Health usually makes a prominent presence in most people's New Year resolutions. Here are the top wellness resorts across the globe to help you stick to your resolutions.
Can Amonita, Ibiza: - A plush, six bed room finca that overlooks the beautiful San Lorenzo Valley. The complex has a beautiful pool and a large wooden deck for meditation/yoga. You can rent out the retreat for B&B stays, for special activities around the year (Joel Rice's Life Drawing sessions are popular). The place is owned by Lizzy Webster who is a certified therapist who offers in-room holistic treatments. Her husband, Dominic conducts retreats for people in recovery.
Serenity Retreat, Greece :- Setup by Kim Bennet, a Zen Buddhist meditation teacher, this is great anchor point for pottering around the village, relaxing on the beach, interact with like minded people and go on quite walks. Kim radiates and infectious energy and sense of humour and somehow telepathically knows when you want company and when you want to be left alone. Located on the island of Lefkada, the retreat is open from May. With rising number of airline carriers to the country, it is easier than never before to book cheap air tickets.
Joie de Vivre Retreats at Yobaba Lounge, France: - They conduct five day breaks in an artsty, rustic chateau in southern France. Conducted by former fencer and massage therapist Gertud Keazor, you can choose from yoga, meditation, nutritional consultation, local wine tours and gourmet healthy meals. The rooms in the chateau are comfortable and beautifully decorated. Book early as they accept only 8 people for one session.
Mobile Mermaid pilates retreats, Spain:- Managed by Susie Mermaids, a hove-based pilates teacher and holistic therapist, this place organizes six retreats every year for only six people. The program is held at Finca Amorosa, a beautifully renovated farmhouse and comprises of 90 minute pilate sessions, evening walks, massage treatments and cultural excursions. They prepare their meals from locally sourced ingredients using their own olive oil.
Discover Your Depth retreats, Egypt:- Run by four times free diving world record holder, Sara Campell who also happens to be a kundalini yoga teacher. The retreat is located in the tranquil village of Dahab floating on the Red Sea. Every from the last week of March to the first week of April, she and Danish instructor Joern Noertoft offer a mix of yoga, meditation, snorkeling sessions and safari into the Sinai desert. Participants stay at the beautiful beachside Amanda Hotel and Art Cafe which serve vegan food. Sara conducts year around yoga, meditation and life coaching sessions in her own villa in Dahab. With numerous online travel portals opening up in the country, you can do online air ticket booking to Egypt at some of the lowest ever prices.
Yogashala, India:- This unpretentious retreat in Kovalam offers both private and group sessions on a palm thatched rooftop platform near Light House Beach. Owner Padma Nair combines iyengar, sivananda and ashtanga in her teachings and practices. The 10 day programme includes chavutti thirummal, the famed Indian foot massage which is supposed to leave you brimming with energy. You can either opt to stay in the simple Pink Flowers guesthouse or Padma will help you arrange more luxurious hotels in India.
