10 detox escapes

Chiva Som, Hua Hin on the Gulf of Thailand This stunning Thai beachfront resort has more than 70 treatment rooms, a Kinesis studio, gym, watsu pool, domed floatation room, bathing pavilion with Kneipp bath, indoor and outdoor swimming pool sauna, steam and Jacuzzi. For those visiting to relax and not diet, the Taste of Siam restaurant has authentic Thai dinners and wine and champagne are on offer after 6pm to help guests unwind. Accommodation ranges from en-suite double rooms to the opulent Leelawadee suite with your own butler and private yoga and meditation sessions on a private deck. http://www.chivasom.com/the-resorts/hua-hin-thailand/

Detox Holidays Ah yes, the detox holiday. We all dream of taking time off to cleanse the body and soul, but it can be overwhelming trying to decide which resort is right to cater for your detox needs. We’ve taken a look at 10 escapes the world over, some more relaxing than others, all with the common goal of aiding in detox and rejuvenation.

Harem Escape, Marrakech, Morocco Combining a luxurious getaway with a health retreat, Harem Escape is exclusively for women who wish to rediscover their femininity and improve their health and lifestyle with no restrictions, judgement or guilt. A detox facility without the boot camp, wine tasting is included as one of the activities and 80% of profits go to a local charity that helps young girls in orphanages gain educations and careers. http://www.harem-escape.com/

The Farm at San Benito, Philippines This internationally acclaimed health resort has a bagged a number of global awards including ‘Best Cuisine’ and ‘Best Medical Wellness Resort in the World’ - and deservedly so! Choose from a wellness holiday, detox cleanse, or a specialised healing retreat with tailored programs determined by an on-site holistic doctor. Activities include yoga, meditation, spa treatments and Pilates. http://www.thefarmatsanbenito.com/

Ananda resort, India Get your detox on in the foothills of the Himalayas. Ananda resort boasts 70 luxurious rooms with palace or valley views, including the elegant Ananda villas (three in total) which come complete with a living room, pantry, butler, oversized bathroom, private sauna and its own 40m pool! Packages vary in length from 5-21 days, incorporating weight loss management, detox, stress management and even a romantic couples-connect package, which includes your own private couple’s spa suite and private dining venue with customised menu to suit. Resort activities include steam, sauna, swimming pool, 6-hole golf course, billiards, yoga, white water rafting and cooking classes. http://www.anandaspa.com/

Les Sources De Caudalie, France A swift 20 minute drive from beautiful Bordeaux in France. Set in the grounds of the Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte (Les Sources De Caudalie ), this retreat offers wine and grape-based spa treatments such as a red wine bath, merlot mud wrap and crushed cabernet scrub. A minimum of six days is recommended; however you can visit for a half day or full day spa treatment if you’re short on time. http://www.sources-caudalie.com/en/

Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, Tallebudgera Valley, Gold Coast, Qld The Gold Coast Hinterland is the setting for this rejuvenating retreat which focuses on a yin and yang approach – the yin representing inwardly focussed activities includes yoga, pilates, Qi Gong and dance, while the yang represents more physical activities like boxing, indoor cycling, and nature walks. This elegant spa sanctuary features 33 individually designed rooms, a crystal steam room, outdoor rain shower, tennis courts and an elevated outdoor deck and private plunge pool. Take in the sunrise over the dazzling blue ocean whilst practising Qi Gong, then retreat to the lounge dining area on large cushy daybeds, or try an aqua class in the heated infinity pool with adjoining sauna and Jacuzzi. http://www.gwinganna.com

Juicy Mountain Retreat, Turkey Perched high in the mountains of southern Turkey, this rustic retreat is ideal for a mind, body, and soul detox. If losing weight is your objective, Juicy Mountain is the right choice. Being a juice-only retreat, the average guests drops more than 7kgs in seven days. Rooms are comfortable and the retreat offers incredible clean air and stunning views that will aid in your stress relief and relaxation. Yoga, rebounding sessions, table tennis and juicing workshops are on offer, or simply float in the fresh mountain water swimming pool after a steaming hot sauna. http://www.juicymountain.com/

Atsumi Retreat Healing Centre, Phuket, Thailand Atsumi Retreat prides itself on being a destination that invites you to transform your life permanently. There are a plethora of fasting and detox programs ranging from four to ten days, with great additional services such as cranio-sacral and visceral massage. An osteopath and acupuncture practitioner, life coach and traditional Chinese medicine doctor are also on hand to aid you on your quest. Set in the south of Phuket, away from the typical tourist attractions and tempting smell of Thai food, you can enjoy activities such as meditation, salsa dancing, ashtanga yoga, Thai boxing, water aerobics, tai chi, beach walks and evening sunset trips. http://www.atsumihealing.com/

Gaia Retreat and Spa, Byron Bay, NSW Nestled in the lush hinterland of Byron Bay, Olivia Newton-John’s famed spa retreat, Gaia, warrants a mention as one of the best in Australia. From the colourful gardens to eco-architecture and innovative design, Gaia evokes tranquillity and treatments include traditional Hawaiian Kahuna Massage, divine body polishes and Ayurvedic head massages. http://www.gaiaretreat.com.au/

Vipassana Meditation Centres, worldwide Vipassana meditation centres are located all over the world, and offer 10-day meditation courses for people looking to purify their minds and dissolve any pain and suffering in their life. A non-religious retreat, Vipassana is a practical technique and the courses cover the bare minimum needed to introduce the meditation practice into your everyday life. You leave techy gadgets, books, pens or reading materials at the door, and must commit to noble silence - no eye contact or speech to any other meditators throughout the entire course. Accommodations are basic but comfortable, and delicious vegetarian food is served throughout the course, all on a voluntarily donation basis. At the end of the retreat you will feel completely rejuvenated and have a life-long tool for everlasting happiness.