The Art Of Pampering

Waking up in the morning will be by far the toughest task you will face at the SHA Wellness Clinic. The night blinds effectively shut out all light and the sublime silence surrounding your environ ensures a very deep, soul satisfying sleep. Only the fear of missing your coveted spa appointment is going to get you up and on to breakfast, but not before you ease yourself into the day with a herbal tea enjoyed on your private terrace.

Adapted to Macrobiotic principles, the cuisine at SHA is uniquely interesting. The important morning meal comprises a healthy mix, expertly avoiding typical basics like white bread, butter and eggs, while still offering a tasty alternative.

In direct contrast to the soothing, quiet air of the mountain view, the resort’s spa is a frenzied hub of activity with customers filing in and out of signature bathrobes, skin plumped to perfection, the blissful glow of relaxed serenity obviously visible on each visage. Besides the regular facials and massages, one can also opt for specific programmes catering towards weight loss or cosmetic enhancement or simply choose an individualistic series of sessions that could include a cleansing hydro-colon therapy, an anti-cellulite massage, a therapeutic ginger compress, Reiki or Tai Chi, a personal training hour at the gym, a Vitamin C facial, a firming seaweed wrap and a laser-acupuncture that effectively cures a smoking addiction. Day itineraries are offered for those who want a ready reckoner and while a couple of days is enough to induce some balanced bliss, the ideal recommended stay is five days to a week to achieve a new you – toned, scrubbed and physically fitter.

Based on a compulsory nutrition consult, your menu selection is pre-decided and one will be surprised at the gourmet quality of lunch and dinner and the delectable but subtle flavours of an appetiser like cold miso gazpacho with a gratin scallop, mint oil, baby squid air and liquefied seaweed tempura, an entrée of Spelt Pesto parpadelle with toasted pine nuts and basil crisps or else a tuna fish tataki with mushroom risotto and sweet rice wine reduction and the sweet finale of the genius Macrobiotic ‘Nutella’:  creamy chocolate, cocoa and oat milk with a hazelnut aired sponge cake and a molasses crumble.

Afternoons are necessarily lazy; one can take a dip in the pool, sunbathe as a dazed stare latches on to hills, greens and the sea ahead or walk down to the spa again for a circuit around the hydrotherapy zone surrounded by a lush garden encasing its glass walled edges.

The evenings call for a second round of spa treatments, post which dressing up or down for dinner is a personal choice – you may pick the former simply so you fit in better with the sophisticated ambience that welcomes a live jazz singer and some superlative organic wines. Head to the bustling beaches and town of Altea a few minutes away by taxi, where a stroll on the sand could be rejuvenating, followed by a walk around the town square that is dotted with quaint pebbled paths hosting a variety of local stores and the Mare de Déu del Consol, a charming cathedral.

You can juggle your days with some inspiring seminars by lifestyle experts who propagate healthy living, take an early morning guided uphill walk that gets you invigorated as you reach the pinnacle of the lighthouse to savour the breathtaking ocean views or just take the afternoon off and request the concierge to organise a round of golf, a playful few hours of jet skiing or sailing. At SHA, it’s always about you. The ideal you.