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.

Kalari Kovilakom, now the “Ayurveda Palace”, is set in an ancient Palace where the Rajas of Vengunad would have taken authentic Ayurveda treatment supported by yoga and meditation practice. Expect an authentic, high quality Ayurveda experience in gorgeous, natural surroundings which will leave you with a feeling of inner peace and serenity.

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!

Mara Timbo Camp is perfectly situated in untamed bush in the western part of Masai Mara, near the Oloololo escarpment, where the classic movie “Out of Africa” was filmed. The Camp is on 300 acres of land, owned by a Masai landlord. Game drives are in customised Land Cruisers or Land Rovers, with a capacity of 6, which ensures maximum comfort when taking in the stunning  photographic views of the landscape and wildlife.

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.

SwaSwara is a perfect place to escape and focus on yourself, practice yoga and, for those who wish to incorporate a soft Ayurveda programme, help you unwind. The Ayurveda progammes at SwaSwara help you relax, rejuvenate and de-stress both body and mind helping you get back into your natural rhythm. Once you have relaxed, you will be able to discover the real India in wonderful ecokind surroundings. 

Elsa\'s Kopje is situated on Mughwango Hill overlooking the Meru plains. It is one of Africa’s most elegant lodges, nestling subtly in the most spectacular setting in Northern Kenya - the perfect hideaway. Elsa’s Kopje is built above George Adamson old bush camp_, in the Meru National Park. With its clever design it has been constructed to blend into the rocky hillside preserving the beauty of the natural landscape. The Park has 13 rivers and springs and incorporates a Rhino sanctuary which also attracts herds of elephants as well as lions and other Kenyan wildlife.  After your amazing stay at Elsa’s Kopje you will be taken to Loisaba to continue your African experience. Loisaba is only a few miles from the equator situated on the borders of Laikipia and Northern Frontier District.

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.

Kenya holds a special place in Prince William’s heart and is, of course, the place He proposed to Kate Middleton. Kenya is renowned for its exquisite ever changing landscape, abundance of wildlife and the Masai tribes.  In 1896 Kenya became the responsibility of the British government, as the East Africa Protectorate and, with this, came white farmers who settled in Kenya\'s temperate highlands. By 1904 indentured Indian labour from the British Empire was brought in to build the railways bringing a sizable Indian population. By the 1920s the name had changed from the East Africa Protectorate to Kenya Colony.  After much unrest, in December 1963, Kenya achieved its independence bringing in new settlers. Safari became synonymous with hunters and explorers, romanticising the adventure and thrills of wild Africa. Today, due to the knowledge and respect we have gained from the past, animals and their natural habitat are greatly valued and protected.

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.

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.