SHA Wellness Clinic L’Albir

Let food be your medicine, and medicine your food .

—Hippocrates.

Hello again and welcome back. Now that we are fully boosted and have our Covid passports to hand, the opportunities to travel are finally back . Like so many of you, I have been desperate to get away yet somewhat nervous of what travelling may now feel like.

I was fortunate enough to receive an invitation from my friends at the SHA wellness clinic in L’Albir, Spain, and decided this would be the perfect opportunity to ease myself back into the world of travel.

After just a two hour flight to Alicante and a quick twenty minute journey in the limousine (provided by the resort), my few days of luxury had well and truly begun. This was my opportunity to place all the stresses of the pandemic on hold and focus just on myself (a luxury in itself).

From the enticing collection of programmes on offer, I opted for ‘Rebalance’, which is fully detailed on the wellness app which I downloaded at the time of booking. I could view the details of my treatments, the dining menus and also some helpful tips to make my stay even more stress-free.

On arrival, I was greeted by the most heavenly scent of lemongrass lingering within a sense of calmness and ultimate luxury. The staff were professional yet friendly and took their time to explain my Rebalance programme to me.

"To achieve a state of perfect relaxation and disconnection in an ideal setting and to teach new life-style habits with the aim of improving general health and to continue this learning process after the trip thanks to the knowledge and healthy lifestyle habits acquired during my stay at SHA.”

I felt both nervous and excited - lifestyle changes, what will they make of mine over the last 12 months?

After a light yet nutritious lunch, I was shown to my suite. Billed as entry-level, I was very impressed. It was far from basic. The door opened into a large spacious room with a comfortable seating area, a small kitchen and of course a fully equipped bathroom. The entire suite was surrounded by a wraparound balcony with sun beds and chairs offering complete privacy. The mountainous views were breath taking. I knew I had arrived somewhere special.

The Rebalance programme packs a lot into a short time and so straight away it was off for a general health assessment. I panicked momentarily. Would they pick up on those skipped gym classes and all the lockdown afternoon glasses of wine? Actually it was nothing to worry about and I was quickly signed off and ready for my first real treatment, a deep tissue massage.

What a wonderful start to the programme and an excellent way to top off a busy day. Within 40 minutes I had drifted into a deep sleep. Dragging myself back to the suite to get ready for dinner however, was worth every ounce of effort.

I awoke on my second day to a sense of warmth and wellbeing. Sunlight streamed through my window and it suddenly dawned on me how much therapy can be gained from spending quality time in a warm, calm and peaceful environment. I spent a few hours lost in this idyllic ambience, making up for a year of being locked down with nothing but wine and Netflix to look forward to. But enough of this! I had an afternoon of health and discovery on the agenda.

With my suntan topped up and still savouring another delicious lunch, I arrived at the hotel library for my one to one yoga session with a sense of trepidation. Personally I am much more of a gym and fitness class person, so this was a little out of my comfort zone. I need not have worried. My trainer assessed my ability and tailored the session perfectly to my needs (Note to self, work on my flexibility.)

The Hydrogenic detox cure, which followed, was the perfect antidote for muscles that had not seen that much use for quite a while. This 50 minute treatment began with a hydro massage combined with essential oils specifically chosen for my body type. I was then wrapped in seaweed and cling film, enveloped in warm towels and left to relax whilst the seaweed did its job and absorbed my toxins. This was very pleasant but did not prepare me for the final part of the therapy which involved having the seaweed wrap washed off with high pressure cold water jets. I left with a little less dignity, but a wonderful sense of rejuvenation.

With only two scheduled treatments on my third day I decided to get up early and join the morning guided walk to the lighthouse. This was a nice gentle walk with a chance to see some of the sur-rounding area and also to mix and chat with some of the other guests and compare our treatments.

My walk was followed by a late morning functional assessment and training session (essentially a one to one personal training session) and something I was looking forward to as I was back in my comfort zone.

Another lazy afternoon in the sun was rounded off with my Indiba body treatment. This is a non invasive treatment that is designed to work on your micro circulation and rebalance cell interaction with a promise of enhancing the body silhouette by reducing cellulite, stretch marks and general sagging. Bring it on please. I am not sure that one session is enough to see all the promised benefits but it was certainly relaxing and a marked a perfect end to the day.

My 4th and final day was here already. It began with another sumptuous breakfast in warm sunshine before my Traditional Chinese Medicine consultation.

This was very interesting and my introduction to Chinese medicine. I had an assessment and then very specific acupuncture to work on the things that the practitioner had identified to rebalance, tone or activate my organ functions. I needn’t have felt any apprehension about having needles put into my body as I was oblivious to them being there (and I was used to needles by now with all my Covid vaccinations!)

Fully loaded with my specific needle points I was placed under an electromagnetic heat lamp to enhance the effect.

I had a busy afternoon, with two treatments back to back, The SHA detox Therapy continued with the Chinese medicine theme which is also the hotels’ signature treatment. It basically involves de-toxification, oxygenation and cell regeneration of the body. The lymphatic drainage with suction cups was another first for me and quite an unusual sensation. I did however leave feeling wonderfully invigorated. Surely this little body was now free of toxins!

My final treatment was a Facial Foaming Enzyme which was a super deluxe facial treatment. The skilled therapist applied various oils and creams to cleanse and re-energise my skin and was the perfect way to end my stay in the hotel.

I departed this haven of wellness feeling completely rejuvenated for my trip home and ready to face whatever this pandemic throws at me! any concerns I had about travel post Covid were easily dispelled during my time away. Bring on the next trip!