It almost feels like a Star Trek log date when I look at the calendar right now! New year… New trip around the sun! But same attempt to stick to my New Year’s Resolutions which I’ll probably ditch by February.

I tried to time the release of my podcast interview with Eddie Stone ( the detox master from Touchstone Essentials) and Mitch Webb ( Integrative Somatic Coach Extraordinaire ) for these first weeks of this sparkling new year… to help us all get a little more inspired with a healthier routine. So say tuned for those dropping over the next few weeks. This is the time of year I naturally lean into a gentle detox, reassess how I move my body, and decide what actually deserves my energy this year and what doesn’t!

If you need a little nudge with your fitness game-plan, I’d recommend giving a listen to the podcast episode I did with the Mid-life Mentors James Davis and Claire Davis for some gentle motivation.

It’s the time of year to set goals and whether they actually make it or not to February, I still quite like the exercise of thinking through what I would like to change, improve or let go of in my life at this time of year.

The rise of the eco-village in 2025

2025 saw the rise of the ECO village in my world. More and more people are being seduced by the idea of living in a like-minded communities that have shared values and shared resources. Places where you actually know all your neighbours and share in the vision of how to design where you want to live.

Top of the wish list is usually their own food sources, water sources and energy sources… plus a genuine sense of community. Some see this as a backup solution for when municipal supply might be cut-off or limited and others have the vision of being completely off-grid and self-sufficient. Some see this as resilience planning. Others crave a completely new way to live. Either way, the motivation is the same: connection, autonomy and stewardship of the land.

Some people are put off when i mention the term Eco-village , envisaging some kind of hippy commune or even worse cult. But believe me, there isn’t a wig-wam or yurt insight on the plans for these projects ( although I am sure they would let you set up one if you really wanted ) .

Last year (2025), I visited projects in Spain and Portugal, and explored others in Panama and Manchester.

These projects are all about modern, beautiful villas and townhouse using WELL certified building practices and sustainable materials and finishes. Most projects specify Wellness centres and education centres as well as the aforementioned attention to organic food etc. Tired of an isolationist way of living in most places, the founders of these projects crave a way to connect with people, share resources and create a community that restores connection and looks after the land.

Each project I have seen has a slightly different tone to it depending on the background and the beliefs of the founders. It’s about finding out which tribe is gonna be the best fit for you.

If you want to hear more about these projects on the podcast, or you’d like contact details, drop me a message.

Regenerative Design and Restorative Travel in 2026

This year feels like a gentle but deliberate pivot for me. 2026 will be about going deeper into regenerative design and neuroaesthetics. I’m currently completing further study with the Living Future Institute, and I honestly love the work they’re doing in pushing through a new paradigm for construction and real estate where people and planet are finally placed before profit (imagine that).

Later in the year I’ll also be hanging out in Dorset, learning more about land energies and geopathic stress… so get ready for a few more woo woo posts in the autumn!

Unsurprisingly, all the trend agencies are predicting continued growth in slow travel and conscious hospitality. People want to disconnect from their over-stimulated lives and reconnect with nature. They want to wake up with bird-song or the gentle sound of the sea.. not the irritating ping of whatsapp notifications.

I’ve always loved travelling off-season. Seeing places in their natural state, rather than at full tourist capacity, feels like a small act of rebellion. Think beach resorts in winter. Ski towns in summer. There’s something quietly liberating about moving against the usual tourist tide (school timetables permitting, of course).

My resolution this year isn’t to add more to my plate, but to take things off it. To slow down. To notice. To actually smell the roses rather than photograph them for later.

What about you… what are you letting go of this year?

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Thanks so much for your support in subscribing to this Newsletter. If there is anything I haven’t covered that you feel should be or if you have any requests for future subjects, let me know. I’m always open to hearing about your Healthy Home and Lifestyle concerns so that we can find solutions together. Thank you for subscribing!