A WHOLE NEW YOU

Transformative Journeys

Whether you’re dealing with challenges in life, have reached a crossroads and seek clarity, or simply crave adventure, these out-of-the-box experiences are curated with positive change in mind. By Stephanie Shiu

Vana

FOR THAT MUCH-NEEDED SABBATICAL: VANA If you’re looking for an intense personal transformation, a two-week retreat barely scratches the surface. The Vana Wellness Sabbatical at the Vana retreat in Dehradun, Northern India, is one of the centre’s latest initiatives for those looking to create long-term change. While sabbaticals were originally intended for academics to immerse themselves in projects, essentially cut off from the world, here well-being is the project, and the difference is you’ll have access to techfriendly spaces given that modern lifestyles are realistically accounted for. Think an Ayurvedic treatment between emails, or a conference call after an appointment with your Tibetan healing doctor. It’s all about balance. As with any retreat, it begins with a personal consultation to ensure your goals are set through customised Ayurveda, yoga, nutrition and fitness, providing a blueprint that will last long after your stay. www.vana.co.in

FOR A UNIQUE DESTINATION: COMO UMA PARO A Himalayan Kingdom where nature and Buddhist culture come together, Bhutan is as exotic a destination as they come. Biking through the highest road pass overlooking Mt Jhomolhari, freewheeling through deserted mountain roads, zipping through pine forests, hiking to the Tiger’s Nest perched 3,000 metres above the valley, riding a horse to the iconic Guru Rinpoche Temple, or trying archery —the national sport—ensure you have enough memories to last a lifetime, and won’t return the same. Plus, when you’ve had your fill of monasteries and ancient fortresses, the Himalayan Wellness Discovery awaits back at the resort, an itinerary that will immerse you in yoga, mediation and daily massages at its acclaimed Como Shambhala spa. www.comohotels.com

Hero’s Journey Experience

FOR MEN’S ONLY AYAHUASCA: THE HERO’S JOURNEY EXPERIENCE While goddess gatherings in Bali seem to be on the rise, when it comes to wellness, sometimes the men are left out in the cold. Coach and founder Christopher Chiu created The Hero’s Journey Experience for healing, adventure and transformation, with the view to establish a conscious brotherhood of awakened men through Ayahuasca immersions in Ecuador, South America. All packages include preparation a month before and Integration Coaching for a month after the retreat. The base level 12- day Warrior Package includes two Ayahuasca ceremonies and four San Pedro ceremonies, along with hikes, yoga, meditation and a sweat lodge ceremony surrounded by pristine nature. Chiu’s hope is that stepping outside comfort zones and getting rid of judgement and limiting beliefs will redefine what it means to be a man today. www.herosjourneyexperience.com

16 Gwinganna

FOR TRANSFORMATION IN A GROUP SETTING: GWINGANNA LIFESTYLE RETREAT Nestled in Queensland’s Tallebudgera Valley, Gwinganna walks the wellness walk like no other. Leave your phone, unhealthy snacks and bad habits behind at check-in, as this escape offers tranquility at its most authentic, as you soak in the mountain’s magic calming energy. The time-pressed have the option of a weekend programme, but to really reap the benefits of bush walks, fitness sessions, expert talks, innovative spa treatments and nutritious yet delicious fare, five to seven nights is best. Everyone checks in at the same time, so you have immediate access to your new support network in addition to that of experienced programme leaders and plenty of people to share the inspiring journey with. www.gwinganna.com

Back to Nurture

FOR QUIET IN THE ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE: BACK TO NURTURE One of the most recent offerings from Fiona Arrigo, a biodynamic psychotherapist and intuitive healer, the four-day Back to Nurture offers the opportunity to reconnect with your natural rhythm while enjoying award-winning private sessions with Arrigo. Often the distractions of busy modern lives leave us disconnected from our intuition, so spending a long weekend in the Somerset countryside allows time for rest and self-reflection. Mornings will be filled with movement and breathing, while afternoons have been set aside for crafts, wild cooking, drumming, massages or reflexology—and personal time of course, should you wish to meditate or journal. Sacred ceremonies and fireside gatherings close a day of walking, foraging, weaving, song and dance. www.thearrigoprogramme.com Back to Nurture

FOR A DESTINATION WITH VERY SPECIAL ENERGY: SEDONA MAGO RETREAT Could there be a more grounding place than one of the world’s most stunning deserts? Sedona Mago Retreat is situated on a 173-acres stretch of land in Arizona, famed for its striking red rocks and starry night sky. With a focus on Tao healing, which encompasses qigong and meditation, programmes are ideal for guests keen for a spiritual awakening through practices like chakra vibration, tapping and organ detoxification exercises to activate energy along the meridians to optimise healing. With dedicated itineraries such as Finding True Self and Transform Your Relationships, healing takes place on physical, emotional and spiritual levels. The location itself is conducive to healing, Sedona being one of the planet’s strongest gateways for balancing the earth’s energy. Vortexes are spots where there is an unusual amount of electromagnetic energy -which can have a restorative effect - and of the 21 on earth, five are in Sedona! sedonamagoretreat.org