Our Wellbeing Travel consultant Artemis visited Epic Sana in Portugal and gives us the low down from her visit.
What were your first impressions of the hotel?
The moment you enter the smart coastal region of Albufeira you immediately feel you are on holiday and can relax a notch. On entering the spacious beautifully designed lobby at Epic Sana although you feel the large size of the hotel you also feel a sense of cosiness with strategically placed lounge chairs and relaxation areas.
I was shown to my room, and ocean view deluxe room and was immediately wowed when I stepped onto the balcony. The views are truly breath-taking, a mixture of the matured botanical gardens of the hotel grounds which allow for hours of wildlife watching with tropical birds and rabbits frequently seen plus provide plenty of privacy from other hotel guests. Beyond the hotel grounds you can view the cliff top pine forests followed by the sea.
What was the spa like?
To enter a world of calm and bliss before your treatments I would recommend using the indoor spa pool area, which feels like a tropical haven and is adults only.
I enjoyed a wonderfully relaxing aromatherapy massage followed by some down time in the post treatment relax lounge where you are brought herbal teas a healthy sweet snack to reground after entering cloud nine.
The Japanese design of the spa area and the low lighting helps to add to your zen.
The massage and treatments on offer are a synergistic blend of Eastern principles and healing modalities with treatment techniques of the west to maximise the benefits.
What is the wellness offering like?
Epic Sana has a comprehensive choice of fitness and wellness programmes with specialisations including bootcamp fitness, yoga, de-stress and mindfulness. The group environment of sessions within the programmes are great for solo travellers to make friends and keep up motivation.
On the fitness programmes you have a nutrition and fitness evaluation at the start with your progress being assessed during and at the end of the programme with dedicated fitness experts. The programmes combine fitness and classes together with massage and spa treatments to allow your body to recover and relax after your hard work.
Fitness and yoga sessions take place when possible outside within the beautiful hotel grounds and is condensed in the morning to allow you the afternoon to relax and enjoy the beach.
If you are looking for a less structured and independent programme you can opt for a nutritional consultation which will assess and provide your bespoke dietary plan for your stay to eliminate the buffet temptations. Plus take advantage of the varied choice of group fitness classes.
Who would you recommend Epic Sana to?
Epic Sana is great for intensive wellness breaks if you are on a programme and more relaxed leisure holidays with some pampering treatments.
Solo's would love the retreat programmes as these are done in a small group environment giving you the opportunity to meet other singles and it can be arranged for you to dine together.
Top Tips
I would recommend upgrading your room to an ocean view, the view from your balcony really is something special.
If you are travelling with your other half, who might prefer to mix their wellness break with some indulgence, they are welcome to try the delicious buffet. Your bespoke healthy meals can still be served to you whilst dining together.
Take a trip to Vilamoura marina for excellent seafood restaurants and a buzzy vibe.
Take a scenic walk through the pine cliff forest promenade in front of the hotel to enjoy the spectacular sunsets.
For personalised advice, please call our expert wellness team on 020 3735 7555.
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