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Long frequented by the rich and famous, Europe is setting the bar for high-­end medi-­spas. With holistic healing now synonymous with ultra-­luxe resorts and jet-­set locations, we round-­up five of the best luxury retreats for rejuvenating the body, mind and soul

Europe’s Leading Luxury Health Retreats

I f there’s a wellness experience not on the menu here, it’s probably not worth your while. With one of the widest selections of healthy living programmes in Europe, and a focus on natural therapies and healthy eating combined with the latest advances in western medicine, it’s a

metaphorical superpower in wellness experiences.It even has its own diet. An integral part to every stay is the SHA Diet,

which seeks to introduce new sustainable eating habits that rebalance the body, boosting its ability to heal itself. It’s based on the principles of macrobiotics, updated to fit today’s lifestyles and the availability of seasonal ingredients.

The Clinic Area offers medical services spanning general assessments and genetic analysis, to hair-loss treatment and traditional Chinese medicine. The Wellness Area completes your holistic wellbeing overhaul, with beauty treatments, massage, water therapy, personal training and classes including yoga, meditation and tai chi. The four-day Sha Discovery plan is a great generalist programme, whilst more specific experiences range from anti-tobacco to sleep recovery.

Ninety suites, zen, mediterranean and tropical gardens, indoor and outdoor pools, a hydrotherapy circuit, putting green, tennis court, super-stylish white interiors, and oodles of large open spaces and terraces miraculously combine in perfect harmony, with views of the beautiful Bay Of Altea providing the none too shabby backdrop.Deluxe Suites start from $298 per night on a room only basis. The four-day SHA Discovery Programme costs $1,291 including full board (excluding accommodation). Tel. +34 966 811 199. shawellnessclinic.com

SHA Wellness ClinicValencia, Spain

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2 VIVAMAYR, LAKE WÖRTH, AUSTRIA Housed in an modern five-­star hotel, all shiny white brick and glass facades, VIAVMAYR wouldn’t look out of place on the boulevards of Miami. But make no mistake; this is a retreat that means business, so leave your vices at home. Located on the breathtaking shores of Lake Wörth, VIVAMAYR is at the forefront of a new generation of medical wellness retreats, and uses holistic treatment methods based on the healing of the digestive tract.

Bespoke programmes are designed by doctors trained in modern Mayr medicine, with the foundations of an alkalizing diet and detox plan. Testament to the natural anti-­ageing effects and resulting brighter skin, weight-­loss and increased energy, is the retreat’s client-­list of celebrity designers and high profile models.

The hotel boats a glorious pool, steam baths, saunas, a gym, and the latest beauty treatments in its spa and salon. Rooms and suites are fittingly modern and stylish, with a newly built villa boasting a private jetty.

But it’s the outstanding natural beauty of the surrounding Lake Wörth that truly makes VIVAMAYR a holistic experience. With uncontaminated air and mineral-­rich waters, swimming, rowing or simply strolling heal the soul to match your new and improved body. Comfort Rooms from $244 per night, including breakfast. The holistic seven-day ‘Vvamayr Special Package’ costs from $2,701 per person, including accommodation, a choice of medical treatments and access to all spa facilities.Tel: +43 (0) 4273 311 170 / viva-mayr.com

3 CLINIQUE LA PRAIRIE, CLARENS-MONTREUX, SWITZERLAND Established in 1931, Clinique La Prairie, located a stone’s throw from Lake Geneva, has been making headlines for decades. And not only thanks to its (now sold-­off) leading skincare range or its eclectic mix of celebrity clientele – names as varied as Winston Churchill and Mick Jagger are rumoured to have checked in for treatments.

Its founder, Professor Paul Niehans, was a pioneer in cellular therapy, famous for injecting fresh cells from lamb fetuses into his patients to slow down the ageing process. These days the legendary rejuvenation therapy extract is taken from lamb’s livers and administered orally, but its anti-­ageing, immune system-­boosting credentials remain as celebrated as ever.

With a focus on health, beauty and wellness as the basis of a longer, happier life, the centre offers a la carte programmes ranging from six to 13 nights, with everything from medical check-­ups to weight management, rebalancing and a popular beauty programme. The immaculate facilities include a dental clinic, sleep centre and a 16,000 square metre spa, with a pool, Jacuzzi, Kneipp course and ice fountain.

Luxury rooms and suites are divided between La Residence, with the opulent charm of a 20th Century grand hotel, and The Chateau, with terraces offering panoramic views of the lake. A treasure trove of greenery surrounds the retreat, with perfectly manicured gardens, framed by the utterly dreamy silhouette of the Alps.The six-night Revitalisation Programme, including full board in a standard room, costs from $25,000 per person. Tel: + 41 (0)21 989 33 11. laprairie.ch

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81Cuisine may be light but it comes with Mediterranean flavour and a Michelin Star, courtesy of La Voile restaurant

4 LA RÉSERVE RAMATUELLE HOTEL & SPA CÔTE D’AZUR, FRANCETotal relaxation is the name of the game at La Reserve Ramatuelle, and the rules are on your terms. A visit might simply involve a leisurely stay high up in the hills of the exclusive hotel or villas, with relaxation revolving around the dazzling views of the Mediterranean, and avoiding the temptations of neighbouring St Tropez.

The chic ambience, neutral interiors and sheer beauty of the surrounding nature are a tonic in themselves, but it’s the spa programmes that provide the ice and slice. Offering a selection of three to six-­day plans to achieve anything from anti-­ageing to deep relaxation, slimming or toning, most combine an effective blend of treatments, exercise and healthy eating.

Meals here aren’t the typical serving of lackluster greens. Cuisine may be light but it comes with Mediterranean flavour and a Michelin Star, courtesy of La Voile restaurant and chef Eric Canino, with his philosophy of eating better whilst preserving the pleasure of living well.

Programmes are based on the medical expertise of the Nescens brand, with the ‘Better Ageing Exclusive Experience’ proving popular as well as the Nescens Bootcamp. The five-­day fitness-­boosting plan combines Nordic walking on coastal paths and a series of spa treatments including a muscular awakening session, balneotherapy and a better-­ageing body massage. Superior Rooms cost from !500 per night, including breakfast. The Niscens Bootcamp costs from !2,900 per day, excluding accommodation.Tel +33 (0)4 94 44 94 44 / lareserve-ramatuelle.com

5 GRAND RESORT BAD RAGAZ, SWITZERLAND The healing powers of Tamina gorge, Europe’s most abundant thermal source, were first discovered in the 16th Century, when people would lower themselves in via ropes, to reap the benefits of its balanced minerals and body temperature (36.5°C) water. In 2016 no ropes are required, since the same water now fills the Thermal Spa at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, and provides the foundation for the luxury wellbeing and medical resort’s healing experience.

Bad Ragaz undoubtedly has the medical credentials, with diagnostic, preventive and rehabilitation services in a fully-­fledged medical clinic, which even houses the Swiss Olympic Medical Centre and a check-­up specially designed for sportsmen.

But it’s the spa experience that stands head and (well-­honed) shoulders above similar resorts. Spread over 18,000 square metres, facilities include a ‘water world’ with three thermal pools, a Finnish sauna, the world’s first herbal steam bath embellished with Swarovski crystals, an ice cave and pool, water beds, a winter garden relaxation lounge, an even a ‘cuddle lounge’ for couples.

There’s also more entertainment than expected, with concerts, exhibitions, fireside lectures, two golf courses and a casino. Subsequently, Bad Ragaz puts the razzamatazz into health retreats, so if you’re looking for a wellbeing break with a lively resort feel, this could be the one for you.Comfort Rooms start from $371 per night, on a room only basis. The two-night ‘Fit For Spring’ package includes a beauty treatment and bespoke diet plan, and costs from !450 per person per night in a double room.Tel. +41 81 303 30 30 / resortragaz.ch