With our modern world more manic than ever, 2019 is all about finding stillness in an age of rage.
From silent, guided coastal walks, to wave meditation and an anti-gravity massage – these luxury offerings embody the growing philosophy of ‘stillness’. More than mere quiet time, it’s about embracing silence, slower more intensive exercise, and natural surroundings – all working together to bring a greater sense of inner and outer calm.
The list includes:
- A plant-based yoga, Pilates and meditation retreat at Our Retreat Somerset
- The anti-gravity rose quartz massage at Kempinski Hotel Bahia, Estepona
- Tai Chi classes at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay
- The ‘At One with the Ocean’ retreat at Hurawalhi Island Resort, Maldives
- Nordic Walking Trails at Miraggio Thermal Spa Resort, Greece
- Tropical garden yoga sessions at Es Saadi Marrakech Resort
- Premium ‘Zen Destress’ Wellness Programmes at Zafiro Palace Hotels, Mallorca
Unwind in the English Countryside with Our Retreat, Somerset
With soul-healing surroundings, sociable spaces, chic interiors and sumptuous, comfortable bedrooms, Our Retreat Somerset takes place in a luxury 11-bedroom farmhouse, 42 Acres. Those looking to find their zen can spend a long weekend enjoying mindful morning yoga and Pilates classes, guided meditation, sound healing, gong baths and wellness workshops, before enjoying a peaceful woodland walk through the secluded countryside.
All meals are predominately plant-based, with 42 Acres’ private chefs preparing balancing, nourishing meals to share with fellow retreats, as well as providing healthy protein shakes and teas for guests to enjoy on the go. At Our Retreat, it’s all about balance; take some downtime to relax by the fire or read a book in the garden, before joining classes and practising yoga when it suits you.
Our Retreat Somerset runs at 42 Acres on weekends from June – December 2019. Prices start from £550 per person for three nights, on an all-inclusive basis. For dates, or to book, visit ourretreat.co.uk
Indulge in the Anti-Gravity Rose Quartz Massage at Kempinski Hotel Bahia, Estepona
Kempinski Hotel Bahia, a luxury property nearby the palm tree-lined promenade of Estepona, Marbella helps encourage relaxation, sleep and stillness with the signature Rose Quartz Bed Massage. The healing warmth of the quartz sand bed, developed from the ancient Greek concept of ‘psammotherapy’, uses gently heated sand to relax the body, alleviate pain and ease away tense muscles. During the massage, a warmed poultice of the same sandy crystals is passed along the body, targeting tight spots and acting as an extension of the therapists’ hands. As the bed is gently tilted upwards, the crystals stay completely still, promoting the feeling of ‘anti-gravity’ and complete weightlessness.
Located 25-minutes east of Marbella, Kempinski Hotel Bahia, and the nearby town of Estepona is surrounded by private gardens of olive, lemon and avocado trees (growing fruit used within the restaurants and spa treatments) and is home to the newly launched El Paseo Del Mar – a dining destination comprised of three design-led restaurants and bars – and fitness centre.
Master the Art of Thai Chi at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay
Guests at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay can learn Tai Chi on its rooftop wellbeing pavilion with the hotel’s local expert instructors. This morning Tai Chi masterclass experience is an idyllic way to kick start the day with the finest views overlooking Talamanca Bay and offers a moment of inner calm and strength assisted by inspiration from personalised wellbeing gurus. This summer the hotel will have run a visiting practitioners’ series, with experts in Reiki, Ayurveda, detox and rejuvenation offering workshops and specialised treatments.
The most sought-after address on the island, Ibiza Bay is an all-day destination that allows relaxation seekers, party goers, fitness enthusiasts and food connoisseurs to holiday simultaneously with breakfasts and long lunches seamlessly blending into free-spirited nights.
Experience the Power of Ocean Healing at Hurawalhi Island Resort, Maldives
Set in the Lhaviyani Atoll, one of the Maldives’ most bio-diverse areas, Hurawalhi Island Resort’s latest wellness offering is the launch of the brand new ‘At One With The Ocean’ retreat programme. This innovative, ocean healing retreat promises to lift the spirit and calm the soul through a series of therapeutic ocean-based treatments and experiences.
From underwater yoga in Hurawalhi’s ‘5.8’ to sound baths, wave mediation and sunset yoga on the resort’s luxury private Dream Island beach, this new retreat aims to give guests an extraordinary experience to relax and rejuvenate using the calming power of the ocean. For travellers who would prefer to relax at the resort, Hurawalhi’s award-winning Duniye Spa offers a range of results-driven beauty and spa treatments inspired by both ancient traditions and modern practices, using only organic, non-toxic and cruelty-free products for pampering in paradise.
Find Inner Peace whilst Nordic Walking at Miraggio Thermal Spa Resort, Greece
Miraggio Thermal Spa Resort in Halkidiki, Greece, is offering guests the opportunity to gain a sense of fulfilment whilst embracing their inner calm with a range of new walking trails, each designed to highlight the peninsula’s unique geography and exceptional views. Travellers can follow the footsteps of the world-famous Greek philosopher and teacher Aristotle on these beautiful, silent guided coastal walks. They can explore the same forests, admire the scenic views of charming pine forests of Sithonia, navigate their way between low rise mountains to visit Paliouri village, before stopping at the historic St Nikolas Church to take in the views of the Toroneos Gulf.
Greece’s largest and most spectacular Thermae Resort, Miraggio is home to the luxurious Myrthia Thermal Spa – a 3,000sqm wellness centre offering a rare combination of both sea and thermal waters across four different pools, which are unique to the region and famous for their natural healing properties.
Practice Garden Yoga at Es Saadi Marrakech Resort, Morocco
Experience a workout for the mind, body and soul at Es Saadi Marrakech Resort, with mindful yoga sessions surrounded by 20 acres of tropical gardens, banana trees, roses, bougainvillaeas and birdsong. An oasis of tranquillity in the heart of Marrakech’s golden triangle, Es Saadi offers daily yoga sessions and yoga retreats held by expert yoga teachers, from luxury clubs across Europe. Es Saadi also has two high-tech, bright and airy fitness studios used for everything from fitness, yoga and Pilates to weight training and cardio, where guests have a vast array of activities and classes at their fingertips encouraging them to slow down and release some steam in a luxury tropical setting.
With fitness and wellness at the heart of the resort, Es Saadi also celebrates the use of locally sourced, organic foods, and is home to the Es Saadi Palace Spa with an Oriental Thermae, a PHYTO Hair Spa and the only Dior Institute outside of Paris.
Go On A Zen Destress Journey at Zafiro Palace Hotels, Mallorca
Located in the beautiful Balearic island of Mallorca, Spain, Zafiro Palace Alcúdia and Zafiro Palace Palmanova have launched new Premium Wellness Programs, where the most sophisticated wellness programs and facilities are complemented by the beauty of the Mediterranean and Smart Luxury.
The programmes feature a wide choice including The Zen Life Detox, Zen Slimming Cure, Zen De-Stress Cure, Zen Ultimate Fitness, Zen Yoga or Zen Discover Wellbeing programmes. Each includes unlimited access to the spa facilities, 4 days full board-prescribed diet and therapeutic drinks followed by comprehensive guidelines within the four pillars of wellbeing to create lasting changes once the program has been completed.