There’s something great about going on holiday and just letting it all go. Eating whatever you want, letting the exercise routine slip – wait? Hang on a minute, that doesn’t sound that great at all. But, unfortunately, it’s what most trips away regress into and when we arrive back home, we are left with a food and alcohol hangover that takes weeks to fight off.
However, if you would rather have a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life without indulging yourself too much, there is always the option of a different type of retreat: a health retreat. Think picturesque spas, yoga classes, and delicious (and nutritious!) food. Here are five of the world’s best – which destination will you choose for your next rejuvenating holiday?
Gwinganna, Australia
Located on a 400-acre sanctuary in Australia’s picturesque Gold Coast Hinterland, Gwinganna is the nation’s premier health retreat facility. The food is exclusively organic and there are a wide range of outdoor activities that will challenge you to achieve your personal best, while also give you a great chance to explore the gorgeous landscape. The centre runs Organic Lifestyle Retreats all year round, as well as Speciality Health Retreats, which focus on a specific area of wellbeing such as women’s health, or nutrition.
Westlake Village, California (US)
Northwest of Los Angeles, Westlake Village is where the stars of Hollywood go to rejuvenate. The centre prides itself on science-based lifestyle rejuvenation, and during your stay you will work with a personal lifestyle consultant who will help you to plan your stay, as well as that crucial action plan for when you take what you learnt back home.
Golden Rock Retreat, Bali
Bali is a go-to destination for those wanting to get away from it all, but doing so without seriously indulging in the yummy Balinese cuisine and lazy beach lifestyle can be a bit of a challenge. On the surface, Golden Rock looks just like one of Bali’s many spas, with purpose built beachfront accommodation and a significant range of pampering experiences. But with other things on offer such as oxygen therapy and fasting programs, this famous health retreat takes the lazy Bali holiday to the next level.
Jiva Grande Spa at Vivanta by Taj, India
This health retreat combines tradition with innovation to put together the perfect 2-week program for those wanting to escape the daily grind. Set up in the mountains, with an altitude of 4000 feet, the program aims to use cultural practices to revitalise one’s spirit through rituals such as chanting, meditation and yoga.
Wellness at the Backstage Hotel, Switzerland
Nestled in the Swiss Alps, this picturesque retreat aims to take its visitors back to the beginning of time, with treatments inspired by the Book of Genesis. Some of its methods are a little zany – the ‘cosmic silence’ meditation room, where one sits watching projections from the Hubble Telescope being one of the weirder experiences – guests report that they leave the hotel more in touch with their true purpose.
Frances Lucy is a health enthusiast from Sydney. For a health experience closer to home, she is considering a membership from http://www.fitnessfirst.com.au.