RESET FOR A HEALTHIER HAPPIER YOU AT A LEADING HEALTH RETREAT

BOOKSHELF

RESET FOR A HEALTHIER HAPPIER YOU

AT A LEADING HEALTH RETREAT

Yasemen Kaner-White

The business of health retreats is booming around the world, as we have all become acutely aware of the importance of investing time in holistic self-care: nurturing your emotional, mental and physical wellbeing.

“It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver”.

Mahatma Gandhi

Post covid, that word almost feeling like a swear word now, and one we’d all like to forget, like many, I felt the need to ‘reset’. In an attempt to feel more positive, healthier and leaner, I spent time in various retreats. Part of the experience is the connection with like-minded people, both fellow retreat guests as well as the teachers, another reason no doubt as to why the health retreat business is still booming, intimate retreats serve a purpose of enabling people to reconnect, especially after such a long period of disconnect, imposed by the pandemic. Hotels have been steadily jumping on the ‘health’ bandwagon, offering guests wellness experiences and health journeys to book during their stay, though nothing beats a dedicated time out, where health is foremost on the agenda, without daily life distractions, served by a retreat. Another side effect of covid is many people now working from home, so therefore having an unstable routine, retreats offer a timetable, stability and structure, missed by many.

Having caught the health ‘bug’ and researching the best of the best around the world, with others lined up to visit as soon as possible. Here is a pick of five of the best health retreats in the world, where clients return year after year. Whether you want to lose some weight, find inner peace, get fitter, or simply take time out for you in a natural, supportive and comforting setting, where you can leave the worries of the world behind you, whatever your desire, there’s a retreat with your name on it… England

No1 Bootcamp: Get fitter in the scenic English countryside at Norfolk, with several hours of exercise per day from low impact walking and stretching to high-impact boxing and circuits. The comradery between guests is enabled by group games and fostered by the PT team, it really does help to know others want the same: to get fit and you’re all doing together some might say gruelling, some might say fun exercise, at the same time. Bespoke exercise is key though and the friendly PT team give alternative exercises depending on your capability, there is no shame in doing a twist on an exercise to get the best results for you and you will be cheered on by others regardless. The grounds are beautiful, as are the beach hikes and the food is nutritionally balanced and delicious. It is motivational and results led. no1bootcamp.com

Greece

Euphoria: Situated within a pretty pine forest near to Sparta, the once breeding ground of the strong Spartan soldiers, is this picturesque retreat which combines ancient wellbeing philosophies to nurture you. The daily schedule of activities and classes on offer include high intensity circuit classes, energy movement classes, breath-work sessions, fun rebounding (aka trampolining), to silent nature walks in their private forest. There are talks to broaden your mind for example the importance of the five elements of nature: water, fire, wood, earth and metal. Should you be able to tear yourself away from the retreat, there are outside excursions, for example visiting local historic churches or nature spots. The food is fresh, local and seasonal, the best of healthy Mediterranean cuisine which can be a la carte or after undergoing their 3GL tests including a pinprick test to precisely understand your body’s redox condition and its cellular needs in antioxidants, metabolic regulation, antiageing and longevity, you can have a bespoke diet plan. www.euphoriaretreat.com

Austria

Lanserhof Lans: is the place to go for a medical overhaul overseen by professional medical staff, a strict yet beautifully presented diet served by insightful and attentive staff, as well as awe-inspiring mountainous views, there’s a reason it has such a weighty name in the world of health. Lanserhof Lans is the flagship, they also have Resort Tegernsee in the Bavarian alps, Germany, and their new one, Lanserhof Sylt also in Germany, with all three the healing starts upon arrival due to the sheer natural beauty of the settings. They also have a clinic in The Arts Club, in London. Their concept ‘Live better for longer’ has remained strong for decades, bringing together the knowledge and methodology from both new medical findings as well as naturopathy, energy medicine, psychology, psychoneuroimmunology and chronomedicine. www.lanserhof.com

Thailand

Chiva Som: is based in Hua Hin, the renowned beachfront retreat blends Western diagnostic skills with Eastern philosophies to holistically heal you, both physically and mentally. They have recently launched four new wellness programmes: ‘Immune Resilience’ which combines mindful exercise, nutrientrich cuisine and detoxifying treatments, ‘Gut Health’ which involves a bespoke meal programme focussing on natural ingredients, probiotics and fibre to restore the integrity of your digestive function, ‘Nature’s Embrace’ which showcases the power of nature to heal you mentally, emotionally and physically and lastly ‘Senior Wellness’ which aims to encourage longevity and aging ‘well’ with diet, exercise and lifestyle choices. www.chivasom.com

Qatar

Zulal Wellness Resort: opened this year in March and is the largest wellness resort in the Middle East. Expect to be cared for from tip to toe with a blend of authentic Arabic and Islamic medicine. It is located on the coast on the northern tip of Qatar. Realising that oftentimes parents want to have a wellness break but bring their children with them, they have created ‘Zulal Discovery’ catering for families and those without children can choose the adult only ‘Zulal Serenity’. A nod to taking sustainability seriously, the resort reduced their original water consumption calculations by 30% already by the installing watersmart irrigation technology and water-saving systems throughout - something to be proud of. www.zulal.com