Enjoy a health spa holiday in sunny Spain

 

A stay at the “world’s best medical spa” doesn’t sound like a recipe for utter relaxation. But the Physio supplies Canada promises to focus on your health and mental wellbeing, as well as offering a spa experience. it sounds too good to be true. But, lying here, in a warm, bubbling hydrotherapy bath, surrounded by aromatic oils and listening to gentle music, it’s hard to disagree.

Spa breaks are an increasingly popular choice for those seeking a revitalising summer break. Perhaps your days of family holidays are over; the children have grown up and had children of their own. maybe you want to put life on pause and give your grey matter time to recover.

Whatever the reason, it seems that Britain has finally wised up to the overwhelmingly positive effects of spas. And there’s no need to stick to native shores.

Sha is a haven for relaxation. Set in the hills above Alicante, the resort offers everything you need to unwind, get pampered and return home ready to face the world again. the sound of gently running water pervades, the therapists and staff are attentive (but not intrusive) and the breathtaking views over the Costa Blanca mean that – in their own words – “body, mind and soul can reach equilibrium”.

No wonder it’s a favourite of Kylie Minogue and Naomi Campbell

Any visit to Sha starts with a medical consultation and a chat with the programme coordinator. put simply, this means a quick health check, using a machine that measures your entire body. (It leaves me simultaneously fascinated and horrified to learn that I have 20 per cent fat on my left arm, but only 19 on the right). the idea is to establish which spa treatments, exercises and foods will be most beneficial to you.

But not everyone here has a timetable. Many of the guests are simply on holiday – relaxing by the infinity pool, enjoying the steam room, soaking up the sun, taking the odd yoga class or enjoying a morning massage. others are more focused, seeking help with nutrition, weight loss and stress. What approach you take is entirely up to you.

Even the food is a moveable feast. Sha specialises in the macrobiotic diet, which counts Gwyneth Paltrow as a devotee. before arriving, I have visions of tiny spoonfuls of alfalfa, served in the middle of huge white plates and seriously consider cramming chocolate bars into my suitcase.

I wouldn’t have needed them. Sha practitioner Dr Eva López takes me through the principles of macrobiotic eating. the diet, she explains, is based on a “food pyramid” of whole grains, pulses and organic vegetables. Animal products are pretty much out (aside from fish) and forget processed foods. Although it requires a level of dedication, this doesn’t sound too scary. And it isn’t. especially when someone else is making it for you.

The resort operates a three-tiered menu system, ranging from the abstemious to the more indulgent Sha menu. I opt for the latter and am surprised to be greeted with healthy, imaginative and delicious haute cuisine dishes, with a strong macrobiotic influence.

There are always three courses and I even enjoy dessert (ice cream and macrobiotic tiramisu). with a former el Bulli chef at the helm, the food here was always going to be special. At no point am I hungry, but am always very ready for my next meal. it makes me realise how often we eat out of habit, not hunger. the old me feels pretty greedy all of a sudden.

Between meals, I undertake a gruelling programme of relaxing massage supplies, lymphatic drainage (which involves a lot of neck prodding and is so lovely that I fall asleep) and a wonderful facial using Maria Galland products – many of which are so thick and sweet-smelling that I start to fantasise about eating them. it must almost be time for dinner.

Even after two days (a week’s stay is recommended) I leave feeling renewed. My skin is glowing and my mind clear. And I’ve not eaten a single sprout of alfalfa.

Maybe it’s the vitamin D from all that sun; perhaps it’s the fact I’ve slept more soundly than I have in months. One thing’s for sure: from now on, I’ll take my spa with a side of sunshine.