PureandCure review: Kim's visit to Retreat Park Am See - Nattika (Germany)

On arrival

As soon as I drove onto the grounds, one thing stood out: this is not an ordinary hotel. The park is expansive and spaciously laid out. On my way to my room, I passed the yoga studio, the Ayurveda Centre and the gym. It immediately gave me a first glimpse of everything that awaited me. The grounds themselves radiate peace. Ancient trees, a silence rarely found elsewhere, and nature present in every direction. Which is hardly surprising, as the retreat borders directly on the Tollensebecken nature reserve. This is one of those places that quietens you from within. There are several separate buildings where the rooms are located. In terms of location, it makes little difference which building you stay in, as everything is beautifully spread across the grounds and each one looks out over nature. Every window offers views of greenery, making waking up here each morning feel like a small gift.

The rooms

All rooms are designed in the same style: calm, thoughtful and aligned with the Ayurvedic philosophy of simplicity and balance. The rooms vary in size, but the atmosphere remains consistent throughout. A bag containing towels and a bathrobe was already waiting in my room, including a hot water bottle, which immediately gave me the feeling that every detail had been carefully considered.

There is no kettle in the room, but on the ground floor of each building there is a tea room where you can boil water and refill your thermos flask. You can also take that flask with you to the restaurant to top it up whenever you like. A small habit that quickly becomes part of the daily rhythm here.

The Ayurvedic treatments

This is what truly sets Retreat Park Am See Nattika apart: the treatments are completely authentic. The team consists of Ayurvedic doctors and therapists from Kerala in southern India, and they work with original herbal oils and materials. Everyone greeted me warmly when I entered the Ayurveda Centre, and the Ayurvedic doctor was both friendly and knowledgeable. I had an extensive consultation with her, after which my personal treatment plan was created. Throughout my stay there were daily check ins with the same doctor to adjust the programme where needed. I really appreciated that level of personalisation, and it is exactly how things would be done in India or Sri Lanka.

Each of my two hour treatment sessions began with a head and shoulder massage, a soft and meditative start, helped by the mantras playing quietly in the background. This was followed by a full body massage with warm herbal oils, reflexology, a facial massage and finally shirodhara, the famous stream of warm oil gently flowing across the forehead. That last treatment is difficult to describe. But it felt as though the oil gave me permission to let go of everything my mind had been holding onto in that moment.

The retreat offers many different classical Ayurvedic treatments, including detox programmes, stress reduction and revitalisation. Everything is tailored individually and if there is a treatment you do not feel comfortable with, you can simply mention it and they will look for an alternative together with you.

Restaurant ANADI

I could quite honestly have stayed here for two weeks purely for the food. I enjoyed every meal so much.

Restaurant ANADI is entirely focused on authentic Ayurvedic cuisine tailored to your personal dosha type. Everything is vegetarian, freshly prepared and delicious in a way that makes healthy eating feel like a real celebration. Meals are served at the table, with dishes changing daily. There is also an additional buffet at breakfast with extra nuts, seeds and fruit, and at lunch with additional vegetables.

With an Ayurvedic programme, your stay includes full board: three Ayurvedic meals a day, complemented by herbal teas and Ayurvedic drinks. If you particularly enjoyed something and fancied more, that was never a problem. Asking for seconds was always welcome. At lunch I had an incredibly good cauliflower curry and when the waiter asked whether I wanted more, he saw the hesitation in my eyes and looked as though he was almost running to the kitchen to get me another serving.

The restaurant also has a community table, a long table where you can dine with other guests. Ideal if you are travelling alone or simply feel like connecting with like minded people.

Alcohol, coffee and soft drinks are not served, entirely in line with the Ayurvedic lifestyle. For me, being without coffee always takes a bit of getting used to, but after a day or two I realised I barely missed it at all. The retreat also has its own dietary policy: vegan, gluten free, lactose free or nut free options are all available, provided these are requested in advance and discussed with the doctor.

Yoga: relaxing and low key

Every morning begins with a yoga session, or a walk if you happen to wake up early like I do, and after the first day that rhythm already feels completely natural. The classes take place in the yoga studio you pass on arrival. It is a bright and peaceful space that immediately invites you to slow down.

What stood out to me was the atmosphere, which was lovely everywhere I went. The yoga sessions were not overly intensive and I never felt under pressure to perform. The classes are accessible and suitable for every level and I should know, as I hardly ever do yoga. The pace is gentle, the instructions are clear and there is plenty of room to approach it in your own way. I rolled out my mat, breathed steadily, moved and before I knew it the hour had passed, feeling more like ten minutes.

That combination of yoga in the morning and Ayurvedic treatments later in the day works remarkably well. The yoga seems to open both the body and mind, allowing the treatments to feel even more effective afterwards. A thoughtful and beautifully structured flow to the day.

Lots of relaxation

I thought the combination of yoga and treatments would already be relaxing enough, but there is even more opportunity to unwind. Alongside peaceful walks through nature on the grounds, there are also four wooden barrel saunas located directly beside Tollensesee lake. These saunas overlook the still water, creating a very special place to relax. Afterwards, you can cool down beside or in the lake itself, surrounded by complete silence. There is also an outdoor shower if stepping into the lake feels a little too adventurous.

There is also a sauna in the fitness centre beneath the yoga centre. None of the saunas are switched on by default, helping to avoid unnecessary energy use. You simply contact reception and half an hour later you can enjoy a wonderfully relaxing session. The lakeside saunas do come with an additional charge.

Practical things and activities

Parking is available on site and reception will indicate the best place to park. Reception is open during the day from 09:00 until 17:00, but remains available by telephone should you need anything outside these hours.

If you would like to explore the area, cycling is a great option. Regular bicycles and e bikes are available for an additional charge. The park and surrounding landscape, with its unique flora, fauna and lakeside walking routes, are perfect for a peaceful ride. A lovely way to complement the treatments with fresh air and movement in nature. One evening before sunset, I went for a walk through the park after dinner and came across all sorts of wildlife: deer, an owl and even a raccoon.

On the lake it is also possible to go kayaking, paddle boarding or pedal boating between May and September, although availability may vary depending on the weather. There are beautiful walking and cycling routes both on the grounds and in the surrounding area. The historic village of Alt Rehse, where the retreat is located, is worth discovering in its own right. But if you would rather sit quietly and look out over the water, that is perfectly possible too. Nothing is compulsory and everything feels welcome here.

How to get here?

Retreat Park Am See Nattika is located near Neustrelitz in northern Germany. Driving there from the Netherlands took me around eight hours. I turned it into a road trip, travelling via Bremen on the way there and returning through Hamburg. Prefer to fly? The nearest airport is Berlin Brandenburg Airport, approximately two and a half hours away by car.

You can also travel by train via Berlin to Neustrelitz Hauptbahnhof, where you can take a taxi to this wonderful place. A very good alternative, especially if you are not keen on a long drive.

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About Kim

Kim has been part of the PureandCure Team since 2012 and is currently our Operation Manager. She travels around the globe inspecting the PureandCure Health & Wellbeing Hotels, Spas, and Retreats, sharing her experiences and observations in her blogs.