Holistic Weight Loss & Wellness Retreat in Marbella's Sierra de las Nieves

The retreat is built around the idea that weight loss should be a side effect of a healthier lifestyle, not the result of deprivation. On day one, you have a wellness consultation and a fitness consultation to set goals. From there, each day mixes two or three structured exercise sessions — things like power yoga, circuit training, or Pilates in the morning — with nutritional education and a spa treatment. Afternoons are lighter: guided hikes into the surrounding hills, swimming, or stretching.

What makes this different from a typical weight loss bootcamp is the emphasis on food and nutrition. You meet with the on-site nutritionist twice during your stay, get a personalised health plan, and learn how to cook and eat in a way that doesn't feel like a diet. The meals are prepared by chefs using whole ingredients, and they're calorie-controlled but designed to be flavourful and filling. There's also a cooking demonstration and a workshop on nutrition, so you leave with practical skills, not just a set of rules.

The property itself plays a big part. Shanti-Som was inspired by a trip to Bali, and the architecture and gardens reflect that — it's meant to feel like Asia without the 12-hour flight. Everything is understated and relaxed. The staff are a mix of yoga teachers, fitness coaches, holistic therapists, and hospitality people, and the reviews consistently mention feeling cared for and at ease. Guests also talk about the food being surprisingly good for 'diet' food, and the sound bath being one of the best they've had.

The retreat is all-inclusive, meaning accommodation, meals (excluding beverages), daily yoga, meditation and training, spa treatments, and the consultations are all covered. There are no hidden extras or supplements to buy. The minimum stay is five nights, with the option to stay longer; seven to ten nights are recommended for more significant metabolic changes, and fourteen nights or more for the most sustainable results.

What's included

- 5 nights accommodation - 3 daily meals plus snacks (beverages excluded) - Unlimited tea and infusions - Daily group yoga - Daily group meditation - Daily group training - 1 health check - 1 fitness consultation - 2 nutritional consultations - 1 personalised health plan - 1 spa treatment (60 minutes) - Group hike - Shanti-Som gift

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional treatments - Additional activities not in the itinerary - Beverages (alcohol, soft drinks, etc.)