About Time You Met: Jessica Sepel, Conrad MaldivesBy Angelica Malin

Jessica Sepel is a leading clinical nutritionist who is working with Conrad Maldives Rangali Island by connecting mindfulness in food throughout the resort and developing bespoke menus that promote a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Jessica is the voice behind the ‘JSHealth’ brand and one of Australia’s most sought after health and wellness advocates, encouraging a balanced lifestyle filled with delicious and nourishing wholefoods and recipes. We sat down with Jessica to talk wellness, travel and lifestyle: 

You are now one of Australia’s most sought-after health and wellness advocates. How did you find your way into the industry and have you noticed any trends or challenges?

Thanks so much. It was a very organic journey for me. I studied health and nutrition straight from school. I then started a health blog in my 4th year of study – sharing a very personal journey of how I transitioned from being fad dieter to wholefood eater, and sharing recipes that I was discovering that made me feel so well. This is how the JSHealth brand started and now it is a full time business, helping people across the globe live a life of balance.

JSHealth does not believe in trends, extremes, fads. We are trying to show people there is a much simpler way. Diets don’t work long term and they cause women to have a very emotionally complex relationship with food. I am on a mission to help woman block out the noise and reconnect to their bodies. The current trends are veganism, fasting diets and a whole host of other fad diets that can create short term results but do not work long term.

Why did you decide to work with Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and in your opinion, what makes the resort stand out when it comes to health and wellness?

I decided to work with them because I could see the resort had a true interest in health. Their guests are health conscious and constantly seeking a healthier vacation and healthy menu items. This is exactly what JSHealth is passionate about – helping people live the healthy life wherever they go.

What are your top tips for achieving a balanced lifestyle and how is this replicated in your collaboration with Conrad Maldives?

I believe we need to prioritise rest and reduce stress. When stress is reduced, every part of the body functions better. We have to set boundaries in order to live a life of balance. Boundaries with technology, a commitment to stress reducing exercises such as yoga, meditation or time in silence as well as a commitment to 8 hours of sleep every day.  This is something you can achieve at Conrad Maldives with absolute ease. I want to encourage the guests to rest more and eat well.

How do you feel the introduction of your menus will benefit guests at Conrad Maldives?

I think the guests will be so excited and impressed by how delicious healthy food can taste. I think this menu will allow them to be on vacation and FEEL GOOD at the same time. Isn’t this the goal of being on holiday anyway? I think they will be so impressed by the variation too. 

What are your top tips for staying healthy when on holiday?

• Move daily
• Drink water all day
• Choose wisely at the breakfast buffet – stay away from the sweets and choose protein, greens and fruit.
• Rest as much as possible
• Consider dessert a treat
• Drink alcohol moderately and make the best choices available – stay away from all cordials, fruit juices and mixers.

Why do you feel Conrad Maldives is an ideal location for those in search of a health and wellness retreat?

I think Conrad Maldives genuinely believes in the health message. I think they have connected and listened to their guests who are travelling to feel good and leave their resort feeling good – this adds to the whole experience. There is no better place to disconnect from the chaos of the world and put yourself first.

How do you feel that the new menus cater to the lifestyle wants and needs of today’s traveller?

I think today’s traveller is looking for a resort who will cater to their health needs and dietary requirements. People are becoming more and more health conscious. People are also becoming fussier. Our new health menu will allow people to order healthy food with ease. The guests won’t feel deprived in any way.

What are your top picks from your menu at Conrad Maldives and why?

I just adore the Japanese salmon with the Thai style cauliflower rice – it is so tasty and satiating. You feel so good after this meal.

Rates at Conrad Maldives in a beach villa start from £677 per room per night on a B&B basis. Rates at Conrad Maldives in a water villa start from £978 per room per night on a B&B basis. To learn more about or connect with Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, please see here or call +960 668-0629.