Our Wellbeing Travel consultant Artemis visited Shanti-Som in Spain and gives us the feedback from her visit.
What makes Shanti-Som so special?
From the moment you step foot at Shanti-Som you feel nurtured and cared for. All the staff are exceptionally kind and look after your every need, making sure they get to know you personally. By the end of your stay you will feel you are staying with family.
Although Shanti-Som is located just 20 minutes from Marbella you feel a world away from this vibrant town, as the retreat is tucked in a mountainous forested corner of the Sierra De Las Nieves National park. With no hotels or tourist resorts located near the retreat it truly feels like a world away.
Without even realising it you will be facilitated into emotional counselling through the yoga and meditation classes, the guided walks, and the dedicated counselling sessions. Natalie, one of the yoga teachers, is especially adept at drawing out any issues which are holding you back in life and skilfully guides you to release them and move forward.
To take this 'emotional rehab' a step further I would recommend the Harmonyum healing massage. This technique uses a combination of bodywork, affirmations and counselling to erase negative thoughts, letting go of stress and emotional baggage. I felt a sense of release and clarity of mind after the session.
Speaking with some of the repeat guests I noticed there was a similar theme to why they come back year after year, they felt each time they came they could successfully work on a different issue knowing they will be gently guided through the process.
What are the rooms like?
The rooms feel cosy with homely touches, set up for both winter and summer months. Each room has its own unique colour scheme and decor, with pastel coloured themes for a relaxed feel.
Some room have large private terraces or balconies with comfy rattan sun loungers and chairs. The forest scenery all around the rooms make it a perfect place for quiet contemplation.
Fitness focus
On arrival you are given your personal schedule of fitness sessions and yoga classes based on the programme you are on, so no need to pre-book any classes unless you want to add additional sessions.
I was very impressed with the fitness offering here, you are scheduled a mixture of private and group sessions. There are three excellent experienced yoga instructors with different specialities including Iyengar, Hatha and Vinyasa flow allowing you to explore different styles. Xavier was my dedicated fitness instructor for my stay, having one instructor allowed him to get to know my fitness strengths, goals, and weaknesses to really push you and see results.
Xavier put me through my paces, providing an interesting variety of sessions to keep the exercise interesting and exciting. This included reformer, mat, Cadillac and aerial Pilates and personal training.
Spa time
The spa menu here has plenty of lush nourishing treatments with high quality facials with Guinot products.
I would especially recommend the Ayurvedic massage with warm herbalised oils, I left the treatment floating and had the best night sleep.
Dining experience
The food at Shanti Som is truly special, featuring a healthy Asian cuisine on their a la carte menu. If you are on the normal full board meal plan you will dine like a king with three courses for both lunch and dinner. The food here is famed in the area with Spanish locals from nearby villages and town making the journey here just to dine.
If you are on a wellness programme or have specific dietary goals you will be provided with an alternative meal plan, these include juicing, weight loss and detoxifying. On arrival the staff will show you the meal plan for your whole stay and explain the health benefits and expected results. You have the opportunity to make any changes to this plan to suit your preferences.
I started off on the detoxifying meal plan, which was plant based, low carb and no sugar. The meals were delicious and creatively put together however I did succumb to the more filling a la carte menu and switch my meal plan mid-stay as my wellness goal was weight maintenance not weight loss. The flexibility is there to change your meal plan if need be.
Who should go here?
Perfect for those looking for some emotional rehab with attentive care or would like to work on personal development.
Great for fitness and yoga bunnies looking to develop their practice and fitness with bespoke instructor guidance.
Most guests come solo which promotes a sociable environment, I guarantee you will leave with a few extra friends.
Those looking for weight loss and detox, the instructors get to know you on a personal level to really help you facilitate your wellness goals.
Top Tips
If you want to leave the peaceful cocoon of Shanti-Som, venture out for some beach time in Marbella or a glitzy night out. This fashionable town is just 20 minutes away.
Enjoy mountainous guided walks in the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park, the views from here of Marbella below and the coast are spectacular. You can also take silent mindful guided walks to really take in this beautiful location.
If you feel you are at a crossroads or need some direction in your life, I recommend booking a Soul reading session. The therapist Vicki intuitively taps into your soul’s deepest desires to gently guide you to the right path for you. I was blown away by the accuracy of her reading and came away feeling far more focused.
Please call us on 020 3735 7555 if you would like to find out more about the hotel.
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