There’s a continuous build-up of buzz around wellness retreats over the past few years: after all, most head out on vacation with the primary aim of escaping from the frenzy of modern living. Wellness however is not just about an escape or a one-size-fits all model – people have different needs, backgrounds, and concerns.
Set up by two best friends who were studying Chinese medicine in London, Escapada aims to combine the fun of an international holiday with their unique brand of holistic, customised wellness.
Even if you don’t know the first thing about modern wellness, Escapada does a fantastic job of simplifying things for their guests. Trips start with a thorough consultation with guests, after which the entire Escapada team – from a wide range of different medicinal disciplines – will come together to tailor-make a trip that’s beneficial for you.
“We wish to invite people to look at their holidays through a different lens, and start a conversation that matters,” says Escapada co-founder Maeve O’Sullivan. “We may know what is good for us, but struggle with the daily application of a healthy lifestyle.”
“Health is not just the absence of disease, but a feeling of wholeness, balance and resilience.”
The team behind Escapada is made up of numerous specialists from different medicinal fields: O’Sullivan herself is a trained nurse, while her co-founder Emilia Herting possesses a Masters in herbal medicine. Other members of their team include an Ayurvedic therapist, nutritional coaches, and certified pharmacists and yoga instructors, ensuring that guests truly get a comprehensive experience.
Escapada owns three retreats around the world: the brand’s flagship retreat in the gorgeous Sea Set Cases in Mallorca, is a 500-year-old estate that’s been lovingly redeveloped into a luxurious wellness oasis while maintaining its historic charm. Nearby, guests can find quaint villages and quiet beaches.
Escapada also operates two other retreats: one set in the verdant hills of Kerry, Ireland, and another in a dream-like manor located in the lush countryside of Lauenburg, Germany. The two locations were chosen to pay homage to Maeve and Emilia’s home countries – a testament to their love of travel, and their desire to bring their concept of wellness close to home.
With a maximum of 12 guests per retreat, each location maintains its feel of exclusivity and serenity: especially since they are all surrounded by luscious, natural landscapes far from the beat of the city.
Vacations are often precious spaces of time for people to restore themselves and regain some much needed focus – and though it may seem daunting to get started, retreats like Escapada are a fantastic way to kickstart any wellness journey. ◼
Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.
© This article was first published online in Feb 2019 – World Travel Magazine.