ESCAPE: Wellness Escapes to Inspire

Ah Winter. You make it ever so easy to lose motivation. To forget routine. To leave health well behind. Basically, you make it very easy to do nothing!

That is almost what I did, but no, after a look at a rather judgemental Pug a few weeks ago (after a particularly busy day of study) I decided enough. I wasn’t going to let the cold, rain, wind get to me. So I made a bargin with myself to get in at least an hour a day of walking in with said judgemental Pug. Insert some gym sessions and NYC and boom. A habit is born.

It was after this spurt of energy and the decision to commit to a beginners Yoga course, starting next week (!) that I got to roaming in the interwebs and found these dream-worthy Wellness & Detox retreats. Ah, not only do you get away. Get healthy. Revive. You also get to do so in some of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Perhaps if I cross off some more goals, I could find myself at one of these stunning places…

SONEVA KIRI – Thailand

Soneva Kiri is committed to the Soneva Group’s SLOW LIFE philosophy: Sustainable-Local-Organic-Wellness Learning-Inspiring-Fun-Experiences.  Need I say more?? Ok, I totally will!

Soneva Kiri is located on Thailand’s fourth largest but least populated island, Koh Kood; just one hour by private plane from Bangkok. The resort comprises 36 vast pool villas, ranging in size from one to six bedrooms, all of which are nestled amidst lush jungle with spectacular ocean views.  Soneva hosts a number of events with world class practitioners – not bad whilst springing yourself back into health!

www.soneva.com

AUDINE FARM – France

Now, this one, I won’t lie. I am a little in love and dying to try this retreat. A yoga retreat and surfing, with wine tasting??? Sign me up!

Situated in the heart of the Adour basin, at the gateway of the Atlantic, ‘Audine’ is a traditional farm in ‘Les Landes’ a region in the south west of France. Transformed over the years by a passionate surfer, this unique farm has become a perfect place for anyone searching for serenity and a spirit of sharing a peaceful haven for practicing yoga.

www.yogasearcher.com/en/audine-farm/

VERDURA RESORT, THE JAMESON RETREAT – Sicily

Harry Jameson, one of London’s top health and fitness experts is the founder of The Jameson Retreat. The skinny (see what I did there!) is that you get give a detailed lifestyle assessment that will then be used to create an personalised programme for the duration of your 7 days at the Verdura Resort in Sicily. Yep, Sicily.

Once you have spent the week getting specialised training (ahem, from one of the worlds leading experts) nutrition and treatments you then get given, again a custom designed 5 week programme. Followed by a full re-assessment. This is big bang for buck!

www.harryjameson.co.uk

SIX SENSES ZIGHY BAY – Oman

I have a particular love for the Middle East as I was lucky enough to spend much of my childhood here and have many incredible memories.

Here at the Six Senses you can immerse yourself into one of the programmes created by Dr. Govindasamy. Kick starting your stay with an in depth Ayurvedic consultation that will create a unique programme to get to learn how to balance your ‘Doshas’ – the key to body harmony. When you aren’t transforming your into your new self then explore the beauty that is Oman.

www.sixsenses.com

PRINCESS RESORT SKIATHOS – Greece 

Sarah Tiefenhaler (if you haven’t heard of her, she is Lady Gaga’s yoga instructor and perhaps one of the most sought after practitioners in Hollywood!) has teamed up with the Princess Resort in Skiathos.

Their unique Yogafest and Sarah’s YOGAqua programme and the private sessions with Sarah herself all on the azure blue water, balancing carefully on a paddleboard is lustworthy for any yoga enthusiast. Get in quick, she will only be doing this until the end of Sept!

www.theyogafest.com

THE BODYHOLIDAY – St Lucia 

Ah, to finish on a high. With this as their challenge – how could you not have your curiosity piqued!

“Give us your body for a week and we’ll give you back your mind”

The BodyHoliday is an amazing, award winning St Lucia resort experience. It is a unique combination of one of the world’s most beautiful islands, an all inclusive resort that provides a truly luxurious and personal service, a Wellness Centre that provides a range of treatments that will leave you feeling alive and a range of activities that could keep you busy from dawn until dusk.

Well, how can I argue with that!

www.thebodyholiday.com