The Independent, Shaanti Holistic Health Retreat, Kenya
16 April 2006
Hotel Of The Week: Shaanti Holistic Health Retreat, Kenya by Genevieve Roberts.
Strike a pose. Assume the lotus position - or just get horizontal on the sands. At Kenya's Shaanti Holistic Health Retreat wellbeing is about chilling out, however you do it
From dusty elephants to basking crocodiles, safari is Kenya's main attraction. But wildlife watchers can now combine exploration of the natural world with a healthy dose of well-being at this holistic retreat on the shores of the Indian Ocean.
This is no deprivation vacation. There's a full yoga programme but how much or little you participate is up to you - and the resort's luxurious spa is a divine place for skiving.
The timetable kicks off with meditation at 7am and ends with yoga at 7pm, but it's punctuated by fresh juices, vegetarian meals and massages. On the yoga terrace there are two classes a day, and pranayama (breath work) too. In the spa you can choose from a menu of massages, reflexology and other treatments, which from next month will include outdoor mud wraps and a flotation tank.
And there is safari, if the beach begins to pall. Book a Wellbeing Escape package and you can head off into the Tsavo East National Park for three nights. Accommodation there is in the Galdessa Lodge, an open camp on the banks of the river with luxury bandas (thatched hut) with en-suite bathrooms. But it's a truly back-to-nature experience: I was woken by a hippo rubbing the side of the tent - nothing unusual here, apparently.
The location: Shaanti Holistic Health Retreat is set on Diani beach, an hour's drive south of Mombasa on the south-east coast of Kenya, near the border with Tanzania.
The comfort factor: The word Shaanti is Sanskrit for peace - and the hotel lives up to its name. The loudest sound is the ocean; keep your doors open at night and be lulled to sleep by the waves, snug within the mosquito net draped over your large double bed. There are only eight beachfront, single-storey rooms, converted from 1930s cottages.
The bathroom: All rooms at Shaanti have en-suite bathrooms with double sinks and showers, supplied with the resort's own products. For a more luxurious bathing experience, two baths sunk into the edge of the beach are filled with bubble bath at night. An ocean-front Jacuzzi and the steam room are open 24 hours a day to conquer lingering aches.
The food and drink: This is vegetarian, with a buffet breakfast and set menus of Indian, European or Chinese dishes. From May, seafood will be added to the menu. Squeezed juices replace alcohol at the health retreat, though there is sparkling grape juice for a pretend fix of fizz. Ali Barbour's on Diani beach is worth a visit.
The people: A real assortment. One guest told me this was her Shirley Valentine holiday, while another was holidaying alone to relax.
The area: For snorkelling and diving, the best place to make for is the Kisite National Marine Park near Wasini Island. Daily tours take guests from the shore to the coral reef.
The access: There's full wheelchair access, with staff on hand to help.
The damage: A 10-night Wellbeing Escapes holiday to Shaanti costs from £2,015 per person, including return flights to Mombasa, transfers, a three-night safari, all classes, meals and fresh juices. A snorkelling day trip costs $100 (£57) per person.
The address:Shaanti Holistic Health Retreat, Diani Beach, Kenya. Book through Wellbeing Escapes (0845-602 6202; wellbeingescapes.co.uk).
