Staying at Zeavola Resort, Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

Take a deep breath in, now let it out. Repeat. Do you feel that?

A momentary grounding.

Now picture white beach sand, crystal clear blue waters, tall shady palm trees, mind-blowing food.

You've just imagined Zeavola Resort, Phi Phi Islands.

A place to feel connected and grounded. A place where you can exhale.

Hands down one of my favourite destinations in Thailand; this resort is truly magnificent. Not only because it is surrounded by the most breathtaking scenery but because the resort is aware of their responsibility towards the environment and making their establishment one of sustainability. Zeavola does everything they can to look after the majestic nature that surrounds them.

Getting there is half the adventure and a flight into Phuket, a taxi to the harbour and a gorgeous boat ride later you will find yourself stepping onto the beautiful beaches with waves lapping the shores of the island.

Arriving at sunset, the golden light illuminated the limestone cliff faces and rocky outcrops that surround and make up the Phi Phi islands.

Taking in the bright pink skies is a memory that will stay with me forever.

The resort is really something special. Firstly it is a barefoot resort - yes you read correctly. This resort encourages you to get your toes sandy and feel the earth beneath you. Every time you enter a facility there is the opportunity to rinse your feet off in cleverly placed foot baths.

The resort recycles their water (which is pretty impressive considering they are on a tiny island in the Andaman sea)

They omit all single-use plastics and promote being eco-conscious in all that they (or the guests) do.

A green resort? Be still my beating heart.

The rooms are tucked away and surrounded by lush tropical plants and give a feeling of absolute privacy. You might find yourself harboring a sneaky suspicion that you have the only room on the island. They are constructed from glass panels and space is filled with natural light. With an outdoor shower and lounge area, I felt as if I could live there forever!

The resort offers additional options of rooms situated higher up on the hill, perched on stilts overlooking the canopy. The honeymoon suite sports a beautiful white marble pool while for the more minimal tastes, a beach facing room might be just the thing.

There is certainly something to satisfy every occasion and desire.

If you have a wedding request, this is the hotel for you.

The resort also proudly caters to the LGTBQ community by offering same-sex marriages.

The only thing enticing enough to get me to leave my comfortable room? Diving. As an avid diver, I opted to take myself on an adventure. Joined by a private Dive Master we took a boat trip out into the marine reserve. Whilst we were heading out seahorses were mentioned and I was sold.

From sea horses to lions mane jellyfish I was in heaven! If diving isn't your thing then you can also take a private boat ride out to the marine park for the day and go snorkeling with baby black tip sharks or simply swim in the tropical waters and bask in the sun. With a gorgeous pool, you can stay in or even make your way to their sublime spa for a treatment of your choice. I lost myself in the music that is a traditional massage.

Making my way back to the resort I was met with staff that is ready to help with anything, cue cocktail in hand and of course someone to escort me to lunch!

Wow. The food was simply incredible and eating on the beach with a gentle sea breeze in my hair, heaven. I realized after the food that Zeavola was fast crawling its way into one of my favourite destinations out there.

This five-star resort is beyond the standard five stars you expect to experience with that rating. With every detail thought out and every taste catered for, Zeavola was exceptional.

Did you know that there is a Thailand Tourism office located in Johannesburg? Don’t think only beaches (Phuket), as there is so much more to Thailand. So if you need info or digital brochures etc, be sure to contact them or better still follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

I would also like to give a special thanks to Singapore Airlines for flying me in style all the way to this dream destination!

-Melissa

Truffle Journal Guide to Chiang Mai, Thailand

When the offer came up to experience Chiang Mai, Thailand as part of my travels I jumped at the experience without hesitation. I had previously spent several weeks exploring the south of Thailand and island hopping with endless sunshine and ocean. However, a part of me felt deprived after departure back home without having explored the cultural mecca of Thailand. Known for its beautiful temples and rich history Chiang Mai always called and I finally received the chance to answer.
Here is a list of some of the amazing experiences I had in Chiang Mai that I would highly recommend. They are in no particular order and can be easily achieved with a shuttle tour bus. I stayed in the center of town on the banks of the Ping River at X2 Riverside Resort. Chiang Mai is a city that captured my heart and that I would easily return.

Temples;

Chiang Mai is known for its elaborate beautiful Thai temples. When visiting the temples make sure to wear something that covers your knees and your shoulders. It is respectful to local monks who live within the temple grounds. When you are at the temple you are able to explore quietly appreciating the history and the culture on offer. You can purchase lotus flowers or incense and offer this to the Lord Buddha. If there is a local monk giving blessings then you can approach the monk and receive a blessing.

The first temple I visited was the magnificent gold gleaming Wat Phra That Doi Suthep found on Doi Suthep the 8th highest mountain in Thailand coming in at 1685 meters, bigger than table mountain. Considered a national park driving up to the temple is simply beautiful! The thick lush greenery engulfs you and then the temple stands tall covered in the most magical gold, overlooking the city with the most amazing view. It is considered one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Thailand. This awe-inspiring temple is crowned by an elaborate Chedi (Monument), 24 meters tall and gold plated from top to bottom. It is quite something to behold. Allow enough time for exploring the temple ground and to see the elaborate murals that adorn the walls as well as learn about the history. Make sure you have cash with you for the entrance and the offerings. If you have questions regarding the temple or in general about Buddhism then visit the Buddism Center. The Thai are friendly and helpful and would love to answer any questions you may have. This spiritual place offers retreats, meditations and lighting the candle at the offering was an immensely special moment for me.

If you are feeling for more of an active experience that involves you literally getting into the ring then why not step up and visit the Buakaw Village. Set up as a sustainable village and training Gym by Buakaw, the K-1 Muay Thai World Champion of the World and Thailand title holder for over a decade. This establishment offers training camps whereby you can come and stay and train in Muay Thai. The accommodation is simple and the training fierce. With a relaxing area overlooking rice paddies, there are moments to relax and take in the beautiful grounds. We only did a day visit and minimal training however, judging by the number of muscles on site - this training camp means business. You can find them on facebook here.

Further up in the lush green forest of Chiang Mai you will find the Hill Tribe Villages. Showcasing a simpler and more rural life. These tiny little villages are so small that many are unmarked on maps. Some villages are as small as up to 20 households. We explored a little village taking in all the beautiful hand woven items created by the local tradesmen in order to make a living off the tourists that pass. The fabrics are beautiful and purchasing an item was a must. The site we visited had manicured gardens and a gaggle of small children playing outside. A very peaceful way of living. With some of the original huts and information about the tribes inside you can explore this foreign world. Just make sure to be respectful and ask if you may take photos. It is not an animal zoo but rather a place where you have the opportunity to step into someone's world, so vastly different from yours and see how they exist.

Chiang Mai has a variety of bustling markets filled with a selection of common and unique fresh foods and more. We visited the busy Warorot market place on the banks of the ping river. This market place is where the locals do their shopping and is an authentic experience that submerged me in the Thai culture. Surrounded by street food stalls and busy vendors the sights, smells, and sounds are an assault on the senses in a wonderful way. Getting there by tuk-tuk or going on foot is best. The market opens early in the morning and closes after dark. You can buy almost anything at the market from clothes, condiments, fresh fruits, meat and more! Visiting the flower and fruit market was my favourite and yes, of course, a coconut was had. The fruit section was my favourite with the display of so many unknown bright coloured fruits. You are going to want to get out and explore all areas so make sure you have the time and don't forget that cash is king. Don't forget the side streets where you can find hemp textiles and fabric woven by the hill tribe people.

Once the home of the Emerald Buddha (Thailand's most sacred and ancient relic), the Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai is one of the most iconic parts of Chiang Mia's skyline. This magnificent structure was built somewhere between 1385-1402. This beautiful chedi at its peak measured 60 meters across and 80meters tall. After a devastating earthquake, the Chedi remains but the staircase and elephants had some restorations done and one can only begin to imagine seeing such a magnificent structure in all its glory! With several culturally significant pieces on the temple premises, I would highly recommend taking a walk and exploring.

Dine at X-2 Riverside resort with Alex Dermard. This was one of my favourite experiences. To see this master at his craft was a true delight. His food is beautifully plated and each plate a complete work of art. The only thing to stand tall against the beauty of each plate is the flavours of the dish. Well thought out and elegantly executed whether you are staying at the resort or passing by making a reservation is a must!

Stay at 137 Pillars, Chiang Mai. This establishment quite literally took my breath away. It was just beautiful from the moment we arrived. Each and every detail has been thought of in this colonial historic boutique hotel. The original teak house that has been restored to glory dates back to the 1800s. The details that have gone into the grounds makes it a dream destination for travelers. With different room options, you can choose to stay with a room that has a built-in lounge, bedroom, walk-in wardrobe, and private pool.

The interior is colonial and elegant with warm finishes that will make you feel at home. With giant trees towering over the walkways you feel tucked away from the world. I stayed for lunch and it was a very good decision. The authentic Thai menu was utterly delicious and I enjoyed every bite full! I could very easily have moved in and never left! Especially with the look of the private pool.

For those of you that are down for the spa treatments and being swaddled in a happy fuzzy bubble then I have the place for you. Oasis Oriental Secret Spa offers traditional treatments such as the Thai Hot Compress massage. Of course, I dived into experiencing this amazing offer and it was fantastic. With scents of lemongrass, ginger kafir lime, salt, and camphor oil, a hot compress is an aromatic escape from reality. You will be in a relaxation coma post-treatment with an offering of herbals teas and fresh fruit. They believe in being so much more than just a massage spa and that is exactly what they have achieved. Owners Pakin and Toby Ployphicha and thought of all attention to detail and have had a hand right down to the interior. I couldn't help but recognize traditional hand-woven textiles that had been included in the design of the hotel. With amazing products and an array of treatments, this is my must visit Spa of Chiang Mai. With mountains as a backdrop, Oasis Baan Sean Doi Spa Resort has spacious rooms that are elegantly decorated. Situated on a quiet street this hotel will make you want to sleep, spa, eat and repeat! Did I mention the heavenly pool? They have several branches so if you find yourself in Thailand look them up and treat yourself.

Lunch at Organic Cafe Ohkajhu. A local and sustainable organic farm that is being run by three friends that have a fierce love of food and farming. Situated on the outskirts on town this was one of our first stops after we landed in Chiang Mai. This restaurant has it going on with one of the biggest salad menus I have seen to date. Each and every bite was scrumptious and just so fresh. But how could it not be? It is grown on site and made into beautiful meals that are healthy. It is so amazing to be able to travel and eat healthy fresh whole food. It is a top priority for me and I loved experiencing a place away from home that allowed me to eat healthy and fresh organic food! Look them up if you are in the area or if you are in Bangkok or downtown Chiang Mai as they have branches there too.

Feast on Thai colonial cuisine at The House by Ginger. Possibly my favourite lunch whilst I was visiting Chiang Mai. The food is perfectly made and the flavours are out of this world. With a menu filled with traditional items I highly recommended the Pad Thai. The food was so moreish that I couldn't help myself. Each dish was just better than the last. To top it off? They have a gorgeous store.

I am sure you will find your way there - just be prepared to swipe the credit card because the clothing is so beautiful you will find yourself defenseless.

Chiang Mai has so much on offer that I only touched the surface in my short stay there. I love offering up guides but I am a firm believer in going and getting lost. Let the music find you, meet new people and explore new paths. Each experience is unique and taking in the sights and sounds of Chiang Mai is something I will never forget.

Did you know that there is a Thailand Tourism office located in Johannesburg? Don’t think only beaches (Phuket), as there is so much more to Thailand.  So if you need info or digital brochures etc, be sure to contact them or better still follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

-Melissa

Top tips for healing Pcos - my journey

When I was 17 I was diagnosed with PCOS. Polycystic ovarian syndrome. I had never had a regular menstrual cycle and was plagued by the anxiety of not knowing when that time of the month would arrive. 

With this as my biggest concern, my mother took me to my first gynea visit. They did blood tests and confirmed that I had PCOS. The solution? To go onto oral contraception that would regulate my hormones and let me know when my period was going to arrive. 

PCOS is a disease that is confirmed with blood result and visiting an endocrinologist. It is when the ovary doesn’t ovulate correctly due to a lack of progesterone and elevated oestrogen. The side effects include acne, male pattern hair growth - yes hair on your chin, weight gain, insulin resistance and early heart disease to name a few. 

At the age of 17 getting this as a diagnosis left me in shock. It was then topped off with the fact that I would not be able to naturally conceive a child. Not that I wanted children at that age but I wanted a choice! 

Scared and confused at my bodies betrayal I accepted my fate of a lifetime of oral contraception. The only problem was that my intuition hated the idea. At a tender age, I hushed my inner voice and did what the doctor said. Surely doctors know best? 

I spent the next 12 years of my life dealing with whatever came up with another pill that was the so-called solution to what I was experiencing. I was put into roacutane for my skin and Glucophage for my insulin. I took the pills as I was told. Why? Because having diabetes and acne is scary.  I lost trust in my bodies ability to function.

I did laser for my hair growth (and still do) and attempted every fad diet under the sun to move my stubborn weight. It was this constant dance between binge eating and starving myself of all carbs under the sun. I ate sugar and didn’t give the connection between food and body much thought. 

Some of it worked and mostly none of it worked. I felt confused and angry at my body. Why couldn’t it just work like everyone else’s? Why did I have to take a pill every day like I was broken? 

Fast forward to the present. My career moved into food and my life in the direction of becoming a certified holistic health coach. As the universe would have it I started to do research on my internal health (especially when I wrote WHOLE - bowl food for balance) and started realising that there is another way. I discovered The Women Code by Alisa Vitti along with mindful eating and balance. The book is centred around female reproductive organs and endocrine health. All of a sudden the pieces of the puzzle started to come together. 

The penny dropped. If I focused on getting healthy; If I focused on balancing my blood sugar, making sure my liver was healthy and not overloaded if I healed my gut and made sure my digestion was good then all the inflammation in my system would go down. And if I supported my body from the outside with chemical-free friendly products then my endocrine system wouldn’t be inflamed. And if it wasn’t inflamed I could go into remission with PCOS. What? Yes, you read it correctly. Remission. This means no heart disease, weight trouble, acne and vanished periods. And for those out there trying to fall pregnant - the possibility of conceiving a beautiful miracle - naturally without any drugs!

I had to do it, and so I did.

I changed my diet. I changed my lifestyle and I changed my outlook. Every little bit of change not only made me feel better but helped me toward my goal. My goal of balanced hormones, clear skin and regular periods. 

I can proudly say that I have just finished my 11th natural menstrual cycle where I can feel my body and it feels amazing. I’m not saying birth control is bad. It has its place and is a women’s right whether she chooses it or not. However, for me, it never felt right. My intuition warned me that there was another way and there is. My body has the ability to heal itself. The question is how far are you willing to go to heal?

So what did I change? What did I do? What would I recommend? 

These are the questions I get the most. So I thought I would share the top points here.
It was a dedicated long journey that’s taken almost a year to feel normal. To break past my acne and irregular cycles. I am not a doctor; I am simply sharing my story in the hope that it will make you question yours. The one thing I can tell you is that it has been the single biggest act of self-love. To take my life, my health and my period back. You don’t have to get all the below perfect by tomorrow. It’s a journey. Healthy eating and living takes practice. It’s like a muscle. The more you use it the stronger it gets. Be patient and kind to yourself. You aren’t going to get it all right and just come off the pill and be cured. I also did what I did in the knowledge of my Gynea. Who fully supported it under supervision. 

Top Tips to heal Pcos

Cleaning up my diet.

Whether you like it or not changing your health means changing your diet. By changing it - I mean taking it seriously and under your control and making sure that everything that you eat is aiding you.
You can choose to view it as a negative diet or you can choose to look at it as medicine that is healing you from the inside out. I chose the latter and it made the journey so much easier. The journey is about taking the time to listen to your body and find out what works for you. Each of us is bio individually unique and what works for one person might not work for the next. I will share below what I cut out and what I focused on eating. These are the foods that helped my healing journey.

Cutting out:

Coffee - yes you read correctly. So many people seem utterly shocked when I share this fact.
Even a cup of coffee in the morning. Coffee fires the adrenal glands and can cause your cortisol to elevate. This is an inflammatory hormone that can wreak havoc on your internal system. With busy stressful lives, most of us reach for coffee in the morning. This just aids the cycle and causes us to be tired again later on. I decided to address the cause of my tiredness and stress rather than reaching for coffee giving my adrenal glands space to heal and rest. This needs to be a top priority in the healing journey. Resting the adrenal glands and nourishing them.

Gluten, white/processed bread - the only gluten I incorporated was the occasional slice of artisanal sourdough bread in the morning with smashed avocado because it worked for me. For others it might not.. Processed food is unhealthy and filled with chemicals. Gluten can cause stomach pains and bloat. How does it sit with your body? If you want to heal, cut it out for a month and see how you feel. It made a huge difference to my body and to my blood sugar/insulin levels. Insulin can spike if you eat white processed bread and spiked insulin contributes to PCOS.

Soy + Corn - Soy can interfere with your hormone levels and corn can spike your insulin.

Sugar - we all know the awful truth about sugar. Sugar causes inflammation in the system contributing to PCOS. It will worsen your symptoms in every way possible and can cause bloat and an array of negative symptoms. Pay attention to hidden sugars and always read your labels and check the ingredients. Sugar, dextrose and fructose are just some of the ways they hide sugar in store-bought food. If you have to read the label you probably shouldn’t eat it. An apple doesn’t come with a health claim or label.

Alcohol - yes that includes the glass of wine when you get home. Remember that this doesn’t mean forever and it is also not about perfection. If you happen to have one glass of wine release the guilt and move on. Focus on healing. Once your body has healed it is more primed to handle alcohol from a position of health. Now that I have healed I focus on never more than two drinks and I stay away from sugary sodas and mixes.

High sugar fruits such as mango and banana. I steamed sweet potato and zucchini for my smoothies and then froze the pieces. They made my smoothies thick and creamy without the use of banana etc.

Added sugars (yes, even honey)

Meat not sourced from quality suppliers. I also cut red meat for the better part.
If I eat a lot of red meat I feel sluggish and heavy. Lean meat can be included in a PCOS friendly diet. It is up to your body. Just make sure you are buying top quality meat and not mass produced store bought meat. Ethical and free range is the only way. Eating meat is a personal journey and each individual is unique.

Egg - this comes down to your bio-individuality. Some people report feeling foggy after eggs. As for me? I have about 1-2 free-range eggs a week and it worked perfectly for my body.

Dairy - Yes that means cheese. Again I was very strict in the beginning of the journey and now I follow a 90/10% rule. Dairy has added hormones and mass produced dairy is not good for you. The chemicals and hormones are endocrine disruptors and aren’t good for you. Cut it out and see how you feel. personally, I have never felt better and don’t miss dairy in my diet.

Foods to include and focus on:

Dark leafy greens - as many and as much as possible. I find that dark leafy greens really supported good gut health and regular bowel movements. This is important as excess oestrogen is expelled via elimination.
If your stomach does not work with ease every morning after you wake without coffee then look at incorporating a hand full of greens into every meal. I blend kale in my smoothies and add baby spinach to almost everything. raw and cooked! Pay attention to if raw works for you or causes bloat. If it does then try steaming or sautéing your greens.

Healthy carbs - carbs are not the devil (contrary to popular belief)
Your body needs complex carbohydrates to function properly and your brain needs complex carbs to concentrate. Focus on including sweet potato, butternut, carrots etc. These are real whole foods and when included in a diet (in moderation) can aid healing.

Healthy fats - coconut oil, avocado oil, almond butter and nut butter, avocado, and whole raw nuts.
These are some of the ways I add healthy fats into my diet. Adding healthy fats also aids my digestive system when combined with fibre and hydration.

Herbal teas - I fell in love with herbal teas when I stopped drinking coffee and if I’m honest herbals teas were more my flavour than coffee anyway. I have dandelion, mint, green, chamomile and cinnamon tea to name a few. Each tea can offer a different aspect of healing to your body - so get to know your teas and experiment on what works for you. Make it fun because it really can be!

Adaptogens - adaptogens are herbs and I have used several on my healing journey. I suggest when incorporating herbs/supplements into your daily routine; that you take one at a time and see how you feel or if you have the means visit your local homeopath. Each brand and person is different so it can take experimenting to figure out what works for you. Here are some that worked for me - Reishi, Ashwagandha, Chinese chaste berry and sceletium. I take them daily along with a probiotic and warm lemon water with apple cider vinegar everyday.

Focusing on balanced meals - this means that I focus on eating a balance between a lean or plant-based protein, a complex carb, dark leafy greens/veggies and healthy fats. I also focus on drinking at least 2 litres of fresh plain water a day.

I focus on how I feel after I eat something. Does it cause me to have a headache? Feel sluggish? Or perhaps cause me to bloat? If it does then I stop eating it for a few weeks - see how I feel, then try eating it again. If the feeling persists then I remove it from my diet or seldom indulge in it.

I downloaded the floliving app on my phone, you can download it by clicking here. This app was created by Alisa Vitti - Author of the woman code. The app helps me track and anticipate my hormonal needs in what is called cycle syncing. Cycle syncing is where I eat, exercise, work and play according to where I am at hormonally. Woman have been tracking their cycles for years and it isn’t as crazy as it might sound. I basically sync my life around my menstrual cycle. If you don’t have one then try syncing around the cycles of the moon. Many of us actually get our period around the full or new moon. As the ocean has its ebb and flows so do we. This has taken time and is a continual work in progress. If you want to know more I highly suggest reading The Woman Code or clicking here to visit FloLiving.

At the end of the day, your diet is completely in your hands. I personally don't eat a lot of fruit and when I do I focus on berries and low GI fruits in a smoothie in the morning. This journey is about getting to know your body and what works for you. There is also no quick fix solution. This is a commitment to yourself and your healing. Healthy eating isn’t about perfection - I have days where I do eat sugary foods and don’t eat clean, however, I focus on a 90/10 rule. 90% of the time I eat clean the other 10% is where life happens such as a birthday or I chose to indulge! The chances of you falling in love with the way you eat are high because you will feel better - why not give it a try and see? It's worth the healing.

Stress management:

Stress is something that we all have. The truth is that it really isn’t good for your health. It causes our adrenal glands to release cortisol. Cortisol is the nasty hormone that makes you gain weight around your middle or have that second surge of energy at 11 pm at night. The problem is that dropping the kids, waking up early for that run, getting that deadline in on time or the anxiety around your weight are probably causing you to be in a stressed state without you even knowing it. As I mentioned before coffee and alcohol don't help.
Here are some of my top tips for managing stress. I would love to hear yours in the comments below. Reducing internal and external stress can help support you to get your menstrual cycle back. Some times it's not about doing more but doing less.

Go for a long walk 3 times a week. Walking for an hour a day minimum three times a week was a game changer for me. I have a blog post here about how moving my body changed my life. If your body is stressed it will respond better to gentle exercise. Moving your body can help move excess oestrogen.

Managing your stress is critical to healthy living. It could be the thing that is stopping you from losing weight, having your menstrual cycle or affecting your sleep.

Movement - this is what my weeks look like. Again I don't always get it right and what works for my body might not work for yours. Mix it up and experiment. Exercise is something you should love doing not dread.

Mix it up with HIIT. The high intensity gets your heart rate up, your body sweating (detox) and helps a loaded liver get rid of excess oestrogen. Excess oestrogen can cause acne, period pain, endometriosis and of course PCOS. Listen to your body - if you are exhausted rather mix it up with a hike, yoga or a lighter workout. Moving your body is critical if you want to have a healthy life, let alone healthy hormones. So get up and move - even if it is just a walk.

Yoga 3-4 x per week
Walking 3-4 x per week (preferably in nature)
HIIT training 1-2 x per week
Consistency is key! Focus on trying to move your body as much and as often as possible! I rest during my period and toward the end of my period, I do Pilates or my walks. I even mix it up with Yin yoga. A much more feminine connected yoga than a power flow class.

Listen to your intuition. If you feel what you are doing is not working for you then try something else. Never push yourself into pain.

Self-care:

I would love to say that I did the beautiful self-care baths that you are seeing all over the internet but the reality is that Cape Town is in a drought. If you are able to then I do suggest doing this (Unless you’re in the Western Cape). Draw yourself a beautiful bath instead of going out with friends. Take some you time. You deserve it! Read a book and focus on relaxing.

Journalling - try journalling 3 x per week. This will help you process how you are feeling and is a wonderful way to look back on your healing journey. This isn’t to shame you if you don’t get it right but rather an amazing tool to use to reflect. Use it for exactly that.

Connecting to nature. This might sound crazy but the truth is that nature heals. Studies are now showing that you can reduce inflammation just by walking outside on the grass barefoot for 20 minutes a day. When last did you hug a tree or feel the sand/grass between your toes? Go outside and get grounded!

Meditation and breath work. This is a very special tool that I use. It allows me space to breathe into my thoughts and sit with things and gain a clearer perspective. Headspace is a wonderful app if you are new to meditation or I use the Calm app.

Treat yo’self. When last did you take yourself for a massage or a facial? If you have the means then why not take yourself on a date? Or even better just give yourself a pedicure at home. Take the time for yourself and honour the date. Don't let yourself off the hook just because something better comes along. You wouldn’t be flaky and cancel on a friend last minute so don’t do it to yourself!

Acupuncture - this is a wonderful tool that can be used to get your menstrual cycle back. It also calms me and helped me deal with deeper emotional issues that came to the surface. With a holistic approach, I was open to the fact that my emotional state could manifest in the physical. What is going on for you emotionally?

Less technology. I don't always get it right but I do my utmost to make sure I am on my phone less. Technology allows for stress to creep in. Constantly checking emails or comparing yourself on Instagram can add to stress and minimising your interaction with technology will free up time. Why not phone a friend or journal and catch up with your emotional internal landscape.

Getting enough sleep. Yup, I said it. 8 hours of sleep a night is critical to the recovery from PCOS and aiding the body heal. The hours before 12 are also the best hours for this. Getting to bed at the same time every night and including a healthy sleep hygiene practice is a game changer. I include flossing, brushing my teeth, washing my face and using my skin care products as part of my sleep hygiene. I have even included dry brushing into my regime which aids blood flow and lymph drainage. It prepares me for bed and lets my body know its time to rest. Lying on your phone in bed doesn’t aid the brain to switch off and prevents you from falling asleep. It can wait until morning - put the phone down!

Watering my plants. If you guys follow me on social media you might know that I have a plant obsession. Spending time with my plants is an act of self-love and care. Maybe buying yourself a house plant will do the same for you?

My thoughts on birth control:

At the end of the day, each and every woman has the right to decide what and how she would like to give her body. If birth control is your choice then you have the right. Be it for your skin or as contraception. My goal is to share the information so you can make an informed decision and not put a plaster solution over a deeper problem.

If you would like to explore other birth control methods why not open the discussion with your partner? Condoms are an option and perhaps something that suits you better? That is your right to choose.

Hormonal acne:

I had several symptoms coming off the pill. The biggest and most prominent was hormonal acne. It was so difficult to not just go back on the pill when it hit. It peaked about 3 months after I had come off the pill and it got to the point where I did cave and went onto a course of roaccutane. And I owe it to you guys to share this. The path of my skin wasn’t smooth sailing. I was put on a low dosage for a month and then decided it was time to be brave and move off it completely. I wanted the dependance to stop. I don’t think that anyone can judge someone else’s journey. I chose to do it because I didn’t want to have scarring which would have been inevitable. I know that roaccutane is a liver loading drug and that good skin health starts in the liver. So it is ironic that I took it and if you can avoid it please do. However, it did help me and since coming off all mediation my skin has been much better because I have done the constant work that it takes to clear it. I still get breakouts around my menstrual cycle but now I feel the rhythm of my body rather than panicking and wanting the drug to correct it. I trust my body more and correct from the inside out. It is a difficult long road but I can see a difference almost a year later. It also makes a huge difference in the quality of skin products that you use. Did you know that what you put on your skin is absorbed within 3 minutes into the blood? I choose to use products such as Esse which are natural and chemical free. I focus on the same with my make up and don't wear a lot of makeup. The same applies to deodorants and skin products. I have made an effort over time to slowly but surely weed out chemical-rich products and replace them with natural chemical free ones. Chemicals are called endocrine disruptors and they can affect your hormone balance. Again this isn’t about perfection and throwing out all your products. Slowly Slowly catch the monkey.

Weight gain is something I have battled with my whole life and is one of the main symptoms of PCOS. With clean eating and moving my body the weight slowly fell off. I focused on getting healthy and not on getting thin. They are not the same thing! This journey was so much deeper for me than losing weight. Yes, it had a part to play because I was tired of being in my skin the way I was but truth be told I was so tired of my body feeling “broken” and I had to find out if it could heal itself and it can. Your body is this beautiful machine that never skips a heartbeat and lets you do all that you do. It is something to be nourished and celebrated. All you have to do is learn to listen to your body, focus on eating more fresh vegetables and fruits, drink plenty of water and you will already start to feel better. My journey has taken two years, I didn’t arrive here overnight. Be patient with yourself and take the time to learn!

Hair loss - this is something I am currently exploring and working on. Since coming off the pill my hair has thinned a substantial amount. It is emotionally difficult for me however I am on a journey to find what works for my body. I am currently trying the JS health hair vitamins and I have also tried Biotin. The reality is that both my parents have very thin hair so there is an element of genetics - however, I am focusing on finding out how far I can heal to have thicker healthy hair. The journey continues and if you have any tips I would love to hear them!

This has been my journey. My journey to healing. Can it be done? Yes, I have done it. I hope that in some small way this inspires you to know you can do the same. I work now as a certified integrative nutrition health coach and I am determined to help woman find their health, balanced weight and hormonal balance. If you would love to know more then please head on over to my contact page here and drop me a line. A health history consult is free and will only take an hour of your time. I would love to meet you. I will explain my 6 month program to recovery, balanced weight and working together to help you achieve hormonal health and well being!

Much love always

-Melissa

Staying at X2 Riverside Resort, Chiang Mai

Situated on the banks of the Ping River in the heart of Chiang Mai is a place that not only will envelop you in luxury but an establishment that makes you feel like a King or Queen. 

X2 (Pronounced cross two) Riverside Resort on Chiang Mai is part of a luxury resort chain that has the finest attention to detail coupled with modern design and impeccable service. With Ewan Taylor appointed the head manager and Executive Chef Alexandre Demard serving up delectable dishes this boutique hotel is a gem to explore in northern Thailands Chiang Mai. 

Getting to the hotel was fairly easy. Just a short half hour cab ride from the main airport of Chiang Mai this boutique hotel is really central. Making excursions really easy and allowing access to all Chiang Mai has to offer. 

The rooms are spacious and overlook the restaurant and the Ping River. With a large balcony and a full set up mini bar with coffee, I was in heaven and simply had to have an ice cold drink in the balmy weather on the balcony. The beds are king sized beds and each room is uniquely decorated with koi fish on the walls. The design element is modern and welcoming. The bathroom is large and with white fluffy bathrobes, you will soon feel like a million dollars. 

If the room doesn't make you feel that way then the Spa surely will! A five start spa offering traditional, as well as aromatherapy massage, is on the property. A mere few feet away from your luxury bedroom.  After your relaxing massage you can make your way to the beautiful rooftop for sunset and sip on an ice-cold cocktail and take a dip in the pool. My favourite thing about the pool was the fact that it was designed to look like a galaxy and is speckled with mosaic tiles and lights that come on after the sun has dipped below the horizon! 

The food in the resort is spectacular and well thought out by executive chef Alex Dermard. The tasting menu is something I would highly recommend and the flavours were spot on. He is a true artist displaying each bite with flair and passion. We spoke about wandering into the local markets and losing ourselves in the amazing fresh produce that Thailand has to offer. I must admit a dream for me to cook with! 

Breakfast is fresh and simple and the poached eggs made to perfection. A gooey yolk and perfectly cooked white is a thing of glory. Breathing in and taking a moment at breakfast whilst over looking the river made me think about slowing down and how I don't do it often enough. 

The staff are the heart and soul of this botique hotel. They were friendly and beyond helpful - which is also a Thai thing. Nothing was too much effort to arrange for us. A special part to me was that everybody just worked so well behind the scenes. Your room was cleaned and the hotel spotless yet no cleaning staff were in sight. It was as if fairies were on duty! 

As a five star establishment they are on the more pricey, however, if you are not looking to backpack but rather have a holiday where you do not want to lift a finger, then this hotel is for you! The spa offers an array of treatments and losing yourself in a full body massage is defiantly something I would recommend. After all, what is visiting Thailand without a Thai massage? 

I hope to soon return to this magical spot in the cultural heart of Thailand, Chiang Mai. A city that has so much to offer. Very much like X2 Riverside Resort.

-Melissa

Diving Bali - Nusa Penida

Diving to me is the ultimate form of mindfulness. I think because you are silent and you have no choice but to be right where you are. You are focused on your breath, your body, and your environment. The environment just happens to be under hundreds of tons of water in an alien landscape where you are the guest and the vibrant creatures of the ocean your host. For as long as I can remember, my dream has been this, to dive with Giant Manta Rays. These animals can get a wingspan of up to 5.5 meters and are placid gentle giants that glide underwater as if they are flying.

Getting to Nusa Penida can be done by fast or local boats off the coast of Bali. The most popular port to get a boat from is Sanur. If you use the fast boat the ride is about 30-40 minute depending on the swell. You can get tickets online or at the harbour. I recommend online because it just makes life easier and the boats can fill up rather quickly.

Approaching Nusa Penida looks like approaching the tropical island of Jurassic Park. With jagged cliffs and towering palm trees, the island looks like a movie scene. Once safely in the harbour, we arranged with Sanctum diving to collect us. They were going to do so by car which is a quick drive from the harbour but in the end, we rented scooters and made our way there following our guide. It was quicker and much less painful than sitting in the heat on the back of a pickup truck as we ended up in unexpected traffic due to a school parade.

I went to Nusa for one reason, in fact, I went to Bali for one reason. That reason was to see the Giant Manta Ray. To chase the dream of diving under the water with them and be in awe of their beauty. Sadly due to the traffic, we were late and unable to get out to the cleaning station with the dive boat. It seemed all odds were against me. First an earthquake, then a full boat, then traffic! The cleaning station is a dive where you are almost guaranteed to see Giant Manta Ray and not being able to get there felt like a major blow to my excitement. So we decided to dive one of the other points also popular with these gorgeous beasts.

Together with Ben and Lauren (my adventure buddies for the day), we had our first dive, desperately searching everywhere underwater to find them. These giant black flying fish were nowhere to be seen. I let it go and lost myself in all the other creatures of the ocean. 40 minutes into the dive I made peace that it just wasn't my time to see them. First the earthquake and then no Manta ray. Bali wasn't going to give me all I had hoped for. But then it happened. As soon as I let go I received. Perhaps there is a lesson there...

I turned around and over my head flew a Giant Manta Ray. I was so happy I think you could hear the screams of joy under the water. Out of nowhere came another - I turned to Ben and there he was shooting away taking these beautiful images of me and my dream come true. I could see Lauren in absolute awe and the energy the three of us shared is something that I will remember forever. I saw the giant Manta Rays of Bali. Although brief, I had my moment. A moment with an animal that is so majestic it leaves you speechless. Nusa Penida - it was a day trip which was way too short, I will have to return!

My hope is that the world over will see that the oceans are a magnificent breathing living being that needs to be protected from us! Below I have linked two organizations that are doing amazing work locally in Bali. If you have the time - hop on over and read up on them. Perhaps even donate. The oceans need us.

https://www.misoolfoundation.org

https://www.madistewart.com/donate

My vow this year is to use even less plastic in my life - it just ends up in the oceans and affects these amazing animals. It serves no purpose but to harm. Refusing the straw is great but the problem is much bigger than that. Single-use razors, plastic bags, and bottles are some of the plastic items used every day that end up in our beautiful oceans. Think twice before you use plastic and ask yourself, can I make a change?

-Melissa

p.s thank you Benj for the pictures