Joelle Lifestyle - The World at Home

The Naduska spa is just beyond the Giardino della Scultura among the Tuscan landscape of vineyards and olive trees. Only such a spectacular environment could offer the perfect sanctuary for the relaxation I need at this moment. These natural therapeutic products are locally produced using mostly plants and herbs from the Tuscan countryside. A little rejuvenation won’t hurt.

Established in 1200, the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella (located next to Piazza di Santa Maria Novella) is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world. Founded by Dominican friars shortly after 1221, the year of their arrival in Florence, the pharmacy used medicinal herbs grown in the monastic gardens to take medications, balms and pomades fro the monk’s infirmary… Every time I step on that door I get a familiar feeling of ” Deja-vu” from past lives.

Like old souvenir postcards, the latest fragrances get their inspiration from the Italian landscape among Cedars and Magnolias. The landscape of the peninsula is the latest discovery of creative noses. Past the cliched 50’s vintage stereo postcards (with the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius in the background) there is an Italy of hidden corners and unknown gardens.

I am staying in a beautiful rooftop over the sea on the hills of Posillipo .The word comes from the Greek Pausilypon meaning ‘ Pause from pain’ ,it is the city’s oldest neighborhood . I am surrounded by a lively countryside of green trees , stunning views of the Sorrento peninsula and a majestic Mount Vesuvius at eye sight.

After the enriching experience at the Hammam in Marrakech, I understood the importance given over centuries to the skin restorative and various therapeutic properties of the Argan oil in Morocco and very soon thanks to the local efforts made in the country, hopefully worldwide.

The secrets of getting the best from specific plants in a beauty regime is an art that is whispered from mother to daughter down generations ensuring Moroccans continued beauty and health.

Lately one should be careful with the sun. Unfortunately, due to the thinning of the Earth’s ozone layer its rays can be stronger and more dangerous on some days causing irreplaceable damages to our skins. Having lived in Brazil for so many years I have become addicted to a great suntan but more the ever I am aware about skin aging and I know for a fact that I should be prepared before exposing it long hours under the Mediterranean sun—my favorite by the way.

The place where editorial stylist Mordechai Alvow, founder of Yaork Hair Care, a budding botanically-based line of restorative hair care is waiting for me, is just a surprise!

On a Madison rooftop at the 6 floor the Pashah salon has a large terrace filled with beautiful Hortensia and Geranium plants. He’s smiling at my astonishment in front of the suspended Shangri La.