SHA Spain Review By Angelica Cerruti

Angelica Cerruti, one of Healing Holidays’ Wellness Advisors, is just back from SHA Spain, and she gives us her insights and intel on this long-established wellness giant.

The Location

SHA Spain is just a quick 50-minute drive from the busy Alicante airport, making it super-accessible. My private transfer was waiting for me when I landed and I was quickly on my way.

The property is situated up in the mountains of the Sierra Helada Natural Park in a tranquil residential area, with views back down to the coast.

The Accommodation

The great news is that there are plenty of room categories on offer at SHA.

Even the smallest rooms – Deluxe Room – are at least 70 sqm, and most room categories are available either with mountain or sea view. Just be aware that the coast is way down below so some of the sea view rooms really only have partial views of the sea. There is always a generous balcony or terrace though, and some of the rooms have an optional Jacuzzi.

It is also worth noting that some of the rooms have recently been restyled and refurbished with a stunning modern and minimalistic design, which is very different from the décor found in some of the older rooms. I would therefore highly recommended asking Healing Holidays to request these newer rooms.

The Wellness Concept 

SHA is pretty much all-encompassing. It is a wellness destination where you can experience the most effective traditional Eastern therapies in tandem with the very latest, science-based Western medicine treatments. Their great team of doctors and specialists offer a range of consultations and treatments which are totally tailor-made for a guest’s needs; they have great experts in Traditional Chinese Medicine as well as specialists in fields such as preventative medicine, genetics and anti-ageing.

I personally love an approach to health that is balanced so perfectly between science-based medicine and natural therapies, and at SHA these two aspects combine brilliantly.

I was particularly impressed by the overall professionalism of the entire team at SHA, from the phenomenal knowledge of the doctor explaining my results, to the creative expertise of the chef who led my cooking class. It was also fascinating to experience first-hand the array of high-tech testing & bits of gizmo involved in the diagnostic circuit.

The Facilities

Although guests’ agendas will undoubtedly be jam-packed with consultations, gorgeous treatments and intriguing group classes, having now experienced SHA’s beautiful facilities I would absolutely make sure that there is some down time squeezed into your schedule. I spent my free time exploring the lovely spa with its selection of water jets in the various pools, and of course the classics – sauna, steam room, tepidarium (a posh, warm Roman-type of bathroom), and ice fountain. The summer months are the best time to enjoy the panoramic rooftop area, which is home to the restaurant, whirlpool and infinity pool, and to several secluded spots, where I managed to curl up with my book.

The Activities

I have found group activities at some wellness properties to be few and far between, (aqua aerobics once per week, the odd stretching class now and then), but the offerings at SHA are on a different level. There always seemed to be something happening, and my only issue was trying to move things around in my schedule so that I could join in the group fun. There was an entertaining variety of group classes available - including Yoga, Pilates, Nordic Walk, Total Body Condition, Mindfulness – as well as my favourite; the early morning walk to the lighthouse which came with breathtaking views of the sea.

One of the most important aspects of any wellness stay for me is knowing how to continue the healing journey once you return home, and this is an area in which SHA excel. Perhaps not as ‘sexy’ as some of the group classes on offer, I nevertheless found the daily cooking class and the lectures given on gut health, longevity & healthy diet to be equally as valuable in making sure that I kept the ‘good going’ once I got back home.

The Treatments

Top notch. I can honestly say that my Deep Tissue Massage was one of the best I have had for years. The sheer variety of treatments available at SHA was what surprised me most. The offerings on their spa menu ranged from Sound Therapy with Tibetan Bowls to the signature Hydrogenetic Detox Cure, and from Personal Training sessions with skilled experts to Acupuncture & Cryotherapy.

My programme of treatments had been carefully selected to address every aspect of my health, and the whole thing was beautifully curated and managed by the team of Agenda Planners, who were always available and happy to help me fine-tune my schedule.

The Therapists

Every therapist & Doctor I encountered, without exception, excelled in their fields. I had long heard great things about Dr Bruno Ribeiro, who heads up SHA’s Cognitive Development Unit, and my time with him did not disappoint. Special shout-outs must also go to Dr Amyad Raduan, and to Martin, who was responsible for the aforementioned Deep Tissue Massage.

The Food

I had sky-high expectations of the food at SHA and I was not disappointed. Meals are an absolute treat - there are different wellness menus available depending on your health goals and personal requirements, (some much stricter than others), and yet whichever meal plan you are on you get to taste sophisticated, delicious food that is never, ever boring. The cuisine blends Oriental and Mediterranean dishes prepared with the best, freshest local ingredients for a balancing and alkalinizing diet. Spa cuisine does not have to mean deprivation – I never once felt hungry at SHA nor in need of anything further to eat.

The Verdict

Everything at SHA reflects an extraordinary attention to detail: the luxurious car waiting for me at Alicante airport stocked with SHA-branded water; the spa staff who were always aware of exactly where I was supposed to go for my next appointment; and the waiters who delivered my prescribed food to my table, and who knew exactly which type of herbal tea I had been recommended to take by the nutritionist.

I was really impressed by the overall efficiency of SHA’s organization and how smoothly different departments cooperated, with me at the centre of everything.

SHA have a 5-star grading for a good reason – the highest standards and quality are reflected in so many aspects, from the food and the treatments, to the gorgeous restyled accommodation.

Before I left SHA I already knew that I would follow in the steps of so many other guests, and would one day return again to this exceptional spot.