Top 5: Stress-relieving retreats for men
To raise awareness for Men's Health Week, Sofia Sims picks out some of the best wellness retreats from around the world
To raise awareness for Men's Health Week, Sofia Sims picks out some of the best wellness retreats from around the world
Soul and Surf in India
Best for:
Discovering the spiritual side of surfing
Considered more of a lifestyle than a sport, surfing has its origins in Polynesian culture, and provides a total body workout while promoting inner calm, self-reflection and a sense of reconnection. Whether they're new to yoga or seasoned experts, those hoping to combine a meditative experience with the thrilling sensation of catching waves will find an ideal respite at Soul and Surf. Located on the secluded coast of Varkala, weary visitors can trade hectic morning commutes for fulfilling sunrise surf lessons and end their day practising their downward dog poses against a spectacular sunset backdrop.
Galo Resort in Madeira
Best for:
Golfing enthusiasts
Situated near the south-eastern coast of Madeira, Galo Resort is a haven for golfers keen to practise their tee-offs while enjoying scenic ocean-side views.
Close to Santo de Serra, a 27- hole golf course designed by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones, as well as the rolling hills of Palherio Golf Club, Galo offers a variety of golf packages and a plethora of alternative sporting activities, including triathlon training camps and mountain biking routes. Visitors should be sure to take a break and bask in the outdoor swimming pools and gardens at nearby Galosol Hotel.
Red Mountain Resort in Utah
Best for:
Daring adventures
With its vast stretches of red canyons and sandstone landscapes, Southern Utah is the thrillseeker's paradise. Red Mountain Resort provides a rugged base from which to explore the terrain, whether on a hiking retreat, or while scaling cliff-sides and crevasses. Urban men looking to re-boot their concentration need look no further — the physical strength needed for rock-climbing goes hand in hand with their usual strategy and problem-solving skills a world away from the daily grind. Those who prefer to get fit at ground level can partake in open-air yoga sessions, a range of aquatic classes or Tabata interval training.
redmountainresort.com
Health and Fitness Travel offers 7 nights at Red Mountain Resort from £2,085pp or £2,270 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, a fitness programme, return flights and transfers. healthandfitnesstravel.com
The Farm in The Philippines
Best for:
Heart health and holistic treatments
Taking a holistic approach to both emotional and physical health, The Farm in San Benito recognises the negative impact constant stressors can have on our cardiovascular system. Recognised as the leading cause of death in men over 50, heart disease is exacerbated by stress and lifestyle factors. Providing educational experiences for visitors wishing to explore long-term solutions that ameliorate or prevent the deterioration of their health, The Farm offers tailor-made vegan diet plans in addition to consultations with doctors and holistic health experts, plus a range of spa treatments that will leave hearts feeling healthy and happy.
thefarmatsanbenito.com
Health and Fitness Travel offers 7 nights at The Farm from £3,285pp or £3,895 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, a wellness programme, return flights and transfers. healthandfitnesstravel.com
Milk + Honey Spa in Texas
Best for:
Massages and mani-pedis
For men wishing to spoil themselves with indulgent exfoliating treatments and to be spoilt for choice when it comes to massages, Milk + Honey Spa is guaranteed to meet even the highest of expectations. Recently voted “Austin's Best Spa for Men” by Rare magazine, Milk + Honey delivers a range of services and products tailored specifically to men's needs, including hour-long sports massages for athletes, deep tissue massages, manicures, pedicures and specialised back treatments. Fresh from their visit to the spa, visitors can browse and buy a selection of products, so they can continue reaping the feelgood benefits at home.
Images:
Soul and Surf in India
Red Mountain Resort in Utah
The Farm in The Philippines
