Through The Lens: Lauren McDermott

Lauren McDermott is a lifestyle content editor with a focus on family, food, travel and all life’s simple pleasures. 

We welcomed Lauren to Thyme this summer, where she was transported to the tranquil, corner of our Meadow Spa to experience the Botanical Bothy Signature Ritual. This is a nurturing experience focussing on guided breathwork and pressure point techniques, enabling guests to harness the combined power of breath, scent and nature. We caught up with Lauren to learn a little about her experience at Thyme.

We loved welcoming you to Thyme earlier this summer, where you spent the day between the Meadow Spa, the pool and the ox barn, what was your favourite aspect of the day?

It was such a dreamy way to spend an afternoon, I'm not sure I can choose just one favourite aspect. There is something magical about Thyme that is deeply relaxing, the scents, the sounds, you feel it as soon as you drive towards the honey-coloured hamlet and it stays with you long after you leave. The combination of a nourishing, picked-that-day lunch followed by a tranquil afternoon at Meadow Spa felt like a perfect reset.

What were your expectations of our Botanical Bothy and how did these change after your treatment?

I've often wondered what's behind that little green door in the Meadow Spa, and despite reading all about the treatments online, I really don't think you can fully understand it until you've experienced it yourself. The space itself is a feast for the senses, immersed in nature, with the trickle of water and scent of herbs filling the air. The wonderful therapist confidently guided me through the ritual from start to finish and I left feeling completely relaxed and inspired to continue with breathwork at home. 

Out of all the Bertioli products you have tried, which is your hero product?

We have the Bertioli handwash in our bathroom and friends always comment on how wonderful it smells, but the hero product for me has to be the Breathing Balm. 

Since learning a little more about breathing rituals from your treatment, how have you used this in your day-to-day life?

The Breathing Balm is a really incredible product. I've been keeping my 100ml jar next to my pilates mat and ending my practice with the breathing techniques that I learned at my treatment. I find the distinctive watermint and apple blossom scent both invigorating and relaxing. In fact, I think I'm going to treat myself to the 30ml jar to keep with me in my handbag for on-the-go calm.

How do you and your family unwind after a busy day?

There are many ways we unwind, but the one thing we all have in common is that we are happiest outside, surrounded by nature. Especially at this time of year, you'll often find us walking to our favourite sunset spot or tending to our vegetable and cut flower patch in the evening. I find being outside provides us with the perfect mix of energy and calm.

We appreciated all the great content you shared after your visit and are super proud to share it on our platforms and to the Thyme community, in an ever changing landscape of social media, how do you remain an authentic content creator?

It's a real honour to be featured by such a special place, so thank you. I think it's just as important to be true to yourself online as you are offline. I try to resist the urge to chase or overanalyze numbers and I don't adopt trends that don't feel authentic to me. Instead, I work hard to build relationships with my lovely audience and hopefully introduce them to things they will love and enjoy as much as I do. 

What 3 words would you use to summarise your visit and previous stays at Thyme and why?

Peaceful - It's the overwhelming energy of Thyme, you can't help but find your calm here.

Restorative - Because there is something fundamentally healing about the gardens, the food and the Bothy treatment. 

Inspiring  - I never ever leave Thyme without feeling so inspired to cook, grow, create....and breathe!