The Wellness Holiday Boutique's review of Shanti Som Wellbeing Retreat

Shanti Som Wellbeing Retreat is a boutique wellness sanctuary tucked away in the serene Sierra de las Nieves National Park in Andalucia. Nestled in the mountains, this peaceful adults-only retreat offers a tranquil haven for those seeking to escape the pressures of daily life. After a hectic start to the year, I decided to book myself in for a 3-day Pilates Retreat at Shanti Som. I was looking for some much-needed quiet and space to prioritise my mental and physical well-being and reconnect with myself.

The Hotel

As I approach Shanti Som down the long forest pathway, a giant Buddha stands at the entrance, inviting guests into a space of calm and rejuvenation. Upon entering the retreat, I instantly feel as though I’ve been transported to South-East Asia, surrounded by thatched roofs, dark wooden beams, and Buddha statues scattered throughout. After checking in and enjoying a healthy welcome drink, Alicia, the hotel manager, shares that the retreat’s design was inspired by Balinese architecture and Feng Shui principles. This influence is evident as I explore the winding paths and tropical zen gardens, accompanied by the soothing sounds of birds chirping. Already, my mind feels calmer. It’s clear that Shanti Som truly is a sanctuary of peace, with plenty of hidden areas for relaxation, including a pool heated for the cooler months, healing gardens, and cosy lounge areas with fireplaces for the evenings.

One thing that really stands out at Shanti Som is the warmth and kindness of the staff. Many of the staff members have been there for years, always making an effort to introduce themselves, which I found especially comforting as a solo traveller. I also noticed that many guests were return visitors. One guest I met in a yoga class, an 80-year-old man, has been coming twice a year for the past decade and described each visit to Shanti Som as being welcomed back into a family home.

The Rooms at Shanti Som Wellbeing Retreat

The moment I stepped into my standard mountain view room at Shanti Som, a sense of serenity washed over me, partly thanks to the soothing scent of jasmine and tuberose from the diffuser filling the air - I couldn’t resist purchasing one from the boutique to take home! The tasteful decor, featuring soft neutral tones and natural materials, created a calm and peaceful atmosphere. My private terrace included a daybed, perfect for soaking in the spectacular mountain views.

The room itself was minimalist in design and a true haven of comfort, with the most comfortable bed that promised a restful night’s sleep, blackout curtains, and luxurious Ritual toiletries. A spa robe and slippers were provided for ultimate relaxation, along with a note encouraging guests to walk barefoot around the retreat to ground themselves and reconnect with nature. With only 15 rooms offering either garden or mountain views, I highly recommend upgrading to a mountain view room to fully appreciate the stunning vistas of the Sierra de Las Nieves mountains.

Dining at Shanti Som Wellbeing Retreat

The menu at Shanti Som offers a delectable selection of healthy dishes, all made with fresh, local ingredients. Breakfast is a simple yet wholesome affair, featuring a continental spread with homemade jams, freshly baked bread, fruit, salad, and homemade granola. For lunch and dinner, the menu includes a starter, main, and dessert, with delicious and nutritious flavours inspired by a fusion of Asian and Mediterranean cuisines. My top three dishes were the Tom Kha Soup, Beetroot Carpaccio, and Thai Curry. Each meal was a true symphony of flavours, nourishing my body while delighting my taste buds.

The drinks menu includes a variety of healthy juices, smoothies, as well as wine and beer. Another lovely feature of the restaurant is the shared dining table, offering solo wellness travellers the opportunity to enjoy meals together if they wish, creating a sense of community during your stay.

The Wellness Offerings at Shanti Som Wellbeing Retreat

Shanti Som Wellbeing Retreat offers a range of holistic wellness retreats, from yoga and emotional healing to detox, Pilates, and weight loss. What makes the wellness offerings here so great is the flexibility—you can join any retreat on any date, with options to tailor the duration to suit your schedule. Most retreats have a minimum stay of 3 nights, but after my short stay, I’d recommend extending to at least 5 nights if time allows. It took me a couple of days to truly relax and fully appreciate the calm and stillness of the surroundings.

My mat Pilates classes were led by the enthusiastic Javier, who was excellent at adapting the class to each person’s level. I also had a private reformer Pilates session, which was super fun and challenging. With a soundtrack of Madonna playing in the background, Javier pushed me through my paces, singing words of encouragement as he guided me outside my comfort zone.

As part of my retreat programme, I also enjoyed daily yoga and meditation sessions, which typically took place in the outdoor yoga shala, weather permitting, or the indoor studio. My Hatha flow yoga class, taught by Nathalie—who has been with Shanti Som for the last 12 years—began with setting our intentions before moving into asanas (yoga postures) designed to bring peace to both the mind and body. She also led a Yoga Nidra and sound healing class, which perfectly complemented my relaxing experience and allowed me to release tension from both my mind and body.

In addition to my yoga and Pilates classes, I had a deep tissue massage with Beatrice, who skillfully worked out the tension and stress I had been holding in my shoulders. The spa menu includes a variety of holistic treatments, from rejuvenating facials and relaxing massages to body scrubs and energy healing sessions. Since there are only four treatment rooms at the retreat, I’d recommend prebooking treatments in advance to guarantee availability, especially if you’re only staying for a short visit. There’s also a steam room and sauna in the spa, perfect for unwinding before or after your treatments.

Who's Shanti Som Wellbeing Retreat for

Shanti Som Wellbeing Retreat promises a path to rejuvenation, and it truly delivered. This sanctuary of wellness offers a holistic approach to well-being, providing an idyllic escape that left me feeling refreshed, invigorated, and ready to tackle the world again. I had the pleasure of meeting some lovely guests, including solo travellers seeking time to recharge, friends reconnecting away from their hectic lifestyles, and couples rebalancing and reconnecting. Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, manage your weight, or simply enhance your overall well-being, Shanti Som offers something for everyone.

If you're interested in booking your next wellbeing escape to Shanti Som Wellbeing Retreat, enquire here or call to speak to one of our wellness specialists on +44(0) 203 886 0082.