When it comes to health and looking after oneself, Christmas is often a low point in the year for us. All the good work put in during the year is forgotten over the 12 days of Christmas only to be intensified as a new years’ resolution. Why not start early this year by heading to a luxurious wellbeing retreat for the holidays? Swide has selected five of the best around the globe.

 Penninghame House

Scotland is a magical place to be for Christmas, and Penninghame House is a pinnacle for the health conscious. This modern macrobiotic retreat offers health education weeks to combat on going food related issues and therapy coursers. The chef is trained at the SHA Wellness Clinic n Spain, so prepare for a health food master class week with a difference. The food is lovely and healthy, the therapies successful and the exercise regime grueling. Liberated, healthier and refreshed, this Scottish retreat will put you right on track for a detoxed 2013.

www.penninghame.org

 Purity

The latest addition to the Malabar House boutique Hotel sin Kerala, Southern India is centred on Yoga. Set on the waters of Lake Vembanad the villa offers the ultimate Indian yoga experience. The building is beautifully decorated, but people come here for the Yoga: Krishna Kurup, is the resident yogi, arguably the most accomplished at the moment. The spa run by Kama and the cooking classes held by the check Sinaj are all the distraction you need from your attempts at the peacock pose.

Www.malabarhouse.com

 Chiva-Som

This is the place to go for a complete overhaul, from giving up smoking to having that long debated nip and tuck, Chiva –Som is a true heaven where you will discover the new you. The retreat’s mission is clear, and with you packed schedule you won’t have time to loose track of your objectives. With a well trained staff big on diagnostics and nutrition, and with the many activities like aqua gym, calorie specific buffets, massages, yoga at sunrise and colonics will keep you on track and you’ll resurface a new person.

www.chivasom.com

Palace Merano

For the more classic detoxers, we couldn’t forget Henri Chenot’s Palace at Merano. Established in 1906, this glam detox clinic is still at the top of the game. A serious establishment, food is scarce, exercise is moderate and medical attention high. From blood tests to vitamin drips, X rays and thorough diagnostics the week will fly amongst hunger pangs, herbal baths, fresh fruit dinners and laxatives but your energy levels will grow exponentially, and the kilograms just fly off.

www.palace.it

Fivelements

This is the destination for those who as need a bit of TLC for their soul as well as body. Hidden in the Ubud rainforest hills, this retreat offers real deal therapies. Chakras will be realigned, aura imbalances cured, guilt, heartache and grief long gone. Healers and therapists get to work on your ailments, physical and emotional, and accompanied by a vegetarian raw food diet, all your worries will melt away in the Balinese sun.

www.fivelements.org

Written by: Valentina Zannoni

Credits:

Palace Merano

Chiva-Som

Penninghame House

Purity

Fivelements