harder. I couldn’t isolate
my muscles or follow instructions whilst my
brain was outside my body. It became impossible
to do Pilates whilst simultaneously
worrying about work or wondering if I had
made my son’s lunch healthy enough. Instead
of rushing (or running) through something, I
had to sit with the discomfort. Embrace and
enjoy my breath so I could prepare and focus
for the next move. By the time the class had
finished, I no longer cared about the school
lunch or what was going on at work. This
really is when the mind-body-soul connection
gift from pilates began to take place. My body
loved the movement and my mind loved the
break I gave it. The combination was euphoric.
I was healing myself. I became addicted to
moving. Not for my kids or my husband, not
for my work, not to get skinny, not to run a
marathon, but just because of how it made me
feel to move. Six months after I entered that
studio, I danced my way into my 40th birthday
in a glamorous dusty pink dress with confidence
and alignment in my body I never knew
I was missing. A year on, I am continuing to
surprise myself with my strength and what my
body can achieve. I look around my studio
and I love the personal empowerment it gives
women in my studio from all shapes, sizes and
life stages. I see people in their strength, core
turned on, beaming like little care bears standing
proud in their magic.
To learn more about the stylish activewear brand
visit www.roarrepublic.com.au
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37
Photos: Homebodii
“This particular piece of artwork was created while on
my travels in Marrakesh and is part of my ‘La Boheme’
original artwork series”
JAI VASICEK, ARTIST
38 LUXNOMADE.COM | @ LUXNOMADE
INTERVIEW
INGRID BONNOR
In what’s set to be one of the chicest collaborations of summer, leading Australian loungewear label, Homebodii, has
launched the first of its collaboration capsules with renowned Byron Bay mixed media artist, Jai Vasicek, bringing to
life his iconic ‘Blanc et Bleue’ prints in luxury flowing fabrics.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WORK WITH AUSTRA-
LIAN ARTISTS?
Artists and creatives are some of the most passionate
people you can ever meet. Their work is deeply
personal to them and as a brand we wish to support
those that bring colour and beauty into the world.
DESCRIBE YOUR NEW COLLECTION AND COL-
LABORATION WITH JAI VASICEK
Based out of Byron Bay, Jai Vasicek is one of Australia’s
most sought-after mixed-media artists, producing
stunning paintings, prints, embellished crosses
and decorative tiles. Most of his works are abstracted
or embellished portraits, using bright colours
and layering techniques to create real statement
pieces. Jai captures the true essence of feminine
whimsicality in his abstract and naive tribal woman.
His use of colour and patterns encapsulates the
feminine form in all its beauty, provoking the inner
goddess within us all.
HOW DO YOU CHAMPION AUS-
TRALIA AND ARE YOU INVOLVED
IN ANY CHARITIES?
HOMEBODII’S FOUNDER,
INGRID BONNOR
INGRID, CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT HOMEBODII ?
I founded Homebodii in 2012, and I am proud and
grateful that it has evolved to become recognised
for our attention to the small touches and personalisation.
We make quality sleep and loungewear
garments using a combination of creative intuition
and a commitment to our core design values.
We are proud to have been
partnering with a local
women’s refuge and the
Pajama Foundation for some
time now. Two local charities
where we can see the immediate
impact our support has
given. I think it’s important
to re-invest in your local
communities and have a
more hands-on approach.
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39
40 LUXNOMADE.COM | @ LUXNOMADE
PHOTO: KARMEN HARLEY
PHOTO: KARMEN HARLEY
on SAFARI
with Karmen Harley
Four glorious weeks of freedom, a dilapidated Land Rover and
a self-drive, camping adventure through the heart of Africa. We
join Australian travel photographer, Karmen Harley to find out
what a day in her life is really like.
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41
PHOTO: KARMEN HARLEY
Protruding from the roof of the car like a
life-size jack-in-the-box, I had an unobstructed
360-degree view of the scene.
Perfect for photography. Less perfect
for personal safety.
Only metres away, a 200kg lion turned and stared
straight down my lens. I felt simultaneously thrilled
and terrified. We had unintentionally interrupted
his rendezvous with an attractive lioness and I really
hoped he didn’t hold a grudge.
It wasn’t even 9am and already we had experienced
far more sightings than on the previous day. This
morning we had quietly rolled out of camp at 6am,
just as the sun was lighting up the Serengeti. We
had arranged to collect our guide, Abu outside
Seronera, a small village in the heart of the national
park and home for the rangers, staff and students
working there. Abu had been studying tourism and
was on a volunteer placement at the visitor centre.
We had met him when we arrived at the park and
he offered to guide for us. Considering our lack of
sightings the previous day, having him there proved
invaluable.
Our plan was to head across the Serengeti to Simba
Kopjes (Lion Rocks) in the hopes of following a
pride on their morning hunt. Only minutes into the
journey, I signaled for Abu to stop the car. Drifting
silently on our left, a hot air balloon barely cleared
the treetops. The yellow and green of the balloon
reflected in the water below and matched perfectly
42 LUXNOMADE.COM | @ LUXNOMADE
PHOTO: KARMEN HARLEY
LUXNOMADE.COM | @ LUXNOMADE 43
with the colours of the landscape. One quick photo
and we were back on our way, keen to catch up with
the pride before the sun got too high.
Along the way we made another unscheduled stop.
Abu had seen something move. I scanned the sea of
dried grass but saw nothing. We waited, torn between
moving on in search of the lions and waiting
to see who or what was hiding from us. Finally, a
head warily appeared above the grass followed by a
long muscular body. A male cheetah sat and regarded
us for a few minutes before moving away. Clearly
we were no longer worthy of his company.
Finally we arrived at our destination, Simba Kopjes.
These huge, weathered granite boulders majestically
rise up out of the open plains and are a favourite
hangout for their namesakes. It was here that
we stumbled upon our battle-scarred lion and his
romantic liaison. Given how unimpressed he was
with our intrusion, we continued our search for the
pride. It didn’t take long to find them.
THE TEAM OF
FIVE LIONESSES
WORKED SEAM-
LESSLY TOGETH-
ER, IT WAS AS
IF THEY WERE
COMMUNICATING
TELEPATHICALLY
The team of five lionesses worked seamlessly together.
It was as if they were communicating telepathically,
each knowing exactly where they needed
to be. The two young males in their company lay
low, lingering at the rear. All eyes were focused on
two warthogs. Although desperately wanting to
capture a dramatic action shot of the hunt, I was secretly
barracking for the warthogs. Nervously, they
looked around for an escape route. This intense
game of giant cat and mouse continued for a further
45 minutes before some unsuspecting gazelle
wandered onto the scene. This diverted the attention
just long enough to give the little warthogs the
window they needed to trot away, their lives intact.
PHOTO: KARMEN HARLEY
44 LUXNOMADE.COM | @ LUXNOMADE
LUXNOMADE.COM | @ LUXNOMADE 45
PHOTO: KARMEN HARLEY
PHOTO: KARMEN HARLEY
The lions weren’t the only ones to leave the hunt
on an empty stomach. Abu took us back to the village
for lunch and we were incredibly grateful for
a meal that changed up what had been our regular
staple of rice and canned beans.
That afternoon was spent tracking a family of
elephants, searching for an elusive leopard and
learning about Abu’s family - all of whom are tour
guides stationed in various parts of Tanzania. Hot,
dusty and exhilarated by both our day’s adventures
and the raw beauty of the African landscape,
we returned to Seronera village (more specifically
to the bar) to celebrate. While we were practicing
our terrible grasp of Swahili on Abu and Polly, the
bartender, the head ranger’s wife set up a barbeque.
She very kindly sent us back to our campsite with a
deliciously cooked but simple meal of grilled kebabs
and chips.
Our self-drive camping trip was far from luxurious
but it did give me the freedom and adventure
I crave while I’m working. I was able to immerse
myself in a different world to the one I grew up in.
A world of safaris, hot air balloons and wild encounters
with lions, elephants and leopards. It gave me
the opportunity to capture and share the beauty of
these unfamiliar places. That night, the sounds of
Africa formed a symphony all around us. Frogs and
crickets in the rustling grass, baying hyenas and the
occasional roar of a lion, I stared up at the stars over
our campsite and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
46 LUXNOMADE.COM | @ LUXNOMADE
PHOTO: KARMEN HARLEY
LUXNOMADE.COM | @ LUXNOMADE 47
4
DELICIOUS
WAYS to GLOW
BY CARLA OATES
I’ve always believed that beauty is an inside-out
process and that what we eat can have a profound
impact on how we look and feel. But this belief is
not simply a gut feeling—it stems from my own experience
with gut issues.
As a child, I suffered from eczema and allergies.
It was only after working with a naturopath, and
dramatically changing my diet, that I began to
understand the close link between what we eat and
our overall health. When my daughter experienced
similar health issues, I became even more fascinated.
Limiting foods that put stress on our digestive
system and introducing fermented foods into my
family’s diet had a profound impact on not only our
skin, but our overall wellbeing.
It’s this passion for nutrition and fermented foods
that has inspired the philosophy at the centre of
The Beauty Chef, and the creation of my first inner
beauty powder, GLOW.
These skin-nourishing smoothies, snacks
and treats will take your inner beauty routine to the
next level and kick your creativity into gear!
48 LUXNOMADE.COM | @ LUXNOMADE
Almond Pancakes
INGREDIENTS
3/ 4 cup almond meal
1/ 2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/ 4 tsp bicarbonate of soda
2 large organic eggs, separated
1/ 4 cup drinking coconut milk
1 tbsp pure maple syrup
1 tbsp ghee, melted & cool, plus extra for
cooking
1 tsp apple cider vinegar (unpasteurised
Cacao nibs (for topping)
BERRY COMPOTE:
1 ½ cups frozen mixed berries
2 tsp water
2 tsp pure maple syrup
½ tsp pure vanilla extract
Blueberry and
Cinnamon Smoothie
GLOW YOGHURT:
¾ cup coconut yoghurt
2 tsp GLOW Inner Beauty Essential
INGREDIENTS
1 cup frozen blueberries
¼ tsp cinnamon
1/2 banana
1 tsp GLOW Inner Beauty Essential
1 tsp chia seeds (ideally soaked overnight,
or for at least one hour)
1 cup almond milk
METHOD
Place all the ingredients in a blender and blitz to
combine.
With antioxidant-rich blueberries, chia seeds
for protein and GLOW, this healthy smoothie is
packed with nutrients that will feed your skin
from the inside out.
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49
Superfruit
Breakfast Bowl
Blueberry and Pear
Smoothie
INGREDIENTS
200g organic coconut yoghurt
2 tsp GLOW Inner Beauty Essential
1 cup seasonal fruit, roughly chopped
1 cup gluten-free granola,
or our Honey Granolafirst inner beauty powder,
GLOW.
METHOD
1. Divide the coconut yogurt between two bowls.
2. Add 1 tsp of GLOW Inner Beauty Essential to
eachbowl and stir to combine.
3. Top each bowl with ½ cup of season fruit and
then sprinkle ½ cup of granola evenly over the
top.
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup coconut water
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1 small pear, quartered and cored
1/4 cup coconut milk kefir
3 ice cubes
1 tbsp almond butter
1 tbsp ground yellow linseeds
1 tsp chia seeds
1 tsp GLOW Inner Beauty Essential
Fresh blueberries, to serve (optional)
METHOD
Place all the ingredients in a blender and blitz to
combine. Top with fresh blueberries if desired.
50 LUXNOMADE.COM | @ LUXNOMADE
GLOW
Inner Beauty Essential
RRP $65
“I always start the day with GLOW, either stirred
into a glass of filtered water or blended into a delicious
smoothie with fresh, seasonal ingredients. At
the moment, I’m loving the mix of papaya, banana,
blueberries, coconut milk, and chia seeds. I try to
have at least five cups of vegetables per day—to get
a good dose of antioxidants, which help to fight
oxidative damage and inflammation in the body—
and to feed my microbes—green leafy veggies and
fibre rich foods make great prebiotics. And I generally
have a shot or two of bone broth which is rich
in collagen and amino acids that help to repair the
gut lining. It is excellent for skin health and overall
health. Making sure I am getting my omega 3s either
from sardines, salmon, walnuts, chia seeds or our
OMEGA ELIXIR Inner Beauty Boost is important.
Omega 3s are anti-inflammatory, protective and
moisturise the skin from the inside out.”
PROMOTE GLOWING
SKIN FROM WITHIN &
BOOST COLLAGEN PRO-
DUCTION
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51
DAY
SPAS
to kickstart
2021
52 LUXNOMADE.COM | @ LUXNOMADE
Byron at Byron has recently
unveiled their new Eléme
Day Spa as the final stage
of their $6 million refresh
undertaken in 2020
Photo: Byron at Byron
Photo: Byron at Byron
Eléme Day Spa
1Eléme Day Spa offers bespoke facial and
body therapies using the internationally renowned
Sodashi skincare range. For massage
therapies, Eléme has partnered with Byron
Bay’s Cura Co. Lab to develop custom-made
eco-conscious therapeutic oils.
Inspired by the healing properties of the Byron
Bay region, the menu offers personalised
treatments developed in consultation with
leading spa expert Naomi Gregory.
Boasting seven luxurious treatment rooms, including
two couples’ rooms, the Spa will welcome
both day and Resort guests.
77-97 Broken Head Road, Byron Bay
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53
Venustus Day Spa
Venustus offers ritual healing practices
from around the world to massage your
body, mind and soul. Book in for body
work, facials or a six-hand massage, conducted
by three individual masseuses at
the same time, in the freshly beautiful
‘saged’ and essential oil infused space.
381 Oxford Street, Paddington, NSW, 2021
3
Photo: The Day Spa by Chuan
Halcyon Spa
Halcyon Spa is decorated in shades of blue,
pale pink, coral and beige, coastal-inspired accessories,
prints, terracotta tiles and a mosaic
of Moroccan tiles at the spa counter. Utilising
the iconic Australian skincare brand Sodashi
in their treatments, Halcyon Spa offers guests
personalised spa journey’s using these 100%
natural, chemical free products which are rich
with essential oils for a ‘sensory journey’.
21 Cypress Crescent, Cabarita Beach NSW
Photo: Venustus Day Spa
The Day Spa by Chuan
The Day Spa by Chuan is as a popular escape
for hotel guests, as well as locals who
has cleverly sniffed out this hidden gem
located in a lavish underground sanctuary.
With its impressive swimming pool featuring
a star-studded ceiling (!) as well as a great
steaming-room, the spa offers a range of
luxurious spa treatments.
4
89-113 Kent Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
Photos: Halcyon Spa
54 LUXNOMADE.COM | @ LUXNOMADE
Photos: Halcyon Spa
Halcyon House’s luxurious spa addition
aims to leave their spa guests
feeling relaxed and rejuvenated,
offering guests stunning treatment
rooms, a tranquil relaxation area and
a unique dome-shaped steam room.
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55
56 LUXNOMADE.COM | @ LUXNOMADE
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RIDING
in
Rajasthan
WORDS: NIKKI WATSON | PHOTOGRAPHY: PAM LANGRISH
Dashing across Rajasthan’s vast Thar Desert on
the regal Marwari horse with Mahima Rides
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57
he undulations of slow
travel, open to the elements,
is what makes a
horseback journey such
a poignant experience.
Free to venture where Tvehicles can’t go, the horse provides a
welcome conduit that connects you to the
locals and the terrain that you are exploring.
Through the steady pace of the horse,
you develop a sense of place that only
slow travel can evolve. Rajasthan, known
dually as the ‘Land of Desert’ and the
‘Land of Kings’, was once a princely state
ruled by formidable Rajput warriors. To
defend their desert kingdom, they bred a
hot-blooded cavalry horse of great beauty,
vigour and bravery. The Marwari horse
thrives in its desert home, being agile
and light. Bred for stamina, speed and
courage, the Marwari today is still a proud
and athletic horse which excels at endurance.
It makes the perfect partner for
long expedition rides across Rajasthan’s
endless blankets of sand. Characteristic
of the Marwari is its unique inward
curling ears that often touch at the tip,
forming an archway. Able to rotate its ears
180 degrees, the Marwari has heightened
hearing, and their sensitivity to the rider
is shown through their ears.
Like much about the origins of the
Marwari, how their curled ears developed
is shrouded in myth. Many look
to the trading routes of the Silk Road,
where the continual intermingling of
horses from far and wide across hundreds
of years may be the source of the
magnificent breed we see today, giving
the Marwari ancient roots.
A black stallion and local rider
performing the ‘revaal’ gait.
Bred for stamina,
speed and courage,
the Marwari today
is still a proud and
athletic horse.
58 LUXNOMADE.COM | @ LUXNOMADE
Mahima in the Dundlod ‘risala’ or
cavalry tack, with riders.
At the far west of Rajasthan, in the heart of the Great
Indian Thar Desert, lies the golden city of Jaisalmer.
Built with warm honey-hued sandstone in 1156, the fort
rises up out of the desert camouflaged by its golden
tint under the fierce sun. As you climb up into this
ancient and still inhabited fortress city, full of winding,
narrow medieval streets, the panoramic views
across the vast, desolate desert are hauntingly beautiful.
Perched on the edge of India, bordering Pakistan,
Jaisalmer is a frontier city, the lilt of the dialect changes,
men sport slightly different moustaches along with
subtle changes of their turbans and earrings; all signifiers
of different Rajasthani tribes.
MAHIMA RIDES
Named after a beautiful grey Marwari mare,
Mahima means Highness and Glory in Hindi.
Created to connect riders with the indigenous
horses of India, Mahima Rides brings you on a
journey through Rajasthan’s culture, landscape
and traditions.
We were in Jaisalmer
ready to ride out some 260
miles east, bringing our
little group of Marwari
mares back to their home
at Dundlod Fort. This was
the expedition ride that
inspired the creation of
Mahima Rides, I felt the
need to share the experience
with other likeminded
riders. Dundlod Fort is the
headquarters of the Indigenous
Horse Society of
India, led by Raghuvenda
Singh Dundlod, or Bonnie
as everyone knows him,
who is passionate about
preserving the bloodlines
of the Marwari and raising
awareness of the breeds of
India. Mahima was joined
by five other mares from
the Dundlod stables; Sukhi,
Gitanjali, Koyal, Gulbadan,
and Soniya.
The riders came from across the globe seeking an
equestrian adventure across Rajasthan. The Marwari
Desert Crossing had never been done before,
and we had no idea what was to come. Riding out
of Jaisalmer meant crossing tribal territories, perilously
venturing through no mans land military
zones, and special permits were granted to ride so
close to the border of Pakistan. As we set out into
the limitless Thar Desert, the horizon shimmering
under the searing sun, our eyes and hearts were
opened to the cadence of rural Rajasthan. A land
of extremes, with blistering summers that scorch
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59
PHOTO: MOHIT BACHHAV
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PHOTO: MOHIT BACHHAV
the landscape, a hot wind called ‘The Loo’ swirls its
relentless breath of fire across barren plains. The
elderly, young, and animals are kept inside when The
Loo blows. Locals have adapted to avoid the dreaded
‘Loo lagna’, or heatroke, to which I succumbed
twice. Even the Marwari has developed to withstand
the powerful sand storms, known as ‘Kali Andhi’, or
‘black storm’ that darken the horizon, billowing and
swirling with little warning, by fully rotating and
flattening their unique ears. To thrive in these conditions,
the Marwari horse developed into a physically
strong but lean breed. Beauty and pride was bred
into them, giving the Marwari it’s characteristically
high head carriage and natural forward going enthusiasm.
They are strikingly independent and intelligent,
always demanding respect from their human
partner.
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61
In India, the horse is a creature of myth. Gods and
deities ride horses, and the horse itself is revered
for its beauty and power. We rode through an
annual pilgrimage for Ramdev Pir, a 14th century
ruler who devoted his life to helping and uplifting
those in need of all communities. The devoted
pilgrims carried flags showing Ramdevra on a grey
horse as they walked hundreds of miles by foot to
the pilgrimage shrine.
Riding at a steady pace, with lengthy fast canters,
we covered huge swathes of Rajasthan’s landscape.
Seeing the desert turn from barren dust in the
west, to gradual green further east where the monsoon
had been good that year. We attuned to the
rhythms of the desert with the beat of the horses
hooves setting the pace.
Mahima with local ladies
and children.
At a water stop on the
Marwari Desert Crossing.
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The camp set up.
Mahima and Nikki riding
across sand dunes.
Camping out under the clear night skies, we could
spot whole clusters of stars and the bright moon.
We were a world away from the hectic chaos often
associated with India. Riding through Rajasthan is
visually theatrical, from the beautiful, bright sari’s
to the decorated camels and tuktuks, it’s like riding
into a technicolour movie set. Our route crossed
many heritage forts and hotels which used to be
private princely residences. The walls literally echo
with stories, music and folklore. Riding right into
these astonishing forts and palaces, the horses
would camp in the courtyards whilst we would dive
into the swimming pools and end the days ride with
gin and tonics under the balmy night skies. Riding
Marwari’s in India is a truly unique experience. India’s
cacophony of colours, light and motion provide
a heady backdrop to a thrilling and fast paced
equestrian journey that will live in your memories
long after the journeys end .
For more information and how to book your horse holiday
visit www.mahimahorseridingholidays.com
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63
TIWI ISLAND RETREAT IS A FAM-
ILY-OWNED AND OPERATED
BUSINESS
NORTHERN
Territory
WITH THE NEW YEAR WE’VE LISTED NINE MUST-SEE DESTINATIONS IN THE NORTHERN
TERRITORY IN 2021 INCLUDING SOME LESSER-KNOWN LOCATIONS FOR THE SEA-
SONED TRAVELLER, FROM THE TROPICAL TOP END TO THE RED CENTRE.
64 LUXNOMADE.COM | @ LUXNOMADE
Nitmiluk National Park covers a
vast area of escarpment country,
including 13 gorges along the
Katherine River carved from the
ancient sandstone country.this a
secret.
PHOTO: TOURISM NT/
SAM EARP
Tiwi Islands
A short ferry ride from Darwin, discover Tiwi
Islands, nicknamed the ‘Island of Smiles’.
Comprised of two main islands, Bathurst and
Melville, the Tiwis are known for their friendly
locals, a love of AFL, rich Indigenous culture
and unspoilt beaches.
SeaLink’s Tiwi By Design is an immersive art
and cultural day-tour introducing you to the
Aboriginal community of Wurrumiyanga. It
includes a Welcome to Country with a smoking
ceremony and totem dances, and a screen printing
workshop at Tiwi Design, where you can
bring home a traditional Tiwi print souvenir.
Nitmiluk/
Katherine
Where the Outback meets the tropics, Katherine
is teeming with adventure, culture, hospitality
and nature and is one of the must-see Northern
Territory destinations. The region is particularly
known for its thermal springs, misty waterfalls
and deep rocky gorges, and is rich with Jawoyn
culture.
Visit sandstone country at Nitmiluk National
Park and go on a canoe in the beautiful Nitmiluk
(Katherine) Gorge – you’ll be immersed in the
spirituality of Nitmiluk and its amazing sights to.
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65
PHOTO: TOURISM NT
66 LUXNOMADE.COM | @ LUXNOMADE
Arnhem Land
One of Australia’s last true wildernesses, Arnhem Land was
voted by Vacaay as one of the top five micro-regions to see in
2021 and is one of the top Northern Territory destinations. It
hosts Garma Festival, Australia’s largest Indigenous cultural
gathering, and offers a diversity of landscapes, from monsoonal
forests to savannah woodlands, wetlands, wild coastlines,
deserted tropical islands and soaring escarpments.
In East Arnhem Land, check out the pristine Groote Eylandt,
famous for its world-class fishing and perfect for a digital
detox retreat. When you’re visiting West Arnhem Land, stop
by famous Injalak Arts and Crafts, a gallery showcasing the
work of over 200 Indigenous artists, or spend a day in Garig
Gunak Barlu National Park, which is fringed with white sandy
beaches. Located off the coast of Bathurst Island The Tiwi
Islands Retreat is a private, beac hfront resort with options
for a hotel-like stay in local circles. A 4WD drive will take you
through woodlands, major rivers and floodplains, all bursting
with wildlife.
Arnhem Land waters are a fishing
paradise and probably why the locals
want to keep this a secret.
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Kakadu
Dual World Heritage-listed and also the largest terrestrial
national park in Australia, Kakadu is an incredible
nature reserve, teeming with monsoonal forests,
wetlands and show-stopping waterfalls. The Park is
known for its wildlife, home to a quarter of all Australian
freshwater fish species, one-third of Australian
bird species and the Territory’s iconic crocodiles.
Some of the world’s most incredible Aboriginal rock
art can be found here at Ubirr, which include paintings
of wildlife (like the extinct Thylacine), stories of
the Dreamtime to historical records of the first encounters
with Europeans.
Jim Jim Falls is one of the Kakadu’s most recognisable
and photographed destinations. Surrounded by
monsoonal forest and dramatic cliffs, the 200-metre
waterfall cascades into a deep plunge pool and family-friendly
beach.
Located off the coast of Bathurst Island The Tiwi
Islands Retreat is a private, beachfront resort with options
for a hotel-like stay or glamping known in local
circles. A 4WD drive will take you through woodlands,
major rivers and floodplains, all bursting with wildlife.
PHOTO: TOURISM NT/BACKYARD BANDITS
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YolÅu people, living and
working on their traditional
homelands
PHOTO: TOURISM NT
East MacDonnell
Ranges
Stretching for more than 100 kilometres east of Alice Springs, the East
MacDonnell Ranges were part of a short lived gold rush and have since
lived in the shadow of the West MacDonnell Ranges. Now, the East Macs as
they’re fondly known, offer some of the best outback spots and landscapes,
perfect for bush-walking, camping and four-wheel driving. Head out on a
walk in Trephina Gorge Nature Park, known for its quartzite cliffs and River
Red Gum-lined watercourses.Take a walk down history lane with Central’s
Australia first-ever town, Arltunga, which was once a major gold mine site.
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69
Finke Gorge
National Park
A handy day trip from Alice Springs, explore
the ancient and spectacular Finke Gorge
National Park. It’s an important wilderness
reserve, home to The Finke River, one of the
oldest rivers in the world, and Palm Valley,
which shelters groves of red cabbage palms,
unique to this area.
Drive to the park’s various hiking tracks, including
The Kalaranga Lookout, which offers amazing
views of sculptured sandstone amphitheatre, and
the unique Mparra Walk, which introduces travellers
to an Indigenous Dreamtime story when
walked in a clockwise direction.
Unwinding at the Top End
Safari Camp
PHOTO: TOURISM NT/
KYLE HUNTER & HAYLEY ANDERSON
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Picnic at Rainbow Valley.
Rainbow Valley is renowned for
its sandstone bluffs and cliffs
with bands of different coloured
rock.
PHOTO: TTOURISM NT/
CHLOE BARRY HANG
Rainbow Valley
Seventy-five kilometres south of Alice Springs is Rainbow Valley, renowned for its scenic sandstone
bluffs and cliffs. The rock bands change from ochre red to orange and purple in the early
morning and late afternoon, offering some of the Territory’s most magical sunrises and sunsets.
Embark on a 4WD adventure through majestic desert oaks, stopping by Mushroom Rock, an
unusual geological formation with a natural tunnel formed by millions of years of wind and rain
erosion. Spend the night camping and be amazed by the clarity of the outback’s night sky.
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71
Uluru-Kata
Tjuta
National
Park
Considered the spiritual heart of Australia,
this park should be on everyone’s
travel radar. It is home to Uluru,
the world’s largest monolith and Lonely
Planet’s top three best places to see
in 2020, as well as the lesser-known
soaring rock domes of Kata Tjuta (the
Olgas).
There’s plenty of life-changing ways
to witness the World Heritage-listed
natural wonders in person – opt for a
Segway tour or camel ride across the
desert dunes, or try tandem skydiving
for 360-degree views at sunrise. Choose
from a number of walking tracks including
the 2.6km Walpa Gorge Walk or
7.4km Valley of the Winds walk, offering
unparalleled views of the rugged outback
landscape.
3
PHOTO: TOURISM NT/JAKE APPLEBY
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Northern Territory’s incentivised
tourism campaign, Never Before
NT Summer Sale available until 31
March 2021 and offering travellers
discounts of up to $1000 off already
reduced prices for NT summer
holiday
Group of friends parked up
at the beach at Gunn Point.
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73
WELLNESS
BOOKS
4
1
5
2
3
OUR
PICK
2021
TO READ IN
1. Keep Sharp,
Dr Sanjay Gupta
$32.99
2. Self Love and Spiritual Alchemy,
Dani Watson
$25.95
3. More Than a Body,
Lexie Kite
$38.47
4. The Japanese Guide to Healthy Drinking, Kaori
Haishi, Shinichi Asabe
$34.99
5. Speak Your Truth,
Ferne Cotton
$45.00
6. Laziness Does Not Exist,
Devon Price
$60.99
7. The Midlife Method,
Sam Rice
$32.99
6
7
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75
DETOX
WITH
essential
OILS
Essential oils can have an incredibly
transformative effect on our
body and mind, and are the perfect
all-natural addition to any
New Year’s detox plans. There are
many ways that you can use oils
to aid digestion, improve clarity
of mind and holistically prepare
yourself, inside and out, for the
year to come.
AROMATHERAPY
SPECIALIST PAT PRINCI-JONES
To build your own collection of
detoxifying essential oils, Aromatherapy
Specialist Pat Princi-Jones
recommends starting
with a cleansing Grapefruit Oil, refreshing
Mandarin Oil and soothing
Bergamot oil. These oils can
76 LUXNOMADE.COM | @ LUXNOMADE
TOP 3
detoxifying
essential
oils
be diffused individually, blended
together or combined in a body
scrub or massage oil to release
their detoxifying properties.
“There is no denying the power
of scent on mind and body. Now,
more than ever we are turning
to pure essential oil use for selfcare
practice. Whether you want
to nourish your skin, reduce anxiety,
decongest, or detox after
the festive season, essential oils
might just be your answer.” says
Aromatherapy Expert Pat Princi-Jones.
“Citrus oils in particular
work wonders on cleansing
and purifying the body. Oils such
as Grapefruit, Bergamot and
Mandarin provide an effective
synergy to use alongside a wellbalanced
detoxification program
which includes regular exercise,
health diet and plenty of water.”
If you are looking for a quick,
easy way to include essential
oils into your detox plan, there
are also many beautiful blends
that have been expertly devised
and can be added straight into
a diffuser.
Oil Garden Grapefruit Pure Essential
Oil, RRP $21.99
GRAPEFRUIT
Grapefruit is especially cleansing it’s
uplifting and citrusy aroma, when
combined with massage, it is instantly
enlivening and said to boost
circulation.
In Essence Bergamot Pure Essential
Oil, RRP $34.95
BERGAMOT
Bergamot is renewing and
uplifting to the mind and body
and also known for its anti-inflammatory
properties. Its astringent
action improves skin tone and
helps aid lymph movement.
In Essence Mandarin Pure Essential
Oil, RRP $25.99
MANDARIN
Mandarin has a gentle action on
the circulatory system. It is known
to ease indigestion and adds a
tangy sweetness to this mix.
CELL RENEWING
BODY MASSAGE
“Add 2 drops each of Grapefruit, Bergamot
and Mandarin to 1 tablespoon of Jojoba oil.
Gently apply to the upper torso focusing
on the abdomen and lower back to support
detoxification.”
STIMULATING BODY
SCRUB
“Add 2 drops each of Grapefruit, Bergamot
and Mandarin to 1 tablespoon of Jojoba oil
and combine with half a cup of Pink Himalayan
Salt. Step into the shower and wash as
usual before applying the scrub generously in
a circular motion all over your limbs. Wash off
and pat dry. These oils create an energizing
synergy that clears the mind and stimulates
circulation. Follow with a light application of
Jojoba oil to moisturise the skin. Avoid sun
exposure 12 hours after application.” Note: If
you have sensitive skin you should do a patch
test and avoid sensitive areas.
DETOX DIFFUSER BLEND
“Add 3 drops each of Grapefruit, Bergamot
and Mandarin to the water in your diffuser
to freshen the environment and help eliminate
household odours . The lemony, zesty
aroma will help support a detox regime. It
is truly a delightful aroma.”
Diffuse for 3 hour intervals each day to
support a detoxification program.
In Essence The Midnight Diffuser
RRP $59.95
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77
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BOOK YOUR
CONNECT NOW
citadines.com
SEIZE THE DAY + STAY
at Sydney’s coolest hotel.
Enjoy the thrill and glamour of the 1960’s air travel in a hip
modern hotel. Book today to enjoy these bonus inclusions:
• SAVE 10% off Best Flexible Rates
• Enjoy a free room UPGRADE
• SLEEP IN that little bit longer with a 12pm check out
• It’s our SHOUT - enjoy two drinks on us in the Penthouse
*T&C’s apply
Citadines Connect Sydney Airport | 121 Baxter Road, Mascot, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Citadines Connect is a brand by The Ascott Limited a member of CapitaLand. It is one of the leading international lodging owner-operators with
properties across Asia Pacifi c, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the USA. lts portfolio of serviced residence and hotel brands includes
Ascott The Residence, The Crest Collection, Somerset, Quest, Citadines, lyf, Préférence, Vertu, Harris, Citadines Connect, Fox, Yello, and POP!.
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79
Beautiful Skin for Life
VITAMIN C PLUS SUNSCREEN BY DAY,
VITAMIN A BY NIGHT
Begin your own skincare journey with Medik8’s simple strategy of using vitamin C and sunscreen in
the morning and vitamin A at night.
We call this strategy: CSA.
www.medik8.com.au
1800 242 011
@medik8australia