Stepping into SHA Wellness Clinic in Spain was like entering a sanctuary of rejuvenation and holistic wellness. Nestled in the serene beauty of the Sierra Helada Natural Park and enjoying a splendid climate with 330 days of sunshine each year, SHA Wellness Clinic offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a deeply transformative experiences.
SHA was born as a result of the personal experience of the owner, who after suffering from health problems for more than thirty years, recovered his quality of life thanks to a focus on diet and natural therapies, combined with the latest advances in western medicine. SHA has been in existence for 15 years, sharing this fouding philosophy with their lucky guests.
I arrived into Alicante train station after an easy two and a half hour train ride from Madrid. Guests an also fly into Alicante or Valencia airports.
At that particular moment, there was nothing more I needed in the world for my mental and physical self was to check into the SHA for a transformative week of laser-beam focus on every inch of my well-being.
Nutrition
Luckily my very first activity was lunch and I was warmly greeted by the restaurant manager, Kevin, who seemed to know everything about me including which menu I had been prescribed for my stay.
I had signed up for the Detox and Optimal Weight program and was assigned a combination of the BioLight and the Kushi menus, both exquisite! Lets just say that every meal was a treat and so intentionally chosen to thoroughly nourish the human body.
The SHA philosophy places a strong emphasis on longevity – living longer, better. Expert chefs and nutritionists created the menus, based on natural and organic products that not only satisfied the palate but also enhanced overall health and well-being. I gained a great deal of knowledge about the value of mindful eating and how to apply these techniques to my everyday life. Whoever said “you are what you eat” really had it right!
Each guest is prescribed a different menu and even though I shared a table at lunch and dinner with my travel companion, we each had a different prescribed menu. Below is an example of mine –
The program does not end when you depart SHA in fact my nutritionist sent me a follow up program of which foods I ought to be eating, the benefits and how to incorporate them into my weekly shopping and cooking plan.
Some of my biggest take a ways: Miso soup every morning for breakfast, the importance of fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, and olives in our daily diet, so many tiny seeds pack a great deal of essential nutrients – put them on everything, some fruits are better than others, ie. even though tropical fruits are my favorite, they ought to be consumed in small quantities.
Breakfast of Champions
Each morning was my favorite time of the day. I woke up with so much vigor, feeling great, having slept soundly, not a trace of alcohol, caffeine, or toxins in my body. Then to start the day with this incredible view, this sunny and crisp Mediterranean climate, and the breakfast of champions – how could it not be a great day?
Programming
One of the standout features of SHA Wellness Clinic is its personalized approach to wellness. My arrival was accompanied by a thorough health evaluation. This comprised a range of diagnostic examinations and discussions with elite health professionals. The outcome was a specially designed curriculum that took into account my individual requirements and objectives, making my journey both special and successful.
Here is a look at a couple of days of my personalized and customized treatment plan and services:
The variety of treatments and therapies at SHA Wellness Clinic is truly impressive. From traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic treatments to cutting-edge regenerative medicine, the range of options is designed to cater to every aspect of well-being. I particularly enjoyed the detox programs and hydrotherapy sessions, which left me feeling refreshed and revitalized.
There is not one approach to wellness at SHA, the programs is complete customized to the guest, your interests and goals, and your needs.
For your first visit you will select a 7 day program from which your entire agenda will be built –
Rebalance: Learn a new lifestyle, improve overall health and continue the learning process when you return home. This is a perfect program for those looking to fully relax and disconnect in an ideal environment. Moreover, you may add a focused pack in this program and then your experience will be fully complete.
Optimal Weight & Detox: This program is perfect for those seeking to achieve an ideal weight in a healthy, progressive and balanced way. Guests are under strict medical supervision, with the help of nutritional consultants and physical trainers. Guests also learn techniques and healthy lifestyle habits that helps them continue treatment at home and prevent rebounding.
Advanced Detox: With this program we seek to purify the body by purifying the liver and digestive system of toxins that have resulted from bad eating habits and external pollutants. We also determine the level of oxidative stress in the body to counteract it by combining different treatments and therapies. Moreover, you may add a focused pack in this program and then your experience will be fully complete.
Optimal Weight and Advanced Detox: This program combines the Detox and Optimal Weight approaches. It aims to achieve an ideal weight in a healthy way while purifying the body. On the one hand, we determine the level of oxidative stress to counteract it through different treatments and therapies. On the other hand, we work on new healthy eating habits to optimise your body’s natural detoxification process to reach the right weight over time.
Healthy Ageing: This program aims to optimise health by delaying or reducing the effects of ageing. First, we determine the guest’s biological age and compare it with their chronological age and the factors that can negatively affect quality of life. Then we combine different therapies, nutrition and medical innovations to achieve the best possible results. Finally, we share the keys to acquiring new healthy habits, improving overall health and prolonging well-being over time.
Leader’s Performance: Aimed towards CEO’s and highly functioning executives, The Leader’s Performance Program is focused on helping you maintain optimal health against a high level of activity, effort and stress, improving your performance and productivity.
Once you are on property at the Clinic there are many a la carte options in endless categories that you can add on to your program:
Which doors you choose to know on are completely up to you but there is nothing I can think of that SHA does not offer
The Facility
The five buildings that make up the SHA Spain has 93 suites of various sizes. The Resort has Zen, Mediterranean and tropical gardens; big indoor and outdoor swimming pools, waterfalls, numerous relaxation areas and a Clinic and Wellness area built on more than 60,000 square feet divided between multiple levels.
There is a complete hydrotherapy circuit with two indoor swimming pools, numerous treatment rooms, a treatment suite for couples, medical rooms and a consultation room, waiting rooms and relaxation areas.
Hydra Therapy and Relaxation
In between my full itinerary of treatments, services, and evaluations, I did manage to pop into the hydra-therapy area multiple times to unwind in hot and cold plunge pools, steam and sauna, swimming in the jet powered pools, and even walking on the reflexology rocks in icy water – all of these were incredibly relaxing and revitalizing and a lovely way to unwind or perk up throughout the day.
The large, open spaces of each building, combined in perfect harmony with the most innovative design, are laid out in the most intuitive and comfortable way to make you really feel at home.
Accommodations
The guest suites are designed with a focus on comfort and relaxation, featuring modern amenities and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding mountains. Each suite is thoughtfully decorated, creating a serene and soothing environment perfect for unwinding after a day of treatments and activities. The spacious layouts, plush bedding, and private balconies adds to the comfort and rejuvenation of the stay.
There are even private villas for those wanting a bit more space and privacy. While children are not allowed at SHA Wellness Clinic, if families wish to have a private villa, adults can visit the clinic for their treatments while kids enjoy the villa facilities –
Fitness
SHA Wellness Clinic emphasizes the importance of mind-body activities and physical activity. I was able to strike the ideal mix of physical activity and mental rest by taking advantage of a variety of fitness courses, yoga practices, and meditation seminars. The breathtaking natural setting made for the perfect backdrop for outdoor pursuits, elevating the whole experience.
Everyone who knows me, knows that I love a great workout and the personal trainers are top notch, knowledgable and fun –
Prescriptions
This may have been one of the most suprising elements of my stay at SHA Wellness Clinic, the amount of natural and homeopathic supplements that are not only available, but prescribed by my Doctors who focused on me and my heath during my stay. Anytime I walked by the shop, the knowledgable team already had a list of items that had been suggested for me should I like to purchase them on site. Everything from sun care, to probiotics, to food products, NADHs, joint health, longevity, hormones, sleep remedies, skin care, the options are endless and of course the are all optional recommendations.
Cooking for Life
I loved the cooking class that taught me how to make some of the beautiful foods I had enjoyed this week at SHA and most importantly I learned how vital this combination of Japanese and Mediterranean foods are to longevity and feeling well.
My time at SHA Wellness Clinic in Spain was nothing short of transformative. The holistic approach, personalized care, and serene environment created an experience that has had a lasting impact on my well-being. Whether you are looking to detox, de-stress, or simply rejuvenate, SHA Wellness Clinic offers an unparalleled journey towards optimal health and wellness.
Who Goes to SHA?
Who is the clientele at SHA? During my visit, observed nearly an even mix of men and women, and literally all ages from 20 somethings to octogenarians. There were many couples enjoying the SHA experience, groups of friends, some families, many solos, and of course I was very happy to share the experience with good friend, Diana. SHA is for people who value wellness, who want to live their life longer and better, and for those that want access to the most cutting edge holistic and scientific approach.
Before and After
There could not have been a greater contrast of how I felt on arrival and the way I felt on departure from SHA after just one week.
The proof is in the pudding so they say….
My energy balance measurements on arrival showed 6 ‘red zones” primarily related to my stress levels, and on my last day, we had gotten that down to 2 areas that were “red zones”…..
I arrived feeling depleted, stressed, and over-indulged from all of the things life throws our way. Like many of us looking to get all we can out of life, I live fast and furiously and keep the candle burning at both ends most days. Sometimes we don’t even know how much we need to stop and re-set our mind, body and routine. SHA Wellness is like no other place I have been. I can’t even begin to list the ways they customize a WELL-LIVING plan. SHA is family owned and it shows in the way guests are made to feel by the team. Well, I didn’t feel so great first few days, but the SHA method worked and I left with renewed vitality, clarity, and positivity and I packed many of the tools to find this euphoria again! The experience does not end when you leave, as the SHA app including all of your reports, labs, and holistic prescriptions remains at your finger prints. I have had a follow up zoom call with my doctor from SHA since my return and I have plans to continue my journey at the newly opened SHA Mexico next year.
SHA Spain and now SHA Mexico are open, with plans to open in the United Arab Emirates in 2025.
If you are interested in more information, “just SHA me” 🙂 as I would love to help. I will be hosting an event to introduce SHA Wellness in Atlanta in November 2024 and I will be escorting a group to SHA Mexico in December 2025, and you may watch for details coming soon here – https://www.resorttolauramadrid.com/groups
