About Us

An abandoned and run down farmhouse from 1868 has been converted to a wellness haven.

Moncarapacho is a rural area a few miles inland near the regional capital of Faro. It is located in the Eastern Algarve nestled between the coast and the mountains. Its history dates back to 1368 which you can learn more about in the local museum. When walking on its white cobblestone roads called calçada, it feels like you have been transported back in time to the 1950’s. Although a tranquil destination, you are only 20 minutes from the vibrant, bustling city of Faro and of course, Faro airport. A short 10 minute drive takes you to the time lost beach village of Fuseta. It is an active stress-free working village with locals sitting outside the “pastelería” sipping coffee or older men drinking beer.

Our Mission Statement

‘Shanti’ means inner peace. A state of mental, physical, and spiritual bliss that leads to serenity and calmness, enabling clear perception. At Shanti-Som Wellbeing Retreat, we aim to inspire and guide our guests towards the path of achieving ‘Shanti’ and regain inner balance with our holistic retreats focused on health and happiness through a natural approach and authentic experiences.

Guided and inspired by traditional Balinese Philosophies, we aim to share their inclusive, universal way of life, which nurtures harmony with spirit, the environment, and one another.

We strive to be approachable and to always be truthfully sincere. We also aim to have a dedicated passion for our work, to respect others irrespective of age, race, and/or religion, to have the courage to embrace change, and to deliver exceptional and exemplary service 24/7 to everyone who walks through our doors.

What is a Wellness Retreat

By definition, a wellbeing retreat is travel for the purpose of promoting health and wellbeing through physical, psychological or spiritual activities.

A Wellness Retreat program is likely the most rewarding gift you will ever give yourself. It is essentially a chance to get away from the busyness of every day life and focus solely on yourself.  It’s a great alternative to a regular holiday break as you can truly unplug, harmonize your body and mental wellbeing and get your natural rhythm back on track.

Why go on a Wellness Retreat

You may want to consider choosing a Wellness Retreat over a conventional ‘sight seeing’ holiday if you find yourself thinking any one of the following:

  • I’m tired and feel lethargic all the time
  • I feel stuck in my life
  • I want to get into shape and have more energy
  • I need inspiration and want to find my passion
  • I am completely stressed and overwhelmed
  • I need some space but can never get alone time
  • I don’t have direction or purpose in life.

Our Hotel Design

Shanti-Som brings together the elements of Balinese spirit and architecture within the Oriental gardens and curated artwork.

Rather than building a large flashy complex, the owner wanted to create an intimate setting. This is to ensure that the guests won’t feel self-conscious or intimidated in any way during their stay. With this in mind, the property was built with just 15 guest rooms. And since the owner has a love of nature, there is an expansive oriental garden with buddha statues.  Not to mention, there are waterfall features and a Balinese Yoga pavilion in the place. This pavilion uses the same principles of Balinese spiritual architecture, which is to create a sacred place that is in line with harmonious and balanced energy. This is of importance in the philosophy ‘Tri Hats Karana’- creating harmony and balance with human, nature, and gods.

luxury hotel Marbella

The Shanti-Som Wellbeing Retreat Team

Ultimately, what we think makes our Retreat so special is the staff. They are the ones who create an authentic and truly transformative experience.

At Shanti-Som, we spend time getting to know our customers before they arrive. This is important so we can design a program that caters to their specific needs. Whilst everyone is different, from dietary requirements to physical fitness levels and emotional health, we have one universal goal and that is to help develop a positive mindset by equipping them with sustainable habits that can be incorporated into everyday life with ease.

All our staff, including Wellness coaches and trainers, are professionally experienced to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

hotel team spain

FAQ

Shanti-Som Wellbeing Retreat is in the beautiful Andalucia region of Spain. It is nestled in the midst of nature that is surrounded by the Sierra de las Nieves Nature Park and Biosphere Reserve. 

Found in charming Monda, our Retreat is located just 40 minutes drive from Malaga airport and 10 minutes from trendy Marbella. The initial intention of the Shanti-Som Wellbeing Retreat was to create a peaceful haven, away from the usual tourist jaunts, and to provide a slice of Asia that is easily accessible within Europe.

Our Retreats start on the day of your arrival! This makes your Retreat Program completely personalised. When you arrive at Shanti-Som, we will provide you with your own schedule of activities. You will have a mix of group classes and individualised services – it’s the perfect combination to feel a part of a Retreat whilst also focusing on yourself.

Each program is created with specific goals in mind- fitness, weight loss, detox or relaxation. As such the number of inclusions reflects what we believe is the perfect balance of activity and personal time.

We have indicated a minimum number of days for each retreat in order to get the best out of the program, but from there it is up to you or you can follow our suggested program.

We want all our guests to get the most out of their stay with us at Shanti-Som so are happy to customise a Bespoke Retreat to suit your needs. Before arriving at Shanti-Som we would be happy to put together a personalised plan for you.

We are a residential health retreat combining holistic wellness with state of the art facilities including outdoor heated pool, spa, sauna, Turkish steam bath and gym facilities. Our specialists in Yoga and Pilates provide inspiring daily classes and we also have  Personal Training, Meditation, life coaching and nutritional guidance. As we are located in a Natural Park you can also enjoy hiking or simply indulge in one of our many spa treatments.

Our Retreat is amongst nature in the hills and rural mountains of the Spanish countryside, and we think it helps bring a rustic authenticity to the overall experience. Being amongst nature in the wilderness brings a sense of peace and tranquillity where we can remove our ‘social armour’ and simply just be.

At Shanti-Som we have daily group hikes which is a key feature of our location. Andalusia meets all the requirements and offers the best conditions for hiking. The fantastic climate and stunning natural spaces and the great diversity of landscapes together create the best conditions for enjoying nature and hiking.

Upon arrival our Wellness Team will discuss your personalised goals and provide you with a suggested itinerary. Your day is not jam packed with back to back activities. Rather our retreat programs are designed to give you flexibility and maximum opportunity to enjoy and learn on your pace and at your time. You may choose a Yoga class in the outdoor pavilion, a vigorous workout with our Fitness Trainers, or a stimulating hike through the Andalucía hills followed by time to write and reflect by the outdoor pool. The opportunities are there so you can choose what matters most to you without any stress on how to fill your days.

All Retreat packages are inclusive of food. Depending on the Retreat we have different options such as weight loss menu, detox broths and juices and a selection from our Asian fusion menu.

Food is an important aspect of our daily lives, and although health is our focus, we don’t compromise on taste or heartiness. So, our restaurant aims to capture robust, honest flavours of the East and West. Guests will be transported to sun-soaked Bali, Vietnam and Thailand with delicious mezze platters, fresh salads, specialities from our Asian Wok and flavourful curries. For those on our Detox or Weight Loss programs, we have special menus created by our Nutritional expert that are perfectly balanced for our daily dietary requirements and also delicious.

We offer our Relaxation Retreat which has a minimum stay of 1 night. All our other Retreat programs have a minimum 3 night stay.

Our Half Day or Full Day Retreat is available for those who prefer not to stay overnight.

Kindly be advised that our Retreat is recommended only for adults (+18) to maintain our guest privacy and our focus on holistic wellbeing and relaxation.

The price per night is specified on each Retreat page in the program table. Prices are inclusive of all activities, food and accommodation.

Please note prices change according to your preferences – single / double occupancy or room type (double room / junior suite). If you book online, prices will automatically update for you.

Reservations can be made directly with us online.

  1. Choose the Retreat of your choice and go to that page on our website.
  2. Click the Book Now button.
  3. Select the number of adults (single or double occupancy).
  4. Select the dates of your retreat.
  5. Choose your room type: Standard, Standard with mountain view, Deluxe, or Junior Suite.
  6. Proceed to payment.

If you prefer to speak with the Reception department to make a reservation, you can call us at +34 952 864 455, email us at reservations@shantisom.com, or chat with us online.

Yes, we are very happy to welcome you to enjoy our restaurant. We offer half and full day spa programs where you can enjoy yoga, lunch, spa treatment and use of hotel facilities. Bookings are essential so please contact us.

Yes! Many of our return guests choose to come alone as it is their private sanctuary away. A ‘second home’ if you will. You may feel uneasy at first, but the staff and calm environment will quickly make you at ease.  In our restaurant we have a ‘shared community table’ for any guests who would like to dine with others. A lot of people end up finding new connections and friendships during their stay, and return together for their next Retreat.

The beauty of Shanti-Som is that everyone is welcome and can feel comfortable whether you be- any gender, solo or a couple, fit or unit, experienced Yogi or beginner. Whatever your situation or experience, it is wholly accepted and welcome once you step into our doors.

  • Cancellations made 30 days prior to arrival: 100% of the payment will be refunded.
  • Cancellations made 15 days prior to arrival: 50% of the payment will be refunded.
  • Cancellation made less than 15 days prior to arrival or no-show: no refund.

Located in charming Monda, our Retreat is located just 40 minutes drive from Malaga airport.

Our location is well hidden in a unique enclave of forest which is not near public transport, so we suggest hiring a car or taking a taxi. There is an open air car park on site which is free of charge and no reservation is required.

We would be happy to arrange airport transfers at an additional charge of 85 Euros one way. Please contact us to prior to your arrival to confirm your request.

Around Malaga and the Andalucia region, there is so much stunning beauty and history to soak in. Seville is a popular and must-see destination, but our favourite place is one of Spain’s oldest and most charming towns called Ronda. It’s been inhabited by Romans and Moors, and you can feel history all around you in its cobbled streets, old mansions and stone churches. The town is perched precariously on top of a cliff with views of rolling hills and Andalusia’s white villages. The gorgeous view is one you won’t easily forget.

On the way to our hideaway retreat just off the main road to Marbella, we also suggest guests stop at Monda. Steeped in beautiful history and architecture, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Our Reception Team would be happy to arrange transfers and make suggestions for some day trips in the region.

    Get in touch (Algarve)

    If you have any questions which are not answered on our website, please contact us using the Contact Form here or send an email. We are here to help!

    Email

    reservations@shantisom.com

    Telephone

    +34 952 864 455

    Whatsapp

    +34 616 488 235