World's Top 10 Retreats, To Fix Yourself

Need an effective quick fix to bounce back and leap into top form again? Visit these revitalising retreats - A week in their care will leave you emerging fabulous.

- Jeena J Billimoria

Let’s assume that you’re under the thumb of a very hectic lifestyle. Now whether that hectic lifestyle entails hours and hours crouched in front of a computer screen with fast food, high blood pressure and stress for company… or a heavily debauched social life, accessorised with lots of nights out that invariably turn into hungover-laced mornings, there comes a time where you need to step back and get back on the everelusive wagon. That’s where health and fitness retreats come in. A week truant from what you call routine, spent at any of these havens instead, will get you right back on that wagon – first class! Think of the wonderful cleanses, therapies and healthy diets – the wonders it can do in this short span of time is simply irresistible!

Kamalaya, Thailand

Centred around a monk’s cave that once served Buddhist monks as a place of meditation and spiritual retreat, the essence of Kamalaya, in Koh Samui, is expressed in its name; lotus (kamal) realm (alaya), an ancient symbol for the growth and unfolding of the human spirit. This beautiful place has quite a few programmes to choose from, including the Kamalaya Sleep Enhancement, which is apt if you’re trying to get your sleep cycle back on track. Sleep difficulties are treated through naturopathy, traditional Chinese medicine and massage therapies. Splash for a week: US$5,470

Palace Merano Espace Henri Chenot, Italy