We’re dreaming of... 

Waking up to birdsong and verdant views before having a solar-powered warm shower while deciding whether to go for a ramble or curl up with a good book beside the wood-burning stove… These are among the attractive options when staying in a secluded Slow Cabins lodge – just launched in Ireland – whose smorgasbord of smart tech, self-sustainable and Scandi design make for the ultimate off-grid mini break. 

The fun starts at booking: locations are kept entirely secret until two weeks before arrival, when coordinates are revealed along with cabin tips (the Belgian ‘eco-hospitality brand’ promises each self-contained lodge is within a 2.5-hour drive of major cities). Two-person cabins are as low-impact as they are chic, with dry toilets, filtered rainwater for cooking, washing up and showering, and an integrated wastewater system. The best bit? They’re TV and internet free, leaving you to digital detox in peace. From €275 per night.

Rising and Shining for... 

A morning dip, to get the circulation moving. It turns out that wild swimming was not just for Covid but for life, with converts remaining faithful to the reinvigorating benefits of our frigid waters and the camaraderie that goes along with that.

Much talk – and mirth – was made about the ubiquitous dryrobe, but get the swimwear right and you’ve one less thing to worry about when braving the cold and currents. Check out Donegal-based brand Kahm, whose one-pieces are not only stylish but eco-friendly too, made from ECONYL®, which effectively turns waste products (old carpets, nylon, fishing nets) into a durable techno-fabric. Choose between a sporty long-sleeved number or a flirty, frilly confection and more, from €65, and there are collections for men and children too.

On our nightstand… 

The Amusements by Aingeala Flannery, which brilliantly recalls misspent youth in Irish seaside towns. Stella and Helen are classmates, each wrestling with parochialism, personal insecurities and domestic dramas.

Flannery follows the girls’ intersecting stories over three decades, but it’s Waterford’s Tramore that’s a character in its own right, with its giddy funfair rides, faded caravan parks and dribbly 99s. You can practically smell the brine and chip vans…

Over the moon about… 

Being able to sail through airport security without having to declare our cleanser! Nunaia Superfood Facial Cleansing Balm is more solid than liquid, which means it can live in your toiletry bag rather than those miserable clear plastic bags that are just never big enough for our skin, hair and body care staples. 

And – not only does the nourishing balm smell like a swanky spa, its ingredients are 100 per cent organic, and include soothing and nourishing rainforest actives sacha inchi and maracuja. See you later, micellar water…

Food for thought… 

Did you know 70 per cent of our immune system is based our gastrointestinal tract? Further, that Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects around 10 per cent of the world’s population – and that 70 per cent of those are women?

These are among the astonishing facts in What Every Woman Should Know About Her Gut (published by Sheldon Press), which is part medical bible, part cook book by Irish TCD gastroenterologist Dr Professor Barbara Ryan and registered dietician Elaine McGowan (aka The Gut Experts on social media). Women’s fluctuating hormones are largely to blame for bloating, cramps, acid reflux and other GI disorders, but after five decades of experience in their fields, Ryan and McGowan insist a well-balanced diet – rather than needless exclusions – can help improve our microbiota and therefore our overall wellness.

Summer Lovin… 

Our Bow Nighties were primarily designed as sleepwear, but we think you’ll agree they make fantastic sundresses too! Made from 100 per cent luxury organic cotton, they’re a cool option in every sense of the word, taking you from beach to bar with just a change of footwear or accessories. You’re welcome.