Holistic Healing

From spiritual enrichment to holistic healing, health resorts and spas are where you need to be, finds out Misbaah Mansuri

Curative wellness is better than preventive wellness,” says Nikhil Kapur, General Manager at the Ananda in the Himalayas, a go-to health and wellness spa destination for better health and healing. Health resorts and spas with their focus on fitness, health consultation, healing spa treatments and plating it right facilitate a great understanding of health and could well help you shape a more informed outlook on healthy living. We list out the best ones there are!

Ananda in the Himalayas

Set at the foot of the Himalayas, Ananda is a unique wellness retreat that uses the healing philosophy of physical, mental and spiritual health to create unique wellness programmes that boost your well-being. Specialising in Ayurveda spa holidays, Ananda is a deeply peaceful place where the courteous staff provides authentic traditional teachings. The 21,000 square foot Destination Spa offers a menu of over 79 treatments and with wellness programmes on offer focusing on detox, yoga and weight management there is something to suit everyone. Escape on a wellness retreat to Ananda and you can rest assured you will return home refreshed, restored and ready to tackle whatever life may throw at you.

Tip: Get pummelled into a trance of sorts with the Abhyanga spa therapy at the Ananda where two therapists will knead your muscles into soft mush.

Viva Mayr at Austria

A private clinic that has achieved a cult-like status, Viva Mayr is situated on the shores of Austria’s picturesque Lake Worth. Among its loyal devotees include celebrities, business execs and Russian oligarchs. The Viva Mayr clinic is renowned for its strict – but incredibly effective – ‘cure’ that purges the body of toxins, leaving your body more toned, your stomach flatter and skin brighter in a matter of days. Clients leave the clinic several pounds lighter and a great energy boost. The clinic  promises a flatter tummy and younger skin in just 14 days – with no faddy fitness routines and no intensive crash dieting.Tip:  Follow the intelligent diet series rigorously and that will make all the difference!

Chiva-Som International Health Resort at Thailand

When it comes to legendary health resorts, Thailand’s Chiva-Som has to be on the list! Located 115 miles south of Bangkok in Hua Hin, this is a self-styled “international health resort” with more therapists than it has guestrooms, and a spa menu that runs to more than 150 treatments. The cooking in its two restaurants is “cleansing”, low calorie, low fat and accommodates all the fashionable intolerances suffered by those for whom self-denial is a way of life.

Tip:  Attend the cooking workshops to whip up healthy food that tastes heaven

SHA Wellness Clinic at Spain

The pioneering SHA Wellness Clinic in Spain prides itself on offering distinctively tailored wellness programmes, and focuses on encouraging healthy habits making it a good option for a weight loss holiday. It’s a beautiful macrobiotic spa – at present, the world’s only one which is favoured by celebrities like Naomi Campbell and Kylie Minogue. But there’s more than star spotting to do; the minimalist clinic offers a range of physical activities, informal lectures, cooking classes and therapies that are conducted in beautifully calm and peaceful surroundings to maximise their impact. The food available at SHA is supremely healthy so expect a stringent dietary regime as a part of your wellness experience.

Tip: Enjoy the world’s  only microbiotic spa here!

Shanti Maurice at Mauritius

This boutique lifestyle resort is nestled on a pristine horseshoe coral cove, on the largely untouched south coast of Mauritius. Renowned for its genuinely warm and caring staff, boasting all ocean-facing villas with private pools and is surrounded by gardens, courtyards and terraces. One can escape on an indulgent luxury spa holiday and experience the world-class Nira spa which combines age-old techniques with contemporary international treatments for truly revitalised senses and spiritual awakening.

Tip:  Savour the delectable local food here which brings together the tastes and flavours of the beautiful island

Features of a health resort

Health resorts and spas focus on the wellness aspect so if you go to one, you will be encouraged to immerse yourself in meditation, yoga and other fitness activities like Pilates, gymming from a spate of others. Smartphones are discouraged which have you gift yourself a digital detox. There is also calorie-portioned meals and health spa treatments.