What inspired you to start a skincare line?

After I’d made the decision to farm organically, my interest and concern for the way I was doing things grew and I began to look at other areas of my life and question the choices I was making. Our skin is our largest organ so it made sense to me that what I put on my body should be as nourishing as what was going into it. I decided to create a range of skincare and body products so that I could account for the ingredients going into the products, but also for the ethical journey behind their creation.

What were your reasons behind using organic, natural ingredients?

I didn’t want to be filling my body with the chemicals I was avoiding in my food. Instead it was instinctive to look to nature and to the purest ingredients possible to feed my skin.

What’s the ethos of Bamford’s UK Haybarn Spa and how can we see that reflected at Upper House?

Bamford was founded on the belief that we need to slow our pace and live consciously: to respect nature’s resources and be kind to the earth but also to be kind to ourselves – to nurture our body, mind and spirit. The Bamford Wellness Spas embody that philosophy. They offer visitors a calming sanctuary where they can disconnect from the pace of urban living and re-engage with the natural world. When we look to partner with people, we look to businesses that share our values and philosophy. Upper House reflects that same notion of a sanctuary – you can step off Hong Kong’s busy streets into an oasis of calm and it feels like a nurturing space.

Why was now the right time to bring a Bamford wellness retreat to Hong Kong?

It felt to us that Hong Kong was at a juncture where it was actively welcoming holistic treatments and wellness practices and we wanted to be part of that wave. We decided to partner with Upper House providing in-room treatments for their guests as our first offer of wellness in Hong Kong.

What is your view on wellness in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is such a busy, fast-paced centre that it felt like somewhere in need of destinations where you can take time out of the urban freneticism of a bustling city to make time for yourself.

What does wellness mean to you?

For me it simply means being healthy and happy in body, mind and spirit. How we achieve it is personal to each of us but I try and nurture these three pillars in my life. Eating whole, organic foods is the foundation of a healthy body; it is the basis on which I believe we should nurture our physical health, but since a young age I have also been fascinated by rituals and practices that help me achieve that same balance and nourishment in my mind and in my spirit.

Do you follow any daily or weekly wellness rituals?

I have practised yoga and meditation since I was young and they continue to help me nurture my own wellbeing every day. When you practise yoga or meditate you’re creating your own space – a place and a time for yourself. We all live such fast-paced, often high-stress lives, and rarely take the time just to be and sit with ourselves, to reconnect with our minds. Yoga and meditation concentrate my mind but above all they ground me and they look after my spirit. If I have to miss my practice for a few days I can feel it; I feel as though I’m off balance. To me that time in the morning is essential and I believe everyone needs to have moments of that kind in their day, whether it’s by taking a walk, having a bath or reading a book – we all need to stop and recharge.

Wellness Retreat With Bamford, from HK$4,800 per night at Upper House; upperhouse.com