Bryony Deery discovered Pilates as a form of rehabilitation after suffering a serious road accident when she was just 17. Now, she’s leading the way with her health and fitness app Pilates By Bryony.
Pioneering in both classical mat Pilates and transformative principles to serve the mind and body, Bryony has recently expanded her wellness realm; she’s launched her own matcha brand, Cloudcha, co-founded by friend and fellow entrepreneur, Rochelle Humes.
We speak to Bryony about her travels, including the trips that have left their mark; the wellness practices she follows whilst travelling; and her favourite way to relax while on the road.
What is the first trip you remember taking?
I don’t think it was my first, but the first I remember was to Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands. We used to hire a caravan and take family holidays there. It was so much fun being outdoorsy and going back to basics – and the scenery was always incredible.
What’s been your most memorable trip and why?
I will never forget my first trip as a Dior wellness expert, to Eden Roc in Antibes. It’s the epitome of luxury and French elegance, and to be there with Dior was a dream come true.
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Where or what is your escape?
Getting out of London, away from my normal day-to-day life, and having no plans. Not having anywhere to be – or having anyone to see – is such a rarity that I really appreciate it when it does happen. In terms of a location to escape to, it would be the Caribbean. There’s something so sexy and remote about being there, and I instantly switch off whenever I arrive.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve taken from your travels?
To really take in your surroundings, and to get creative about how to use time away as inspiration. Travelling makes me introspective; I always come away from a trip with ideas. Also, the sooner you get to know the barista in the local coffee shop, or the lady that runs the supermarket, the sooner you’ll be discover insider information. I’ve become much more confident over the last few years, and I make sure I talk to people on my travels as much as I can.
If I could go anywhere tomorrow I’d go:
For a margarita at the bar in The Surf Club, Miami followed by a nice dinner with my boyfriend, listening to the jazz band.
How would you spend an ideal afternoon in your home city?
I live in London, and I’d go on a long walk with my dog, friend, or mum in Hyde Park. When the sun is shining, London is the best city in the world.
What’s your idea of a luxury holiday?
Adapting to a slow pace. I’d take a beautiful walk, eat a good breakfast with a view, visit a cute hotel bar (one with a special ambience and that makes a great margarita), stroll into a charming nearby town with great restaurants, good service, and a personal touch. I also really love to hear the sea, it’s so therapeutic.
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Where do you get your holiday inspiration?
I get all of my holiday inspiration from Instagram, TikTok and my friends’ recommendations. I love to sit and talk about travel and destinations.
If you could sit next to anyone on a flight – dead or alive – who would it be?
Louise Hay, her books were such an escape for me when I wasn’t feeling too good a few years ago. She was such a huge talent with so much wisdom.
How do you recover from jet lag?
I use the TimeShifter app to get into the new destination’s timezone as soon as possible. I also take a walk and do a workout: moving my body when I travel is more essential than ever and exercise either helps me wind down after a long flight, or stay energised if needed. I’ll also take my matcha tea with me for an energy fix. And lastly, if I can’t sleep, I listen to a sound bath soundtrack on my app.
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What’s your in-flight beauty routine?
I always pack a mini Dr. Barbara Sturm cleanser, The Skinny Confidential Mint Roller, Summer Fridays Jet Lag mask, 111SKIN eye masks, Dior Addict Lip Glow and the Mario Badescu rose water to mist throughout the flight. I also always take Humantra electrolytes for extra hydration, and fennel tea bags to avoid bloating.
Do you follow a fitness routine when travelling?
I will try to do some form of movement everyday, even if it’s 10 minutes in my hotel room in the morning. If I only pack one thing for fitness it’s my exercise band; you can do so much with one of these! My app allows me to stay consistent and accountable whenever I travel and I also try to walk everyday; as well as moving the body, it’s a great way to explore. I often take meetings with my team while on morning walks.
Do you have any wellness practices you follow when travelling?
I aim to eat three well-balanced meals and focus on protein. I also bring my full Cloudcha matcha station, so I can make the perfect cup of matcha in the morning – usually while I sit and write in my notebook. To stay consistent when you travel, I find it’s easiest to create small, attainable wellness habits that are easy to do while away from home.
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Your flight’s delayed an hour and your phone’s out of battery. How do you pass the time?
I love to write everything down. I find that flights in general are a great time to disconnect and brainstorm what is next for my brand, and what I can bring to my platform for the community. If my phone was out of battery, I would probably be doing that, as well as getting in some pre-flight steps, or reading on my Kindle.
Favorite hotel?
Como Parrot Cay in Turks and Caicos. It’s pure laid back luxury. The water is crystal clear and you can walk in up to hip height for what feels like miles. They also have a wonderful spa and wellness centre; you’ll feel like a new person when you leave.
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Favourite airline?
Emirates. I really look forward to an Emirates flight – which is a big statement for me as I’m not the best flier.
What’s on your travel playlist?
I’m a podcast girl and find listening to founders’ stories fascinating. My go-tos are The Skinny Confidential, The Dream Bigger Podcast, The High Performance Podcast, How I Built This, The Ed Mylett Show and Lewis Howes.
What are your must-have travel picks?
The Skinny Confidential Ice Roller, Humantar Electrolytes, Smythson Journal, Noise-cancelling Air Pods, Pilates by Bryony Bands and Cloudcha Matcha.
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Where next?
I am going to Singapore and Malaysia next month for work and I can’t wait! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip with a really special brand.
FIRST THING THAT COMES TO YOUR MIND…
Hand-luggage essential?
Kindle.
Packing: roll or fold?
Fold.
Inflight book or inflight film?
A book. I always download plenty on my Kindle pre-travel.
Music or podcasts?
Podcasts at the moment.
Time killer on a long-haul flight?
Journaling my world domination plans for my business.
Holiday tipple of choice?
Skinny Margarita with Lala tequila.
Bucket list top destination?
Capri.
Best shopping gem found abroad?
Vintage Levis in LA.
Beach or City?
Beach.
Ultimate holiday treat?
A really indulgent full-body spa treatment and facial massage.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?