Our Wellbeing Specialist headed off to the rugged island of Gozo to stay at the wonderful Kempinski San Lawrenz and gives us inside view and top tips here:
What were your first impressions of the hotel?
After a picturesque ferry trip from Malta to Gozo and a 15 minute drive from the harbour to the sleepy village of San Lawrenz, I arrived at the hotel to a warm welcome from the team. The hotel is set amongst semi-tropical gardens, palm trees and lush Mediterranean vegetation and I was struck by the spacious, airy lounge area leading to a sun-soaked terrace overlooking the valley and distant hills. I immediately felt the warmth of the place and was straight into relaxation mode!
What do you think makes the hotel so special?
The Kempinski San Lawrenz is the only place in Europe that offers an authentic, genuine Ayurvedic experience and I was really impressed by the vast knowledge of the team at the Ayurvedic centre who all hail from Kerala, the birthplace of Ayurveda. Dr Sreejith gave me a detailed consultation to define my ‘dosha’ type and then prescribed a tailor-made treatment and Ayurvedic meal plan for me to follow during my stay.
The location is peaceful and relaxed – a place to restore your balance and recuperate. The hotel is just minutes away from the iconic and magnificent “Azure Window” with its breath taking views across the seas and coves. Or if you fancy taking in some history and architecture, catch the courtesy shuttle bus (twice daily) to Victoria where a must-see is the Citadel – UNESCO World Heritage Site which is a 15th century walled town.
I also loved the attention to detail including the daily bottle of mineral water and the fruit basket upon arrival. The inspirational ‘healthy’ quotes of the day are cool too! My room was newly renovated with Vichy showers in the bathroom and the spacious balcony overlooked the church of San Lawrenz and the hotel’s organic garden where their kitchen staff grows local herbs, vegetables and lemon trees. A special spot is the 'Olive Circle', tucked in the gardens, where you can find a quiet spot for yoga and meditation or to read.
What was your favourite treatment?
I loved having a Shirodhara treatment (the sari-clad masseuse continuously poured warm oil onto my forehead after a 90 minute full body massage with scented oils) - it was truly blissful and calming and I slept like a baby that evening! Do let all the organic oils to soak in your skin for a while and you will feel it extremely soft and renewed. The spa menu is inspired by the European cycle of seasons and draws on the elemental wisdom of nature so includes treatments and therapies which both invoke and restore the body’s natural equilibrium. They use organic products’ range Elemental Herbology and Charme d’Orient organic oils.
What was your favourite activity?
The activities schedule has got something for everyone and is designed for all different levels of fitness. On my second day, after a relaxing time in the hammam and heated indoor swimming pool, I joined the Ayurveda Introduction class and then learnt more about relaxation techniques at Yoga Nidra (Yoga for sleep) which was led by the Indian doctor and was a truly authentic experience. I did lots of brisk walks and took the free shuttle bus to Victoria, Ramla Bay or Xlendi Bay for sunbathing and swimming. I truly enjoyed the Gozo landscape with its churches, authentic unspoiled nature and sleepy villages which are therapeutic experience on their own. Plus of course, there's tennis, fitness cardio in the fully equipped gym and swimming in the outdoor pool so you have plenty of options for a healthy experience.
How was the food?
There are a couple of great dining options and I reallyenjoyed the delicious, well presented a-la-carte meal at Trattoria – the Italian restaurant open for evening meals for half board guests. The meal was balanced, healthy, fresh and very well presented. I also really enjoyed my Ayurvedic curry fish lunch as prescribed by the Ayurvedic doctor on the sunny terrace of L’Ortolan restaurant. I'll admit that I liked a scrumptious cake in the early afternoon with a refreshing cup of tea at Il Baldakkin Bistro and Lounge too - it's a great spot to watch the sunset with a chilll-out music as a background). Gazebo is another great option for lunch just next to the swimming pool, where during the summer months, you can enjoy freshly cooked grilled vegetables, fish and light snacks.
Who would you recommend the resort to?
I would recommend to those looking to explore and experience Ayurveda close to home whilst enjoying the warm, Mediterranean climate. The hotel has great spa facilities and a good level of service plus there is the great outdoors on the doorstep. The beautiful island of Gozo has some great sightseeing spots to be discovered and the overall experience of eating healthily, having rejuvenating treatments and relaxing activities, would appeal to everyone who needs a wellness break without the long haul journey.
For personalised advice, please call our expert wellness team on 020 3735 7555.
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