Our Review of Shanti Som: A Tranquil Wellness Retreat in Spain

Tucked away in the peaceful Sierra de las Nieves National Park in southern Spain, Shanti Som Wellbeing Retreat is a boutique sanctuary that feels like a world away from everyday life. I booked myself in for a 3-night Pilates retreat after a hectic start to the year, craving space to breathe, move, and clear my head. What I found was so much more than just a retreat - it was a heartfelt reminder of how good it feels to slow down and reconnect with yourself.

First Impressions: Stepping into Stillness

As I made my way down the forested path toward Shanti Som, a majestic Buddha statue greeted me at the entrance. It felt like a symbolic gateway into calm. Once inside, I was instantly transported - though I was in Andalucia, the Balinese-inspired design, with thatched roofs, carved wood, and serene Zen gardens, created the feeling of a tranquil retreat in South-East Asia.

Alicia, the lovely hotel manager, welcomed me with a fresh juice and shared that the retreat was designed using Feng Shui principles, meant to promote balance and flow. It certainly worked - I felt calmer just walking the grounds. Every corner is thoughtfully created for peace, whether it’s the heated pool, tropical gardens, or cosy firelit lounges.

But what really stood out was the warmth of the team. Nearly every staff member introduced themselves by name and made an effort to connect. As a solo traveller, this made me feel completely at ease. It wasn’t long before I started chatting with other guests—including one gentleman in his 80s who’s been coming here twice a year for the last decade!

My Room: Comfort and Calm

My Mountain View Room was simple, elegant, and full of thoughtful details, from the diffuser scenting the room with jasmine and tuberose (which I later bought from the boutique!) to the soft neutral palette and natural materials that created an immediate sense of stillness. The bed was heavenly, the blackout curtains a dream, and the Rituals toiletries added a lovely touch of luxury.

The terrace, complete with a daybed, overlooked the Sierra de las Nieves mountains, and I found myself pausing there often, soaking up the quiet. With just 15 rooms at the retreat, there’s a lovely sense of intimacy and privacy. If you can, I’d highly recommend upgrading to a mountain view - it’s well worth it.

Dining at Shanti Som Wellbeing Retreat

Meals at Shanti Som are light, fresh, and beautifully presented. Breakfast was a wholesome continental spread with homemade granola, jam, fruits, and fresh bread, while lunch and dinner were three-course affairs with a Mediterranean-Asian twist. I especially loved the Tom Kha Soup, Beetroot Carpaccio, and fragrant Thai Curry - each dish was a treat for both my body and palate.

There’s also a great juice and smoothie menu, plus wine and beer for those who fancy it. One of my favourite touches? The communal dining table. As a solo guest, it gave me the option to share meals and stories with others, while still having the freedom to dine alone when I wanted quiet time.

My Pilates Retreat & Wellness Experience 

I joined the Pilates retreat but also took part in daily yoga and meditation sessions—there’s a relaxed structure here that lets you mix and match depending on how you’re feeling.

Pilates with Personality

Javier, the Pilates instructor, brought great energy to each session. My mat Pilates classes were accessible and adaptable, while my private reformer Pilates session was upbeat, with Madonna playing in the background and Javier singing words of encouragement as I worked through the moves. It was both fun and challenging - a great combination

Yoga and Mindfulness

Morning Hatha Flow yoga with Nathalie helped me slow down and connect inward. Her gentle, thoughtful teaching style, honed over 12 years at the retreat, made every class feel like a meditation. The Yoga Nidra and sound healing session in particular was deeply calming and the perfect way to release lingering stress.

Holistic Spa Treatments

My deep tissue massage with Beatrice was one of the best I’ve had - targeted, effective, and incredibly relaxing. The spa menu offers a great mix of treatments, from facials to energy healing. Since there are only four treatment rooms, I’d suggest pre-booking to avoid missing out. There’s also a steam room and sauna, which are lovely for winding down before dinner.

Who's Shanti Som Wellbeing Retreat for?

Shanti Som is ideal if you're looking for:

• A peaceful wellness retreat in Andalucia

• A supportive setting for solo wellness travel

• A focused programme like Pilates, yoga, or detox

• Space to rest, reflect, and reset
  

During my stay, I met solo guests, couples, and friends - all seeking something similar: time to tune out the noise and prioritise their wellbeing. Whether you're coming to heal, recharge, or simply breathe, Shanti Som offers the kind of calm that stays with you long after you leave.

Final Thoughts

My 3-night stay at Shanti Som gave me exactly what I needed: space, warmth, and a gentle nudge back to myself. The mountain views, heartfelt hospitality, nourishing food, and empowering classes made it one of the most memorable short breaks I’ve taken. Next time, I’ll stay longer.

If you're interested in booking your next wellbeing escape to Shanti Som Wellbeing Retreat, enquire here or call to speak to one of our wellness specialists on +44(0) 203 886 0082.