To celebrate the SHA Wellness Clinic’s 15 years of wellness, Rachel O’Hare took a trip to the company’s flagship clinic on Albir Bay

“Prevention is better than cure” wrote the Dutch philosopher Erasmus 600 years ago. Today lifestyle is a major contributory factor to illness, and it is estimated that more than 70 % of diseases could be prevented through change in lifestyle. As we grow older as a population it’s increasingly important to put measures in place so that our quality of life is not affected in the last third of our lives.

Having experienced a stressful month, I visited SHA Wellness at the end of June with an old school friend. The centre had come up in many conversations and the hope of losing a few pounds in the run up to Summer appealed. I obviously realised I was not going on a typical girls holiday and knew as well as no alcohol, meals would be calorie controlled and zero caffeine. Prior to our visit we were encouraged to download the SHA app and view the range of activities on offer. We were given our itineraries in advance of our stay and encouraged to eat healthily to maximise our experience. Post visit guests are also encouraged to access their E health platform which provides guests online access to the clinics experts to enable them to carry on their wellbeing journeys.

Its flagship clinic is located on the Albir Bay next to the Sierra Helada Natural Park; there are wonderful trails that guests are encouraged to enjoy. The area enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year and so is perfect for enjoying outdoor activities all year round. Its approach takes influences from both Mediterranean and Japanese cultures who experience the longest lifespan.

We arrived from Alicante airport having had transfers organised by the clinic and were immediately impressed with the clinic’s sleek modern architecture and clean lines. The clinic is state of the art. SHA adopts an integrative approach and incorporates new technologies and experts at the forefront of their field. SHA are global leaders when it comes to brain health, preventative diagnosis, regenerative medicine, anti-ageing medicine and nutrition. The founder, Alfredo Bataller Parietti, credits his own health journey for the creation of SHA. When suffering from digestive problems for over 30 years and receiving a worrying diagnosis a doctor specialising in integrative medicine cured him in just 30 days.

SHA promises a life changing experience and out of every 100 people to visit SHA 53 have visited before. For first time visitors to SHA it is recommended a health programme in line with ones personal goals.

I opted for a four day Rebalance and Energise programme. My friend opted for the weeklong programme. The itinerary is full and does not allow for much down time. The app helpfully reminds you of your schedule and gives reminders throughout your day.

The programme starts with a bioenergetic assessment, full medical and cardiology consultation to gather a full picture of your health. Guests also receive an in-depth neurocognitive consultation to assess current level of brain function. Based on these assessments guests undergo cutting edge neurocognitive stimulation treatments. My score was decidedly below average but hoped would improve from benefiting the ozone therapy and holistic treatments and natural therapies on offer. Body fat analysis is also carried out by state-of-the-art machines. I was told to gain more muscle as this would be beneficial in later life to me and help to prevent conditions such as osteoporosis.

The range of professionals that can be accessed offer the best in advice. Dr Mera particularly stood out with his expertise on anti-ageing and hormone issues. Marina Domene, the nutritionist, also helped with diet plans and supplements. I was advised to take three additional supplements formulated by SHA and available in the clinic’s own shop: the sleep and relax, omega 3 krill and resilience supplements. Top brain foods recommended to me included green, leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds, fermented foods including miso and sauerkraut and fatty fish. Dark chocolate as an occasional treat at 70% cocoa content.

The food, in contrast to many European wellness clinics, does not seem too restrictive. I did experience headaches as naturally you are detoxing from caffeine, carbohydrates and sugar. The presentation is exceptional. The food after two days seems energy boosting and is all organic and locally produced. After two days a visible difference could be seen in our skin and eyes and energy levels and sleep improved. Miso soup is given at mealtimes and preferably no water. As well as shots of cider vinegar pre lunch and dinner we were given Daikon tea made from a purifying Japanese radish. It has a cooling effect and is anti-inflammatory. Daikon itself is highly nutritious, containing phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C and potassium. Three menus are on offer: the SHA menu, bio light or the Kushi diet which is designed for weight loss based around 700/800 calories. Extra protein normally fish can be requested.

Treatments range from colonics, cryotherapy, lymphatic drainage massage, cupping, acupuncture and shiatsu. My friend experienced the corporal icone cellulite machine and was impressed with the results. A standout treatment we both experienced was the hydro energetic detox. This consisted of a hydrotherapy bath with essential oils and salts followed by a heated algae wrap and finished with a hosing of cold water. There is a designated hydrotherapy spa area and sauna area for guests to enjoy. Guests can use cold water plunge pools and traditional saunas in between treatments or pre-dinner.

For guests who wish to maintain their physical exercise group training, private training, hikes, padel and 1-2-1 pilates either mat or reformer pilates can be arranged by Guest Relations. I had 2 reformer pilates sessions with Luiz who had trained in pilates for over 30 years. He assessed me and gave me a range of new exercises to incorporate into my training.

The Leader’s Performance Programme is a specially devised programme for CEOs and aims to reduce burn out,reset and focus busy individuals. Many guests travel individually to SHA and it provides a space to escape the hectic pace of life they experience.

SHA has recently introduced Advanced Cellular Regeneration Therapy for those seeking a solution to extreme exhaustion with no specific cause, beneficial to women experiencing menopause, those suffering from ulcers, skin lesions, long covid or chronic bacterial infections. SHA has also introduced a new Sexual Health unit which is built on the philosophy that sexual wellness is part of overall wellness and overall wellness can affect sexual wellness.

SHA also has impressive expansion plans. Mexico has opened in Isla Mujeres and is the first medical spa destination to launch in Latin America. SHA Emirates at Al Jurf will open by 2025. Both new destinations will include real estate with fully serviced private residences marking a new concept in long term investments into health and wellbeing.

SHA really is leading the way in wellness and the facilities on offer are state of the art. We left feeling energised and refreshed and ready to tackle ongoing challenges.

shawellness.com

Instagram: @shawellness

Facebook: SHA

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