Tara Swart

When working with the chefs at the Corinthia we chose specific foods which are scientifically proven to boost the brain's executive functions, for example, dishes including nuts, seeds or leafy green vegetables, such as kale, are rich in magnesium. This helps to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

A hotel makes for a particularly interesting place to observe differences in mental resilience, and be able to offer suggestions as to how it might be improved, it's a unique microcosm filled with people under differing types and degrees of mental pressure, from jet lag to meetings to poor sleep.

Travelers are often surprised to hear that the effect of long-haul flying on the brain can be extremely disruptive, typical Corinthia guests are people working in high-profile, high-intensity professions for which their brains need to be in peak condition.