overview
Shaanti Holistic Health Retreat is a small boutique health retreat on the south-east coast of Kenya, near the border with Tanzania. Wildlife watchers fresh from safari can now combine exploration of the natural world with a healthy dose of wellbeing at this gorgeous little haven of peace on the shores of the Indian Ocean.
The word ‘Shaanti’ is Sanskrit for peace and the hotel certainly lives up to its name. Wake up to the sunrise and relax in your private ocean-front veranda bordering luscious green lawns and coral fringed beaches; and at night keep your doors open and be lulled to sleep by the rhythmic pulse of the ocean waves, snug within the mosquito net draped over your large double bed.
There's a full yoga programme on offer at Shaanti but how much or how little you participate is completely up to you. At Shaanti wellbeing is about chilling out, however you do it.
The day kicks off with meditation at 7am followed by morning yoga on the sunrise yoga terrace. Punctuated by fresh juices, vegetarian meals and massages, there are two classes a day and pranayama (breath work) too, ending with yoga at 7pm as the African sun sets on the shimmering horizon. The Shaanti yoga therapist is a master of many different forms of yoga and can take classes with those that have been practicing for years and those that are completely new to it all, with the same patience and experience.
Shaanti is small with only eight beachfront bungalows converted from 1930s cottages. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms with double sinks and showers, supplied with the resort's own products, and for a more luxurious bathing experience, two baths sunk into the edge of the beach are filled with bubble bath at night, and an ocean-front Jacuzzi and steam room are open 24 hours a day to conquer lingering aches.
When you check in you are assigned with your personal 'Peace Guide' who will arrange everything for you, from snorkeling and diving days to shopping trips. Meditation classes are also available to help guests to still the mind, and the soul. There is moving meditation, candle gazing meditation, chanting meditation and many more. The spa at Shaanti offers a menu of massages, reflexology and other treatments, which include outdoor mud wraps and even a floatation tank.
The food is vegetarian with a buffet breakfast and set menus of Indian, European or Chinese dishes. Each meal is not only nutritionally spot-on but tailored to the guest’s personal preferences, and it is truly scrumptious! Squeezed juices replace alcohol at the health retreat, though there is sparkling grape juice for a pretend fix of fizz.
Anyone staying at Shaanti for more than a few days will cultivate their creativity, intuition and healing potential and leave feeling completely relaxed and fully revitalised!