Want a break that really gives your health a boost? Visit the SHA Wellness Clinic and you’ll look and feel fantastic long after you’ve checked out
There are a couple of things you need to know about the SHA Wellness Clinic right from the start. First, despite what its name may suggest, SHA is not a spa. It could be if it wanted to be, but it’s not. Yes, it does have 1,300sqm dedicated to all things spa, including hydro-physio massage, a tone-up pool, saunas, sensation showers, relaxation areas, a floatarium with salt water from the Dead Sea and 16 treatment cabins. But thats only part of the story.
Secondly, SHA is not a hotel either, although admittedly it does offer the finest accommodation on the Costa Blanca in the northwest of Spain. Situated in Albir Beach, near the picturesque town of Altea, the complex is surrounded by swimming pools, numerous water features and Zen, Mediterranean and other tropical gardens. And inside, much like a hotel, there are 93 modern suites, each with a living area, dressing room and a large terrace with sea or mountain views. Some suites even have a kitchenette which many guests use for private classes in macrobiotic cookery given by the head chef or one of his team. And like any five-star hotel there is a Presidential Suite, although this one goes beyond the norm to offer three bedrooms, a huge living area, a full kitchen, a staff room and a private swimming pool and large solarium with panoramic views of the stunning surroundings.
But forget all that for a moment because SHA is neither a hotel nor a spa, it is a wellness clinic - and they take that title seriously. This is its raison dêtre and something you find out even before you arrive. Once a reservation is made, guests are asked to fill in a questionnaire detailing any health problems and explaining the expectations they have of the visit. Upon arrival they receive a personalised health plan and an individual programme is created in keeping with their desired aims. This can be anything from body purification to attaining ones ideal weight, slowing down the ageing process or preventing premature ageing, stress control and prevention, anti-smoking treatments, overcoming sleep disorders or simply recuperation and revitalisation.
SHA was established after owner Alfredo Bataller discovered the benefits of macrobiotics and decided he wanted to share his knowledge by opening a clinic in the family residence in Spain. Unlike a spa that offers mostly short-lived benefits, Batallers aim is the promotion of general health and wellbeing. To achieve this SHA offers a fusion of traditional oriental disciplines and modern western techniques, delivered by leading experts in both fields.
Programmes vary from a two-day immersion course which includes a personalised diet, daily activities at the SHA Life Learning Centre (such as yoga, Tai Chi, Chi Kung and healthy cooking lectures), a therapeutic treatment (such as shiatsu, Reiki, acupuncture or deep tissue massage), a relaxing massage, floatarium sessions and the use of the aqua circuit with a routine recommended by a consultant. At the other end of the scale is SHA’s twoweek programme which combines the above with a general medical check up and clinical analysis, an aesthetic consultation (treatments range from carboxitherapy to mesotherapy with antioxidants and vitamins), an assessment with a personal trainer, as well as a personalised diet that includes prescribed therapeutic drinks. Guest leave with a personalised post-treatment health plan and receive a two-month follow up coaching programme by email. SHAs guests benefit from their stay long after theyve unpacked their bags and returned to their daily routines. Now try getting that from your local day-spa or at a hotels health club.
– Guy Fiorita