Taking time out for yourself is not only a luxury, it’s a necessity. While our fast-paced lives may make it feel like there’s no time for anything but work, our good health depends on taking a break that focuses on you. Treat yourself to a relaxing week away at some of our favorite eco-retreats…

Sanctuary Olonana, Kenya, Africa

If its rugged nature you seek, sign up for a spa-fari on a private stretch of the Mara River-a stones throw from where Out of Africa was filmed. This small and exclusive luxury safari camp (pictured above) prides itself on sustainable practices thanks to the Sanctuarys wetlands and tree-planting projects, earning it a silver award from Ecotourism Kenya. After dining on fare from the Sanctuarys organic garden, indulge in the mini-spa and pamper up with traditional, natural African remedies.

From $US389 per person.

www.sanctuaryretreats.com

Harmony Hill Wellness and Organic Spa, Hobart, Australia

Designed by owner Ami Nakamura using Feng Shui principles, Harmony Hill is sanctuary where rebalancing and re-energizing are a given. Ami makes all of the spas 100 per cent Australian certified organic products on-site. Treatments include iridology, kinesiology, Ayurveda, lymphatic drainage and chi energy healing. “This is not a traditional hotel or resort spa,” she says. “We focus on alternative therapies to offer a holistic health experience and we do not use chemicals for the extraction of ingredients and nutrients.”

Treatments start at $AU140

www.organicspa-retreat.com

Thermae Bath Spa, Bath, England

Travel to the heart of the historic city of Bath to bathe in the naturally warm, mineral-rich waters just as the Celts and Romans did nearly 2,000 years ago. Britians original natural thermal spa, water here is naturally hot and straight from the earth at 46 degrees centigrade. It also boasts more than 40 minerals and trace elements. Other highlights include an open-air rooftop pool with views of the city and surrounding hills, steam-rooms, relaxation areas and more than 50 complementary therapies and treatments.

Treatments start at

Your garden is full of goodies that can be helpful not only in your kitchen, but in your home spa. Fresh plants and vegetables are full of potent vitamins, minerals and other beneficial components that can be used to create fresh beauty treatments at home.

Lettuce

The base of salads everywhere, this inconspicuous green leafy vegetable may have the ability to help soften your skin. Try using fresh lettuce, either shredded, or left as a full leaf, in your next fresh facial mask. The leaves can be mixed with plain yogurt, honey, or other basic wetting ingredients to create a simple, softening facial.

Cucumber

Known for its soothing abilities, cucumber is most classically used as a de-puffing agent under the eyes. To partake in this classic spa tradition, slice the cucumber into thin discs and place one over each eye while you relax with a fresh facial, or a cold cream mask. Cucumbers can also be mashed or pureed to act as a wetting agent in a more complex recipe, such as a facial, scrub, or body wrap.

Marigold

Gardeners often plant marigold flowers around the edges of a garden to help ward of pests. In skin care, marigold, or calendula, can help to relive more irritants as well. calendula soothes and comforts dry, sensitive skin, and can help to reduce itchiness and redness when applied topically. Try adding fresh, cleaned marigold petals to a fresh facial cleanser or mask.

Aloe Vera

Fresh Aloe Vera is a staple in most apothecary or medicinal gardens. The flesh and juice of the Aloe Vera can provide instant relief from the pain of sunburn, poison ivy, or other summer time irritants. Try adding fresh Aloe Juice, or pureed Aloe flesh to facials, cleansers, or to medicinal salves.

Tomato

The acids contained in a fresh tomato are great at exfoliating skin. Mashed or pureed tomato makes a great wetting agent for oily and acne prone facials and masks. Another way to use tomato is to place thin slices directly on the skin. The acids in the fresh tomato flesh can help to get red of blackheads and acne, and can help to brighten dull skin.

Photo by Piku

Carrots

Chuck full of nutritious beta carotene, carrots pack a lot of punch into their bold colored packages. Fresh carrots make great ingredients for fresh facials and scrubs, just be careful to use them sparingly, as too much carrot juice can tint the skin temporarily. Try pureeing or juicing fresh carrots to use them as wetting agents or exfoliants in your next fresh spa recipe.

This article was originally posted on The Natural Beauty Workshop, a natural skin and body care blog provided by From Nature With Love, a supplier of natural and complimentary ingredients for skin care, soapmaking, aromatherapy, and massage. The Natural Beauty Workshop regularly features handmade bath and body recipes, informational articles on ingredients, techniques, and environmentalism. If you enjoyed this article, please visit The Natural Beauty Workshop to learn more about fresh, natural, and handmade beauty.