Peace and quiet
If you're after something more spiritual than a spa
break, challenge yourself with a stay at a retreat.
Vogue tries out some of the best holistic havens, from
Surrey to SouthAmerica. Edited by Calgary Avansino

MOINHOS VELHOS
FASTING RETREAT Portugal
Situated in a tranquil valley with no mobilephone
reception, radio or television, Moinhos
Velhos is a rustic refuge from the stress and
routine of modern life. The thought of a weeklong
fast filled me with dread, but the chance
to break my smoking habit and experience
total body purification lured me to this small
organic health farm in the Algarve. The
Moinhos Velhos juice- fasting programme
works on the premise that the way we choose
to live can make us ill not only physically, but
also mentally and emotionally. They apply a
holistic approach to detoxing, paying as much
attention to emotional wellbeing as physical
symptoms. Salt scrubs, massages, saunas
and daily colonies all help to cleanse the body,
and yoga and meditation take place at sunset
and sunrise in a glass-walled "temple". The
great thing about not having to think about
food is that it gives you the chance to reflect on
areas of your life that are otherwise neglected.
More of a spiritual sanctuary than a spa, this
intimate retreat is all about serious soul
pampering.

My time at Moinhos Velhos left
me glowing with health and, most importantly for me,
I've stopped smoking. AF

Moinhos Velhos Spiritual Health Spa