Shanti Som

I've just returned fro Shanti-Som and I had the most awesome holiday. The Retreat is an amazing place. It's so beautiful, so peaceful, perfect in every way. I was a little concerned when I saw the previous reviews, but fortunately I wasn't put off (Laura at Health and Fitness Travel assured me she'd spoken to the venue and all was okay). My holiday started well with an efficient private transfer, a tour of the property and a welcome drink. The staff are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable and all speak good English. There was a small amount of maintenance going on (mostly painting) but it didn't detract from my holiday. No sign of any damp (weather was hot and sunny the whole time, maybe that's why). My room was lovely: big, comfortable bed, my own private terrace area with sunbeds, chairs and a table, luxurious bathroom with plenty of space and fluffy towels. Blackout curtains, not to mention peace and quiet, meant I slept really well. It could be a little dark in the room in the early morning and late afternoon/evening, but there was plenty of lighting - the standard lamp could be moved around. The food is of a high standard with good vegetarian options. Portions are generous (unless you're on the weigh loss programme - naturally!) Drinks aren't included, but even so, you can get juice, tea and coffee with breakfast; infusions at any time and you have your own good quality water bottle to refill. Plus a kettle in the room. The bar has a nice choice of wines and spirits (not a ridiculous amount - this is a wellbeing resort not an all inclusive booze binge, after all!) I was on the relaxation programme, with yoga and meditation. The classes were challenging and I learned a lot. The teachers were excellent, always checking in with how we felt and giving useful tips. I also paid extra for a massage and a foot treatment. The practitioners were skillful and made me feel amazing. Well worth the price (which was very reasonable and better value than ones I've had in the UK). The gym has a good range of equipment given how small the property is, and the pool is heavenly - heated so you can swim even in the cooler months. I felt very welcome as a solo visitor. Having a shared table at dinner was a nice touch. I'm so glad I chose this Retreat. NB: This is a Wellbeing Retreat. It's not an All Inclusive Resort. Read the Retreat information before booking so you know what is/isn't included. And don't forget to research what the climate/countryside is like in Southern Spain. It doesn't rain much and the surrounding woodland is very dry. If you want lush greenery, go somewhere rainy!

Wholly disappointing. First impressions were encouraging however all became obvious when moving around the property. The room was dull and the entirely unsuitable for 3 people sharing with a bathroom where the loo had no door. The yoga class we attended was very basic and boring. The spa was a whole new level of awful. Dirty, tired and unloved with an obvious damp issue the builders were actually on site during our stay. The treatment room was cramped and damp. The studio was small for the number of guests. The only pleasant spaces were the upstairs lounge and yoga shala if you were prepared disrupt your zen experience with a view of the electricity piling in the garden. Perhaps most disappointing was my attempts to speak to the manager Tatiana who was too busy to respond. I hope I’ll be able to save someone else the disappointment and cost.

Shanti Som was an extremely disappointing experience. The staff at the retreat were ill equipped to really help with any advice about nutrition, diet, or treatments but most concerning was the very serious damp issue they had in their basement during my visit which made the spa area really quite miserable with poky and smelly treatment rooms feeling dank and dirty and the sauna and steam room being less than inviting. There were also builders on site which make an already dingy spa feel even more unwelcoming.

Wish I’d read Jackie’s review earlier instead of listen to Joanna at The Wellness Holiday.Boutique. Hope this saves someone else a lot of money and upset. We visited Shanti Som, Marbella and left the same day. The entire spa smelt dank and they clearly have a very serious damp issue despite attempts by the management to suggest it was a temporary burst water pipe. The spa was dirty and part occupied by builders - a health and safety issue. The upstairs and food seemed nice having but frankly as a wellness destination where we were told we’d be able to relax and revive ourselves it was seriously lacking any real health benefits and not a place anyone should go if they are in need of a reset and boost!

While visiting Andalusia, I decided to try Shanti Som for a rest and retreat. It exceeded my expectations. The staff is lovely. It is an ideal place to go for the solo traveler. I could have been free to enjoy solitude, but I met some of the nicest people I ever had the pleasure of meeting over a 3-day period at the shared dinner and lunch table. It is a place that draws out the best. The food, the massages are wonderful. The walks (which are an "extra") are well worth it.

amazing staff amazing place amazing yoga really enjoyed hiking room was spotless i have come home absolutely chilled very nurturing and just an absolute piece of paradise i wish i had been before just amazing ! can’t wait to return jemnifer ferris !

Horrible place. Awful wellness classes, Dreadful food. Depressing room. Boring, boring, boring. Had to ask 3 times for the steam room to be switched on and still didn’t get to use it! Restaurant staff were nice. We will never go there again. Wast of time and money.

Went to SSWR for the Weight Loss programme. Did not weigh ourselves before or after, but it was an excellent visit. Top quality food (we were not given much to eat, but was always very satisfying), very good facilities and top-notch personnel who know their stuff. They could not give much dietary advise to us vegetarians, but they made the effort. The organised hike went to the reserve nearby and was two hours very well spent.