Lucie and Julian are a husband-and-wife team who have a holistic approach to their wellness business, which is called Urban Calm.

Over mint tea, Lucie explains that Urban Calm was created to offer different methods of relaxation and wellbeing for people living busy lives in the city. Urban Calm is a way to find a place of calm living in an urban environment. Something we all aspire to do; living with a high level of stress is detrimental to all of us.

Julian has a background in restorative yoga and has practised as a chiropractor in the city in a city clinic for 25 years. His approach to treating pain in the body is an amalgamation of different methods ranging from body work, breath work and chiropractic care.

Ham & High: Russell Bentley is destressing at Urban CalmRussell Bentley is destressing at Urban Calm (Image: Russell Bentley)

Lucie first became interested in natural medicine after being treated with ayurvedic herbs after a bee sting. Lucie is a trained aromatherapist, holistic facial reflexologist and reiki practitioner. She went on to train as a Pilates and yoga teacher and offers classes online, in person and on retreats.

During Covid they united their tool bases and combined their skill sets, focusing on restorative yoga and the sense of united community. They offer classes and workshops which help to combat stress, improve sleep patterns and instil a sense of wellbeing.

Their next weekend yoga and wellness retreat in September takes place at a beautifully privately-owned manor in Bedfordshire. Tofte Manor is surrounded by stunning landscape gardens and stylishly interior decorated rooms.

Their latest endeavours are going into care homes and working with members of the NHS, doing chair-based yoga for individuals who aren’t mobile and the impetus for the united, community based experience is at the heart of their endeavours.

Having got to know this lovely couple post-Covid their spirit, passion and focus on helping others is inspiring and I’m looking forward to a restorative weekend in September. Hopefully I’ll even help Julian light the fire pit - it’s all about the united experience after all!

Find out more at: urbancalm.london/tofte-manor-retreat

Russell Bentley is an actor and writer based in Belsize Park.