The COLUMBIA Beach Resort has an unrivalled location on the southern side of Cyprus. The Island is steeped in history, mythology and historical architecture due to the Crusaders, Ottomans and Romans who inhabited the island in the past. Legend has it that Cyprus was the birth place of the mythical goddess of love Aphrodite and also a gift given by Anthony to Cleopatra. Associated with love and romance it remains a perfect place to escape from everyday life. Away from the bustling towns, the countryside remains rugged where villages have maintained their timeless peaceful atmosphere and tradition.

The VERDURA Golf and Spa Resort is located on the south coast of Sicily near the fishing village of Sciacca. It has been featured in Conde Nast Traveller’s 2010 Hot List. Verdura has its own private beach and is only 30 kilometres from the Valley of Temples in Agrigento. Historically Sicily has been controlled by great dynasties such as Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, Spanish and Greek but has still maintained its own distinct culture.

ASCLEPIOS Wellness and Healing Retreat in Costa Rica believes in the power of harmony and balance. Costa Rica is a peaceful democratic country that does not have an army and loves, respects and protects its environment. Located in Central America it borders both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama. Costa Rica has tropical seasons, several active volcanoes (Poas, Arenal, Turrialba and Rincon de la Vieja) as well as beautiful beaches that stretch 225 kilometres on the Caribbean coast and 1103 kilometres on the Pacific coast.

COMO SHAMBHALA Estate is part of the COMO group who are truly the masters and innovators of bare foot luxury - think uber stylish but understated, not a gold tap in sight. They are committed to offering the best treatments, therapists and yoga teachers all in pristine environments around the world with cuisine to die for. Their comprehensive wellness offering is ahead of the curve and very high quality.  All  the staff at COMO are trained to ensure that all your expectations, wants and needs are met with a smile. COMO is committed to working harmoniously with the natural environment and is respectful of the people who live in the area.

Open between:  15 June – 15 April

Fundu Lagoon is a shabby chic rustic resort and bare foot paradise. This quintessential rustic resort is set on the unspoilt Pemba Island in Zanzibar known as the Green Island. Pemba Island is practically untouched and has an abundance of natural wealth. Fundu Lagoon has a small spa offering a range of African and Thai treatments using their own hand blended essential oils made from local ingredients.

Rwanda and Uganda are famous for seeing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat as well as the magnificent, dynamic, ever changing landscape. There are several lodge options for you to stay when you visit and this is determined by your length of stay. There is Virunga Lodge in Rwanda which is set just outside Parc National Des Volcans on a spectacular hillside overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes and shimmering lakes. Mount Gahina Lodge in Uganda nestles in the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes on the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC and borders the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest which is home to over half the world’s population of Mountain Gorillas. All lodges are designed with care and sensibility to the environment, utilising solar power and conservation systems.

N.B. Gorillas permits are sold by the National Park Authorities on a first come first served basis, booking as far in advance as possible is recommended!

SHANTI MAURICE Resort is located on the ocean front in the south of Mauritius at St. Felix and promises not only wellness but also a blissful, authentic Mauritian experience. The Resort offers a wonderful Spa with a wide range of treatments, Wellness Programmes, holistic activities and much more. The combination of healthy food, restorative treatments, relaxing surroundings and luxurious accommodation will help all the stress of daily life melt away the moment you arrive. If this does not do the trick, the experienced team of nutritionists, Ayurvedic physicians, spa therapists and personal trainers will offer you further support on your way back to a refreshed healthy you.

Part of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Parrot Cay sits on its own private Island surrounded by 1000 acres of unspoilt pristine land, offering complete serenity with breathtaking beaches and an exquisite coral reef to match. Parrot Cay was named around 280 years ago by two female pirates, Anne Bonny and Mary Reid, who terrorised this area. In the late 19th century an American firm planted citrus and coconut trees but tourism came much later, so the Island has been able to avoid mass construction common to other Caribbean Islands. Between January and April, humpback whales migrate to the south east of the Islands of Turks and Caicos. Of the 40 Turks and Caicos Islands and Cays, only 8 are inhabited and are now protected, providing a perfect habitat for wildlife and offering some of the world’s best diving.

Uma Paro nestles majestically inland in Paro, a main cultural centre in Bhutan, and dedicates its philosophy to the rich location culture. Landlocked in the western Himalayas between India and China, Bhutan was in self-imposed isolation for centuries. When looking at the fate of other Himalayan countries around, it looks like its isolation served it well. Guests experience a place of meditative adventure amongst rich landscape and hospitable, spiritual people, your stay will be a truly uplifting experience. Bhutan still remains one of the most mysterious countries in the world. When talking about Bhutan, you quickly realise that many people have never even heard about this small, remote Himalayan kingdom.

Chiva Som sits on a beautiful beachfront in Hua Hin, Thailand. It has long been a retreat for Royalty and Thailand’s elite. The beachfront offers a calm and idyllic environment all year round. In the morning, monks can be seen making their daily rounds accepting food and donations from locals.  Just half an hour’s walk from Chiva Som is a cliff with a stunning temple and an enormous Buddha overlooking the coast and downtown Hua Hin. There is also Hua Hin town for those who want to do some shopping. 35 kilometres south of Chiva Som is the spectacular Phraya Nakorn Cave, which houses a beautiful pavilion and was named after the governor who sheltered there for several days during a rainstorm. Before the arrival of railways and modern transport elephants were the main mode of transport. As well as assisting in agriculture and forestry today there are several elephant riding locations near Hua Hin where guests can experience this unusual mode of transport.

The Chateau Spa and Organic Wellness Resort is modelled on an 18^th Century medieval French castle and nestles serenely in a 150 year old unspoilt tropical rainforest in the Bejaya Hills in Pahang. Pahang is the largest state in Peninsular, Malaysia and nearly two thirds of the state is verdant rainforest with lush greenery and exotic wildlife which makes it one of the top eco-destinations. The area has always been known for the deposits of tin and gold found along the upper reaches of Sungai Tembeling (Tembeling River). These riches attracted the interest of outside powers. The Pangkor Treaty marked the beginning of British political control over Malaya and, in 1888, British imperialism manifested itself in Pahang. By 1948 Pahang joined the Federation of Malaya, which gained Independence in 1957. Today Pahang is a prosperous state with an expanding economy fuelled by agriculture, manufacturing and tourism.

Open 06 May 2011 – 07 October 2011

Skiathos Princess Hotel sits on a breathtaking Blue Flag sandy beach on the Greek Island of Skiathos and 4 miles from Skiathos Town and Skiathos Port. The island is 5 miles long and 9 miles wide with an abundance of pine trees and some of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Greece. As with most of Greece, Skiathos experienced Roman rule in the second century BC, Venetian rule from 1204 for over 300 years until the 14^th century when it became part of the Ottoman Empire. In 1830, as with the rest of Greece, Skiathos gained its independence and attracted poets and artists. The Island was heavily bombed and even burnt in the 19^th century during German occupation. After the war the Island recovered rapidly.

North Island Lodge is built on its own stunning private Island in the Seychelles and one of the worlds best kept secrets. In 1609, North Island was one of the first Seychelles Islands to be visited by Alexander Maier of the British East India Company. The Island was owned by the Maier family from 1826 until the 1970’s and was ostensibly a plantation, growing fruit and spices, as well as producing fish oil. Following the collapse of the coconut industry the Island was abandoned and fell into disuse, sadly being taken over by feral animals and alien, intrusive weeds. In 1981 the Island was given to Marius Maier by his father who then intended to return North Island back to its pristine state - as it would have been before human settlers arrived. With painstaking research and a commitment to ensuring the protection of the natural environment this has been achieved.  

Kamalaya is an award winning Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa on the beachfront of the unspoilt southern coast of Koh Samui in Thailand. Kamalaya was built on the site chosen for its special spiritual energy influenced by a Cave which  once served as a place of meditation and spiritual retreat for Buddhists Monks. To this day, the Cave remains the heart of Kamalaya and one of the three foundations behind Kamalaya’s ethos. The Cave remains relatively undisturbed and is open to all guests for quiet contemplation and meditation. Kamalaya lays in tranquil splendour and in complete harmony with the land. Existing rocks are part of the buildings and ancient boulders are still part of the landscape and architecture. All these stunning features can be seen within the buildings, at the Spa and even as part of the wonderful pool.

2012 Retreat Dates

25 - 31 Jan 2012                  16 - 22 May 2012
22 - 28 Feb 2012                  26 Sep - 02 Oct 2012
21 -27 March 2012              10 - 16 Oct 2012
Real Boot Camp is set on the Eastern side of the Spanish peninsular in the heart of the Green Triangle between Calpe and Moraria in Northern Costa Blanca. It is surrounded by a beautiful natural coastline with a slow pace of life with historical sites and the clear blue Mediterranean Sea. With green farmlands, vineyards, almond trees and orange groves this slow pace of life helps you get back to life’s natural rhythm. Fig, pomegranate and carob trees grow by the roadside and beyond the farmlands sit the mountain ranges with their magnificent pine trees and wild herbs - filling the air and each breath with their natural perfumed aroma. The region has been declared one of the healthiest in the world by the World Health Organisation.

Fonteverde Tuscan Spa Resort sits amongst typical fabulous Tuscany scenery of Siena Hills within the national park. It is nestled amongst sweet hills, including the stunning Mount Amiata, with the River Orcia running through the land to the south of Siena. The Resort sits naturally side by side with olive groves and vineyards.  The building that now houses Fonteverde Tuscan Spa Resort was originally built in the 17^th century and has been restored to its former glory. The site was chosen for the hot springs and offers exquisite views of the beautiful Tuscan countryside and charming medieval villages.