Shanti Som

Visited Shanti Som with a friend. From the minute we arrived the staff couldn’t do enough for us. They quickly learn your name and call you by your first names throughout your stay. The rooms were amazing. We had booked separate rooms and were fortunate to stay in the deluxe rooms. The food was amazing. I am sure I actually put on weight!! It was so nice to be able to sit outside to eat all your meals in a courtyard setting with plenty of shade provided. We had booked the relaxation retreat so had yoga and meditation on a daily basis. I was nervous before hand due to my limited yoga experience however there was all abilities in each class and there was no pressure or judgement. The instructors gave alternative poses ranging in difficulty to incorporate everyone. I had a deep tissue massage which was amazing and very thorough!! The massage therapist checked throughout to ensure the level of pressure was suitable. I also had a facial which again was lovely. My friend had two treatments and loved them both. The pool area was small but sufficient and set within the grounds so was very peaceful. Rather than singling out individual staff members I would say to the management that all the staff I experienced were fantastic. We had an amazing stay and are already planning a return visit in 2025.

I’ve just returned home feeling properly zen after trying out the mens spa package, which for me was a deep tissue massage from Irene followed by a mens facial. Feel amazing, properly relaxed and restored. Highly recommend! Also had lunch which was delicious and very restful in the courtyard. Los of other solo dinners, as well as couples and a few small groups, very relaxing after my treatments.

I spent 4 wonderful days here celebrating a friends significant birthday. From the minute we arrived, we experienced excellent service. The decor was both calming and beautiful, the food was delicious and the general atmosphere was very calming. We joined approx 3 classes per day (yoga and pliates) and felt wonderful by the end of our trip. We will definitely return.

Perfect place to retreat in scenic surroundings. It’s in a secluded location so all you can hear is the sounds of nature. Yoga, Pilates, meditation and sound healing were all fantastic as was the massage. Spa was wonderful with plenty of indoor and outdoor relaxation areas with views of tropical greenery. I travelled alone as did many others but as there are only 14 rooms it felt like being welcomed into the Shanti family. Thank you- will definitely be back

I've just returned fro Shanti-Som and I had the most awesome holiday. The Retreat is an amazing place. It's so beautiful, so peaceful, perfect in every way. I was a little concerned when I saw the previous reviews, but fortunately I wasn't put off (Laura at Health and Fitness Travel assured me she'd spoken to the venue and all was okay). My holiday started well with an efficient private transfer, a tour of the property and a welcome drink. The staff are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable and all speak good English. There was a small amount of maintenance going on (mostly painting) but it didn't detract from my holiday. No sign of any damp (weather was hot and sunny the whole time, maybe that's why). My room was lovely: big, comfortable bed, my own private terrace area with sunbeds, chairs and a table, luxurious bathroom with plenty of space and fluffy towels. Blackout curtains, not to mention peace and quiet, meant I slept really well. It could be a little dark in the room in the early morning and late afternoon/evening, but there was plenty of lighting - the standard lamp could be moved around. The food is of a high standard with good vegetarian options. Portions are generous (unless you're on the weigh loss programme - naturally!) Drinks aren't included, but even so, you can get juice, tea and coffee with breakfast; infusions at any time and you have your own good quality water bottle to refill. Plus a kettle in the room. The bar has a nice choice of wines and spirits (not a ridiculous amount - this is a wellbeing resort not an all inclusive booze binge, after all!) I was on the relaxation programme, with yoga and meditation. The classes were challenging and I learned a lot. The teachers were excellent, always checking in with how we felt and giving useful tips. I also paid extra for a massage and a foot treatment. The practitioners were skillful and made me feel amazing. Well worth the price (which was very reasonable and better value than ones I've had in the UK). The gym has a good range of equipment given how small the property is, and the pool is heavenly - heated so you can swim even in the cooler months. I felt very welcome as a solo visitor. Having a shared table at dinner was a nice touch. I'm so glad I chose this Retreat. NB: This is a Wellbeing Retreat. It's not an All Inclusive Resort. Read the Retreat information before booking so you know what is/isn't included. And don't forget to research what the climate/countryside is like in Southern Spain. It doesn't rain much and the surrounding woodland is very dry. If you want lush greenery, go somewhere rainy!

Wholly disappointing. First impressions were encouraging however all became obvious when moving around the property. The room was dull and the entirely unsuitable for 3 people sharing with a bathroom where the loo had no door. The yoga class we attended was very basic and boring. The spa was a whole new level of awful. Dirty, tired and unloved with an obvious damp issue the builders were actually on site during our stay. The treatment room was cramped and damp. The studio was small for the number of guests. The only pleasant spaces were the upstairs lounge and yoga shala if you were prepared disrupt your zen experience with a view of the electricity piling in the garden. Perhaps most disappointing was my attempts to speak to the manager Tatiana who was too busy to respond. I hope I’ll be able to save someone else the disappointment and cost.

Shanti Som was an extremely disappointing experience. The staff at the retreat were ill equipped to really help with any advice about nutrition, diet, or treatments but most concerning was the very serious damp issue they had in their basement during my visit which made the spa area really quite miserable with poky and smelly treatment rooms feeling dank and dirty and the sauna and steam room being less than inviting. There were also builders on site which make an already dingy spa feel even more unwelcoming.

Wish I’d read Jackie’s review earlier instead of listen to Joanna at The Wellness Holiday.Boutique. Hope this saves someone else a lot of money and upset. We visited Shanti Som, Marbella and left the same day. The entire spa smelt dank and they clearly have a very serious damp issue despite attempts by the management to suggest it was a temporary burst water pipe. The spa was dirty and part occupied by builders - a health and safety issue. The upstairs and food seemed nice having but frankly as a wellness destination where we were told we’d be able to relax and revive ourselves it was seriously lacking any real health benefits and not a place anyone should go if they are in need of a reset and boost!

While visiting Andalusia, I decided to try Shanti Som for a rest and retreat. It exceeded my expectations. The staff is lovely. It is an ideal place to go for the solo traveler. I could have been free to enjoy solitude, but I met some of the nicest people I ever had the pleasure of meeting over a 3-day period at the shared dinner and lunch table. It is a place that draws out the best. The food, the massages are wonderful. The walks (which are an "extra") are well worth it.