Shanti Som

Honestly, the idea of a wellness resort in Marbella, a place that has become synonymous with playboys, partying and paparazzi, is hard to believe. But, away from this hedonistic, open-all-hours resort, the dramatic natural scenery and temperate climate of southern Spain make it ideal for a restorative retreat. On the road from Marbella to the little village of Ojén, I gazed out of the window and to the mountains beyond. Under the vast expanse of clear blue sky, I glimpsed stark white houses built into the hillside. We continued driving, though, away from the village into the rugged hills, before stopping at a small white pavilion which marked my arrival at Shanti Som.

Walking to reception, I crossed the lush grounds of the hotel. Not a noise disturbed the quiet surroundings, except the occasional chirrup of birds and the gentle rush of soothing fountains dotted throughout the manicured gardens. With its whitewashed walls and shallow thatched roofs with wooden beams, the hotel’s architecture tastefully combines traditional Oriental and Asian references with contemporary luxury, immersing us in a cool, airy, relaxing ambience. The Zen-like feel continues inside, where natural materials like wood and stone are used extensively. Small candles send shadows dancing over the bare walls, creating a peaceful, intimate atmosphere. Before heading to my room, I sank deep into the large sofa beside the open fire and sipped a herbal tea: my first taste of the excellent service at Shanti Som.

With a large smile, the polite and friendly receptionist handed me the keys to my room. With just fourteen rooms, the hotel only opens its doors to a privileged few who have the good fortune to stay for a few days. Though each room is uniquely decorated, all of them are constructed and arranged according to the rules of Feng Shui, whereby the objective is to reach a balance of forces and flow of natural energies to promote a peaceful, serene environment. Certainly, thanks to the careful layout of the furniture and my room’s spectacular bay windows that open onto a private balcony with a view of the mountains, I could have been at a secluded Buddhist temple in the Himalayan foothills, rather than just minutes from the sparkling beach resort of Marbella. At thirty metres squared, too, I was far from the overcrowding of the city, and I found myself effortlessly letting go of the stress of the past few weeks.

To ease myself into the scheme of things, I freshened up in my bathroom’s rain shower, before studying the various programmes offered to Shanti Som guests. VeryChic members can enjoy complimentary access to the spa, and relax in the Turkish bath or sauna. For those who prefer a more active means to unwind, there’s a pool and fitness gym. And, to truly relax, the hotel offers a range of massages, full-body treatments, yoga lessons, meditation sessions, all coordinated by trained professionals. Suffice to say that every aspect of guests’ well-being has been carefully considered.

The balance of body and soul is also emphasised at the Samsara Restaurant. The cuisine is healthy and full of flavour, using fresh, local, and organic ingredients, some of which come from the estate’s kitchen garden. The dishes are flavoured with spices from the world over, taking particular inspiration from Asian and Middle East cuisine. The peaceful setting, too, makes it a delightful place to rest and relax after an intensive yoga lesson or for a romantic evening meal. With an open-air, year-round terrace and views of the dramatic scenery beyond the estate, the calming ambience of the Samsara allowed me to further enjoy the chef’s creative cuisine.

Here, in the midst of the mountains, in this haven of peace and tranquillity, I was finally able to disconnect and rediscover myself. There is no better way to truly relax than to escape the stresses and obligations of everyday life; or escape to the Shanti Som resort and spa.