Forget boot camps and fasting. We discover three spa retreats that take a gentler approach to wellbeing and holistic health.
Sha Wellness Clinic, Alicante
This month-long programme is for those who want a truly fresh start. Whether you’re looking for a physical, mental or spiritual overhaul, top-notch pampering or to reboot your general health, this retreat promises to set you up for a new stage in your life. With detailed testing on everything from your sleep patterns and fitness to neurocognitive and stress management assessments, it provides you with all the tools you need to become a happier and healthier you. Expect a full itinerary of macrobiotic meals – the cleansing and healing eating system, enemas and health talks.
Kamalaya, Koh Samui
This retreat delves deep to deliver profound and transformative results, both emotionally and spiritually, sans being overwhelmingly intense. Nestled in a valley that overlooks the south coast Koh Samui, the resort weaves around a sacred hillside where Buddhist monks and nuns have been going to seek enlightenment for hundreds of years, which gives the resort a particularly calming energy. You can expect homeopathic consultations, anti-stress lectures and counselling sessions, as well as handson treatments such as internal organ massage and Japanese acupuncture. This gentle approach to healing is for those who might be grieving or simply need some peace and quiet to recharge.
Vivamayr, Maria Wörth
The Mayr Clinic may be world-famous for its intensive and rather challenging detox called The Cure. Apart from losing weight, guests were also experiencing an emotional response, which prompted the clinic to launch Emotional Detox led by psychologist Claudia Kohla. Utilising the intrinsic link between the gut and mental wellbeing, you can now have counselling sessions alongside The Cure to dive deep into your inner thoughts, feelings and behaviours. The programmes here include Mayr medicine, personal training and holistic treatments, laboratory diagnosis and bloodwork, plus the daily drinking of the local mineral salt waters.
