In recent years, the world of wellness travel has grown into something of a spectacle. Luxury resorts compete to offer the flashiest, most futuristic treatments imaginable—hyperbaric chambers, whole-body cryotherapy, IV drips, and biohacking gadgets that promise to optimize every cell. It can all feel exciting, but also exhausting, as if even rest has become another performance. That is exactly why Shanti-Som has carved out a different kind of path. Since opening its doors in Marbella in 2011, the brand has championed a quieter, more grounded approach to wellbeing—one that doesn’t rely on gimmicks or exclusivity, but on the simple, lasting power of good habits, gentle movement, and genuine rest. Now, Shanti-Som is preparing to expand, with a second property set to open in Portugal’s Algarve region in February 2027. Located just a twenty-minute drive from Faro Airport, Shanti-Som Algarve will be a place where guests can step off the plane and, within half an hour, find themselves surrounded by orange groves and centuries-old stone walls. It promises to be a retreat that feels less like a high-tech lab and more like a homecoming.
The setting itself is part of the magic. The new retreat will be housed in a beautifully restored nineteenth-century farmhouse, nestled within four hectares of orange and almond orchards. There are only twenty-two rooms, which means the atmosphere will remain intimate and unhurried, a far cry from the sprawling mega-resorts that often dominate the wellness scene. The orchards are not just decorative; they are a reminder of the pace of nature. Guests can wander beneath the blossom in spring, inhale the sweet scent of orange trees, and listen to the breeze rustle through almond leaves. The architecture is expected to blend the charm of the original farmhouse with contemporary comfort, offering a sense of history without sacrificing modern amenities. It is a place designed for slowing down—mornings that begin with the sun filtering through old wooden shutters, afternoons spent reading in a shaded courtyard, and evenings that end with a calm, unhurried dinner made from fresh, seasonal ingredients. For those arriving from the busy streets of London, Lisbon, or beyond, the transition from airport to orchard feels almost like a detox in itself, a gentle exhale after a long, noisy journey.
At the heart of Shanti-Som’s philosophy is a simple but powerful idea: wellness should not be something you do only on holiday. It should be something you take home with you. Hotel manager Ophélie Acris describes the retreat as a hybrid of a holiday, a private wellness club, and a gym. This is not a place where you are told to unplug completely and then sent back into the world with no tools to cope. Instead, guests are supported and cared for, but they also leave with practical, realistic ways to feel stronger, healthier, and happier. Acris explains that whether someone comes for better sleep, more strength, a mental reset, or simply a break from the demands of daily life, the experience is shaped around what they actually need. That personalised approach makes all the difference. There is no one-size-fits-all schedule, no pressure to participate in every activity, no shame if you would rather sleep in than attend a sunrise yoga class. Instead, the staff work with each guest to create a rhythm that feels right for them. The goal is not to create a dramatic, short-lived transformation, but to plant seeds that continue to grow long after the holiday ends, through gentle habits that are easy enough to sustain in the real world.
Guests at Shanti-Som Algarve will be able to choose from six structured programmes, each focused on a different goal. There is a relaxation programme for those who simply need to switch off; a yoga programme for anyone wishing to deepen their practice; a pilates programme designed to build core strength and flexibility; and a detox programme for those looking to reset their bodies and minds. Two additional programmes are exclusive to the Algarve location and reflect the growing demand for more targeted, science-backed approaches to wellbeing. The first is the strength and fitness programme, which is aimed at people who want to focus on longevity, bone density, and muscle strength as they get older. It includes one-on-one training sessions, reformer pilates, guided hikes through the beautiful surrounding countryside, and a full health check with a nutritional consultation. This is not about punishing workouts or restrictive eating; it is about building a stronger, more resilient body for the long term. The second exclusive programme is focused on burnout and nervous system recovery. For anyone who has felt the heavy fog of chronic stress, this programme offers a lifeline. Days are filled with breathwork, guided meditations, sound healing, and hot-cold contrast therapy, alongside life coaching sessions designed to help guests understand their own stress patterns and find healthier ways to respond to them. It is a holistic, compassionate approach that acknowledges that true rest is not just about lying in the sun, but about giving the nervous system a chance to repair itself.
The facilities at Shanti-Som Algarve are understated but impressive. The wellness area will include an infinity pool that seems to stretch out into the orchards, a sauna, a hammam, an ice bath, and a fully equipped gym. There are private treatment rooms where guests can book massages or facials, using high-quality natural products and time-honoured techniques. But unlike some wellness resorts where every moment is scheduled from morning to night, Shanti-Som keeps things fluid and flexible. Meals are full-board, with menus designed to be both nourishing and delicious, but there is no rigid timetable forcing you to eat at a specific time. You can book in for as long or as little time as you need, and you are encouraged to shape your days around your own energy levels. Want to skip the morning hike and take a slow walk through the orchards instead? That is perfectly fine. Want to spend an afternoon in the hammam rather than in a workshop? The choice is yours. This flexible, human-centred approach is what sets Shanti-Som apart. It recognises that wellbeing is not something you can force, and that the most meaningful changes often happen when you feel safe, supported, and free to listen to your own body.
Beyond the gates of the retreat, the Algarve offers a landscape that is as soothing as the spa itself. Shanti-Som Algarve is well placed for guests who want to explore the region’s natural beauty, with beaches like Praia da Falésia and Praia da Marinha just a short drive away. These are not just any beaches; they are stretches of golden sand framed by dramatic cliffs and clear turquoise water, the kind of places that make you feel like you have discovered a secret corner of the world. There is also the Ria Formosa lagoon, a protected natural park that is home to countless species of birds and a maze of quiet waterways. Guests can spend a day kayaking through the lagoon, walking along coastal trails, or simply sitting on the sand and letting the sound of the waves wash away their worries. The combination of countryside and coast makes Shanti-Som Algarve an ideal base for a truly restorative escape. As February 2027 approaches, anticipation is already building among those who have visited the original Marbella retreat and those who are discovering Shanti-Som for the first time. In a world that often seems to be moving faster and faster, Shanti-Som offers something rare: a chance to pause, to breathe, and to remember what it feels like to be well. And this time, it is closer than ever for anyone looking to trade the noise of everyday life for the quiet rustle of almond trees and the calm, steady rhythm of a healthier, happier self.
