Self-care. I hear the word everywhere, but to be honest, I often struggle to define what it really means. Taking care of myself sounds simple, yet in reality, I easily get caught up in the busyness of everyday life. Work, social obligations, endless to-do lists—before I know it, weeks have passed without pausing to consider what I truly need. I’m realizing more and more how valuable it is to take a step back from time to time.
With Valentine’s Day approaching, it’s the perfect reminder that self-love is just as essential as caring for others. Those Eco boutique retreats provide a peaceful space where well-being, sustainability, and nature come together, offering a chance to slow down, recharge, and reconnect with yourself. These intimate retreats focus on holistic healing through yoga, meditation, therapeutic treatments, and nourishing meals made from fresh, local ingredients. With a personal and tranquil atmosphere, they create the ideal setting for relaxation and self-reflection. A journey entirely dedicated to you!
Eremito is a globally renowned design retreat, where luxury lies in simplicity and attention to detail. This beautifully restored 14th-century building, set in a nature reserve, offers a peaceful sanctuary for those seeking solitude and harmony with nature. In May 2025, Mindfulness and Beyond, co-founded by Rajesh Ramani and Smitha Jayakumar, former life coaches at Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary, will host two exclusive retreats. The Rising Awareness Meditation Retreat combines Hindu and Buddhist meditation practices, self-reflection, and one-on-one coaching to train the mind and open the heart. Ideal for those looking to enhance mental balance, emotional healing, and stress relief. Retreat dates: 4 - 10 May and 14 - 20 May 2025.
Boshotel Vlodrop offers the perfect blend of nature and wellness, surrounded by the beautiful Limburg forests and featuring an excellent wellness center. We are excited to host the Yoga, Nutrition & Hormones weekend retreat from Friday, March 7 to Sunday, March 9, 2025. This retreat is all about relaxation, yoga, workshops, and walks in nature. It is designed for women of all life stages who want to gain deeper insight into how nutrition, herbs, and supplements can support hormonal, physical and mental balance. Retreat date: 7-9 March 2025.
A wonderful weekend retreat in the Netherlands, set in the four-star Badhotel with a beautiful spa. This retreat combines yoga sessions with sound healing for the ultimate relaxation experience. A sound bath, also known as a singing bowl session, uses vibrations from instruments like singing bowls, gongs, and chimes to create a deep state of relaxation. The sound waves can have a healing effect, reducing physical, mental, and emotional tension. The teacher crafts a soothing soundscape, blending different instruments harmoniously, allowing you to fully surrender to the experience. Weekend retreat dates: March 7-9, 2025.
A popular destination for years, Shanti-Som stands out for its personalized approach, ultimate tranquility, and thoughtfully designed rooms. This charming, small-scale boutique hotel is nestled in the mountains of Marbella, offering a serene escape. With its Balinese-style architecture, lush gardens with waterfalls, olive and lemon trees, a fully equipped spa, and fitness center, it’s a retreat that particularly appeals to solo travelers. Shanti-Som’s Healing Wellness Program, available for 3, 5, 7, or 10 nights, is one of the most sought-after options at this intimate retreat. If you're looking for a peaceful setting where personal attention and relaxation take center stage, Shanti-Som is the perfect choice.
This blog is written by Marleen, the founder of PureandCure.com in 2005. She travels around the world in search of the best Health & Wellbeing Hotels, Spas and Retreats and shares her know-how, experiences and observations through her blogs.