Inside Shanti Som Wellbeing Retreat: One of Marbella’s Best Wellness Retreats

Just 15 minutes from Marbella yet completely immersed in nature, Shanti Som Wellbeing Retreat feels like a world away from the energy of the Costa del Sol.

Set within the protected Sierra de las Nieves Nature Park and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this boutique wellness retreat has become one of southern Spain’s most peaceful escapes for yoga, detox programmes and holistic wellbeing.

Unlike traditional spa hotels, Shanti Som is designed for deeper stays and structured wellness journeys — helping guests slow down, reset and reconnect through movement, nutrition and rest.

For many visitors, it’s less of a holiday and more of a full lifestyle pause.

Where is Shanti Som Located?

Shanti Som is located in the hills just outside Marbella, around 45 minutes from Málaga Airport.

The journey itself feels like a transition. A quiet country road winds through pine forest and greenery, gradually pulling you away from the coast and into a more secluded natural setting.

Just before arrival, guests pass a small natural spring flowing beneath the entrance road — a simple but memorable detail that reflects the retreat’s connection to nature and calm living.

First Impressions: A Boutique Retreat Designed for Calm

From the moment you arrive, the atmosphere at Shanti Som Wellbeing Retreat is intentionally slow and welcoming.

The property has been carefully designed using natural materials and Feng Shui principles, blending Balinese-inspired architecture with soft Asian influences. Wooden beams, Buddha statues and open-air spaces create a calm, grounded environment, centred around a bright and spacious yoga shala.

With only 14 rooms, the retreat feels intimate and personal. Guests are often welcomed like family, reinforcing the property’s philosophy of connection, simplicity and relaxation.

Most stays range from 5 to 7 nights, although flexible programmes allow both shorter and extended wellness visits.

What is the Wellness Experience Like?

Shanti Som Wellbeing Retreat is known for its personalised wellness programmes, which typically include detox, yoga, fitness and weight management plans tailored to each guest.

This is not a one-size-fits-all spa experience. Instead, guests receive a structured daily schedule designed around their individual goals — whether that is stress reduction, physical recovery or general wellbeing.

A typical stay may include morning yoga, personalised treatments and time for rest or light activity, creating a balanced rhythm throughout the day.

The retreat is especially popular among guests from the UK, Netherlands and Belgium, many of whom visit for a short wellness reset or post-burnout recovery break.

Rooms: Simple, Spacious and Peaceful

Each room at Shanti Som carries its own name — such as Love, Knowledge, Wellness and Enlightenment — reinforcing the retreat’s mindful philosophy.

Rooms are spacious and designed for rest, featuring neutral tones, natural textures and large private balconies overlooking the surrounding mountains.

The “Love” room, for example, includes a comfortable double bed, a generous terrace with panoramic views and a calming minimalist design.

Bathrooms feature walk-in showers and RITUALS amenities, while herbal teas, bottled water and daily housekeeping ensure a comfortable and relaxed stay.

Wellness Treatments and Holistic Therapies

One of the highlights of Shanti Som Wellbeing Retreat is its holistic approach to wellbeing, combining traditional spa treatments with alternative healing therapies.

Alongside classic massages, facials and body treatments, guests can also experience Reiki healing, kinesiology and soul readings.

A standout treatment is the back and shoulder massage, known for effectively releasing built-up tension in just 30 minutes.

Other popular treatments include:

• Lomi Lomi Hawaiian massage
• Aromatherapy facials
• Hydradermie treatments
• Lemon & ginger full-body scrub

For deeper relaxation, guests can also use the sauna and steam room, often following yoga or gym sessions.

Outdoor activities such as hiking and horse riding are also available for those wanting to explore the surrounding natural landscape.

Yoga, Movement and Fitness

Movement is an essential part of the retreat experience.

Two yoga classes are offered daily — typically at 8:30am and 5:30pm — held in a bright studio equipped with mats, props and natural light.

Classes follow Vinyasa or Hatha flow styles and are adapted to suit all levels, from beginners to experienced practitioners.

The on-site gym is compact but functional, featuring a treadmill, stationary bike, power plate and multi-use strength equipment. It is open daily from 11am to 7pm.

Dining: Healthy Asian-Fusion Cuisine

The restaurant at Shanti Som Wellbeing Retreat serves Asian-fusion cuisine designed to support balance and wellbeing.

Breakfast is served from 9:00–10:30am and includes a continental buffet with fresh fruit, pastries, teas, coffee and juices.

Lunch (1:30–4:00pm) and dinner (from 7:30pm) follow a structured menu format with starter, main and dessert options, alongside drinks.

Dishes are simple, nourishing and flavour-focused, including soups, salads and wok-style meals.

A thoughtful detail is the “solo travellers’ table”, designed to encourage connection for guests dining alone without pressure or formality.

Who Is Shanti Som Best For?

Shanti Som Wellbeing Retreat is ideal for travellers looking to step away from busy routines and focus on rest, recovery and personal wellbeing.

It is particularly suited to:

• Wellness travellers seeking detox or yoga programmes
• Solo travellers wanting a calm, supportive environment
• Guests recovering from stress or burnout
• Visitors looking for a short restorative escape near Marbella

With flexible stays, tailored programmes and a peaceful natural setting, Shanti Som offers a structured yet gentle approach to wellbeing.

Most guests leave feeling more balanced, rested and mentally refreshed — carrying that sense of calm long after their stay ends.

https://www.shantisom.com/en/