Reviews

Having been to the Algarve many times, I’ve always loved holidaying in Portugal but have never been to the North. I booked myself a healthy break to The Oitavos, a wonderful high-tech and ultra-modern coastal resort in a natural setting amongst sand dunes and umbrella pines. Built in 2010 on the Quinta da Marina Estate, The Oitavos is just 5 minutes from Cascais town and half an hour from Lisbon.

Words: Emma Gibson

I have a confession to make

I’m not very good at moderation in anything. So while I understand a little of everything is a great approach, I tend to holiday flat out. For me that could mean literally lying very still for a week, taking a few steps as possible between a villa and the beach, or it could mean getting as fit as possible, getting my heart rate as high as possible, for seven days straight. 

What is Phuket Cleanse and who’s it for?

Phuket Cleanse is an all-encompassing active holiday that covers everything from fitness, nutrition to mindfulness, and mental wellness. It follows a dynamic cleanse and food-as-medicine philosophy, promoting the power of movement and clean eating as a means to detoxify the body. The retreat can be tailored for each individual’s goals and guests can choose to be as active and physical or as relaxed and meditative as they want. A wide range of activities are at your disposal, from hiking, Muay Thai, HIIT, strength training, to different yoga and meditation styles, stand up paddle boarding, cooking classes and more. Rest and recovery are also an integral part of the program, incorporating various practices such as hot and cold immersion therapy (alternating ice baths and sauna), breath work, and massage.

What is SwaSwara and who’s it for?

The eco-friendly haven of SwaSwara in India oozes a wonderful feeling of peace and quiet throughout. It is ideal for anyone looking to unwind in a tranquil and natural beach setting, to focus on yoga, meditation and Ayurveda as well as enjoying delicious healthy eating.  As a member of the CGH Group of retreats, the themes that run throughout SwaSwara are: clean, healthy and green.

Tell us about the resort – what makes Aphrodite Hills special?  

Just a 15-minute drive from Paphos located on a plateau overlooking the Mediterranean Sea is the luxury 5-star Aphrodite Hills.  A golf course surrounds the resort which provides unspoilt sea views and creates a real feeling of open space which I found immediately calming and relaxing. 

Tell us about the resort, what makes Ayii Anargyri special?  

Set in a beautiful, peaceful location in nature, surrounded by mountains is Ayii Anargyri Natural Healing Spa. I found Ayii Anargyi a particularly special place and as soon as I arrived I felt a deep sense of calm. It has a homely, unpretentious feel to it, I felt comfortable as soon as I arrived and would highly recommend it to solo travellers. It was a total joy to be able to visit and a special place that I hope to return to soon.

Tell us about the resort – what makes Kamalaya so special?

Having heard so many glowing reviews about Kamalaya, I was very excited to experience it myself and understand what makes it such a special place with such a high rate of repeat guests. From the beautiful location to the nurturing spa treatments and nourishing food, it’s impossible to visit Kamalaya and not feel instantly better in yourself.  

What is Ti Sana and who’s it for?

A quiet, rural health retreat just outside Milan, Ti Sana is a tucked away gem that I had the pleasure of visiting for a refreshing long weekend. This healthy hideaway specialises in detox, anti-stress and wellness holidays with a real focus on inspiring their guests with long-term, sustainable lifestyle changes. Ti Sana’s main clientele are those suffering from stress or focusing on weight loss. It is also perfect for those looking for a rejuvenating wellness break complete with delicious vegan cuisine, informative health, fitness and lifestyle advice and a range of classes, all delivered by the genuine, friendly and caring Ti Sana team.

On route from Melbourne through to London, our Travel Specialist Samantha made a short stopover for an energising three night stay in Milan where she visited Ti Sana, a boutique rural health retreat specialising in detox, weight-loss and holistic wellness holidays with a focus on sustainable lifestyle changes.

What is Aro Ha Wellness Retreat?

Located in New Zealand’s Southern Alps about 40 minutes’ drive from the centre of Queenstown, is first-of-its-kind Aro Ha Wellness Retreat, Opened in January 2014 offering all-inclusive healthy holidays to change the way you think about wellbeing, programs range from 4 to 7 nights, however the signature program Invigorate & Enrich (Winter Wellness during the winter months) runs for 5 days / 4 nights. All programs are run on set dates and speciality retreats are run throughout the year.

Hitting the reset button with a short healthy break in Queensland at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat…

With a constant busy schedule and long hours I found myself in need of a short healthy break. So I booked in for a much needed 2 night wellness weekend escape at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, where I could unwind and focus on my well-being. 

There is a special magic at Kamalaya, an award-winning sanctuary and holistic spa carved into the hillside of the lush Thailand jungle and overlooking the aqua blue sea. It is the perfect setting, a delight for the senses and also the winner of the title of Thailand's best spa. My journey begins at Koh Samui airport where I am greeted with a cool towel and a warm smile, I am glad to arrive after an overnight flight from Melbourne via Bangkok and enjoy being driven from the airport in an air-conditioned 4WD, on approach my driver calls ahead to ensure there is a cool welcome drink and my check in is both efficient and calming, this is to set the scene for the rest of my stay.

What makes Kamalaya so special?

I have been an advocate for Kamalaya since my first visit in 2012 - the location, programs, and property design are all geared towards a total wellness immersion. With this, I am delighted to report that it is still magical — a place where the time goes both fast and slow. I believe the secret ingredient lies in the knowledgeable and caring team members. This was my fourth visit but it would be the first time I am concentrating on improving my emotional wellbeing, taking part in the Embracing Change program.

What is REVĪVŌ Wellness Resort and who is it for?

A 5-star luxury resort in Bali REVĪVŌ Wellness Resort, this resort is for guests seeking holistic transformation in a beautiful and serene setting, bespoke programs are designed for each individual and can be based on your in-depth pre-arrival questionnaire and even genetics with optional DNA testing available.

I learnt to Scuba Dive almost a decade ago and have been enjoying diving in tropical destinations ever since, I always make sure to check out the best dive spots when I'm on a healthy break and am lucky enough to be staying at Siddhartha Ocean Front Resort & Spa in Bali with some of the best diving spots on my doorstep.

What is Thanyapura and who’s it for?

Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort is a world-class facility with an extensive offering, ideal for anyone interested in optimising their sports performance, mental health or physical well-being. Perfect for a fitness or sports holiday, they now also offer a full range of health programs including detox, weight-loss and anti-ageing programs. Guests will have plenty of opportunity to meet other guests throughout their stay. However, there is no set meal times or set table for program guests so it would abe best to be a comfortable independent traveller.

What is Absolute Sanctuary and who’s it for?

Celebrating 10 years in 2018, Absolute Sanctuary is a Moroccan inspired boutique retreat in Koh Samui. The hotel is also part of leading health & lifestyle brand, Absolute You, which includes a training academy and from which they draw their expertise in fitness and nutrition. Previously well-known for their detox and yoga programmes, they have successfully evolved their offerings and now also offer an excellent range of fitness, de-stress, weight loss (voted the best value by Conde Nast Spa Traveller UK) and the only dedicated Pilates Reformer bootcamp in Asia Pacific.

What is Amanpuri and who’s it for?

The first Aman hotel opened 28 years ago, Amanpuri is the original hotel in the luxury chain infamous for their exception service and incredible offerings. Amanpuri is the perfect retreat for those seeking something special, here under the direction of General Manager Paul Linden (Previously at the head of both Chiva Som and COMO Shambhala Estate) is a new level of luxury for the connoisseur wellness traveller.

There is something almost magical about Como Shambhala Estate, as I head through the nearby town of Ubud; home to all things creative in Bali, I feel the excitement start to build. Entering the exclusive Como Shambhala Estate, a luxury destination spa holiday, a sense of peace envelopes me like a warm welcoming hug, and in the lobby I am met with big smiles, a flower lei and an effortless check in. I am then off exploring the immaculate grounds that are cared for by hand by a very large and talented ground keeping team. Nine hectares of perfectly manicured gardens surrounded by the Balinese forest and with the River Ayung set the backdrop of this Jungle wonderland. It’s no wonder Como Shambhala were awarded Destination Spa of the Year in 2013 by Conde Nast Traveller.