Shanti-Som - a holistic wellness experience in the mountains of Málaga, Spain

Shanti-Som opened in 2011 before ‘self-care’ and Wellness Retreats were a thing. The importance of taking time out from everyday life and focusing solely on yourself was becoming apparent with more and more people experiencing burnout and anxiety. The idea behind Shanti-Som evolved from this growing need for people to slow down and just be themselves without the daily stresses, responsibilities and rush of everyday life.

Shanti-Som intends to bring Asia’s essence to Europe without the 12+ hour plane journey to get there. Inspired by a trip to Indonesia, the owner has taken ideas from Bali in both the architecture and the peaceful, relaxed nature of its people. We don’t rush or have busy schedules and our team of staff are warm and welcoming without any pretences.

Rather than building a large, flashy complex, the owner wanted to create an intimate setting where guests don’t feel self-conscious or intimidated in any way. With this in mind, the property was built with just 15 guest rooms, and as the owner has a love of nature, there is an expansive oriental garden with buddha statues, waterfall features and a Balinese Yoga pavilion. This pavilion uses the same principles of Balinese spiritual architecture to create a sacred place that is in line with harmonious and balanced energy. Of importance is the philosophy ‘Tri Hats Karana’- creating harmony and balance with human, nature and gods.

‘Shanti’ means inner peace. A state of mental, physical and spiritual bliss that leads to serenity and calmness, enabling clear perception. We aim to inspire and guide our guests towards the path of achieving ‘Shanti’. Regain inner balance with our holistic retreats focused on health and happiness through a natural approach and authentic experiences.

Rather than being an institution or large scale resort, we try to create a cosy sense of ‘home’. Anything clinical is removed, we don’t have BMI scores or ideal body images- we aim for a positive, peaceful and happy mental and physical state.

Guests tell us they keep coming back because they feel like they are returning ‘home’. It’s more of a spiritual home where it’s their safe space to connect with their inner self and to re-calibrate so that they can approach relationships, work and lifestyle with the best footing. Loyal clients return to us and leave each time with a new perspective and ultimately a deeper understanding of themselves and how to seek happiness in their daily lives.

Daily group meditation sessions are available for all our guests, and when most people arrive, they can be sceptical as they have never tried it before. We gently encourage people to open their minds and not to judge, to embrace the experience whilst they are with us in the present moment. Happiness is within us all, but we have to learn how to unlock this. Thoughts and emotions create a storm inside us. Happiness involves mastering our thoughts and emotions and embracing things just as they are.

Ultimately what we think makes our Retreat so special is the staff. They are the ones who create an authentic and truly transformative experience. Guests often leave hugging each and every one of the staff and keeping in touch as loyal guests and friends.

At Shanti-Som we spend time getting to know our customers before they arrive to design a program that caters to their specific needs. Whilst everyone is different, from dietary requirements to physical fitness levels and emotional health, we have one universal goal- to help develop a positive mindset by equipping them with sustainable habits that can be incorporated into everyday life with ease.

We continuously review and update our programs to meet changing needs and also offer Bespoke programs so guests can choose from our range of signature services to cater to their specific goals.

We are all so used to consuming, being in a rush to experience everything and having the perfect social media photo. There is so much choice available now, and customers can easily find information online. This has definitely influenced the hospitality industry, and we continuously evolve to ensure we are abreast of these changing demands. However, we do not aim to be ‘on trend’ and continue to stick to our core value of providing a genuine experience with personalized care and service. Ultimately that is what hospitality is all about!

Around Malaga and the Andalucia region, there is so much stunning beauty and history to soak in. Seville is a popular and must-see destination, but our favourite place is one of Spain’s oldest and most charming towns called Ronda. It’s been inhabited by Romans and Moors, and you can feel history all around you in its cobbled streets, old mansions and stone churches. The town is perched precariously on top of a cliff with views of rolling hills and Andalusia’s white villages. The gorgeous view is one you won’t easily forget.

On the way to our hideaway retreat just off the main road to Marbella, we also suggest guests stop at Monda. Steeped in beautiful history and architecture, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.