Holiday type

Ayurveda Detox

Balancing your Dosha's

Ayurveda means ‘Knowledge of Life’. Ayurvedic medicine is thousands of years old. This medicine, thought to be the mother of all medicines, is all about restoring balance between Body, Mind and Soul. A traditional Ayurveda programme consists of an Ayurvedic diet with lots of fresh vegetables and fruit, occasional chicken or fish, morning yoga and evening meditation, massages, herbal baths and steam baths. An Ayurveda doctor will tailor your programme based on your dosha type.
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Discover all our Detox & Ayurveda holidays

Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort
4
Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort, Sri Lanka
Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort is one of the first Ayurveda hotels in Sri Lanka and has over 75 years of specialist experience. Rest assured, you are in expert hands here, embarking on an authentic journey of Ayurvedic panchakarma therapy.
1 Review
Nikki's Nest
3.5
Nikki's Nest, India
A charming Ayurveda resort that provides a cozy escape for yoga and meditation, passionately operated by eco-conscious enthusiasts, nestled in a tropical paradise beside the Indian Ocean.
4 Reviews
Mandira Styria
4
Ayurveda Resort Mandira, Austria
Experience a one-of-a-kind blend of Ayurveda and the therapeutic thermal waters of Eastern Styria at a magnificent Ayurveda Resort infused with Asian influences.
8 Reviews
Somatheeram Ayurveda Beach Resort
4
Somatheeram Ayurveda Village, India
With over 30 years of experience and the distinction of being one of the pioneer Ayurveda resorts globally, Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort stands out as a haven for those seeking authentic and traditional Ayurvedic experiences.
8 Reviews
Manaltheeram Ayurveda Beach Resort
4
Soma Manaltheeram Ayurveda Beach Village, India
Soma Manaltheeram Ayurveda Beach Village truly lives up to its name. Picture authentic Ayurveda, a sandy beach with palm trees and cosy cottages.
30 Reviews
Atmantan Wellness Resort
5
Atmantan Wellness Centre, India
At Atmantan Wellness Resort, traditional Eastern medicine with a state-of the art spa,ultra-modern fitness facilities, and Western medical knowledge. The overarching goal is not just to experience a sense of well-being but to genuinely own it.
18 Reviews
Datu Wellness
4
Ayurveda Health Retreat, Italy
Authentic Ayurvedic treatments with yoga and meditation in a small-scale retreat. For relaxation, healing, and enjoyment. Journey to a historic Borgo in tranquil Tuscany with its therapeutic thermal springs.
Haritha Villas & Spa
5
Haritha Villas & Spa, Sri Lanka
Haritha Villas & Spa is a small-scale, super-deluxe natural paradise for tailor-made Ayurveda treatments and wellness. All 9 villas come with absolute privacy, ultimate comfort and a private pool.
7 Reviews
Alpino Atlantico - Galo Resort
4
Hotel Alpino Atlantico Ayurveda Cure Center, Madeira (Portugal)
Ayurveda at one of Madeira's most picturesque seaside resorts. Boutique-style Alpino Atlantico offers a blend of genuine treatments within a stunning environment.
27 Reviews
Ananda in the Himalayas
5
Ananda in the Himalayas, India
Ananda in the Himalayas redefines the wellness experience, standing out as one of the premier destination spas globally. With a commitment to excellence, this retreat promises nothing but the finest in wellness and rejuvenation.
24 Reviews
Engel Ayurpura
4
Engel Ayurpura, Italy
Explore Italy's only Ayurveda hotel, Engel Ayurpura, in South Tyrol. Tucked away in the Dolomites, it offers an authentic Ayurveda experience complemented by the therapeutic essence of mountain landscapes, crafting a distinctive health retreat.
4 Reviews
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Ayurveda detox

Ayurveda means ‘Life Knowledge’. Ayurvedic medicine is thousands of years old. This medicine, thought to be the mother of all medicines, is all about restoring balance between the body, mind and soul. A traditional Ayurveda programme consists of an Ayurvedic diet with lots of fresh vegetables and fruit, occasional chicken or fish, morning yoga and evening meditation, massages, herbal baths and steam baths. An Ayurveda practitioner will tailor your programme to you personally based on your dosha type. 

During an Ayurveda wellness holiday, you can have it all: an indulgent holiday and health programme in one! You’ll enjoy delicious food and still lose weight. Other pleasant side effects: a clear mind, total relaxation and newfound energy. Ayrvedic philosophy also offers us greater insight into ourselves and the world around us. Ayurveda is primarily a preventative medicine. An Ayurveda cure can rejuvenate your body and mind and can promote longevity. However, Ayurveda also achieves remarkable results for rheumatic conditions, sleep problems, chronic fatigue, stress, high blood pressure, migraines, psoriasis or depression.

What is a detox

Detox, short for detoxification, is the process that aims to rid the body of toxins and harmful substances. It involves making lifestyle changes and adopting specific practices to support the body's natural detoxification systems.

Why Detox?

The primary goal of a detox is to eliminate accumulated toxins from the body, which may come from various sources such as environmental pollutants, processed foods, alcohol, drugs, medication or stress. By reducing exposure to toxins and supporting the body's natural detoxification mechanisms, a detox is believed to help restore balance, enhance vitality and promote overall health. A detox regimen encompasses various components such as detoxifying foods (juices, soups, salads, broths, and other light detox meals), yoga, meditation, walks, nutritional workshops, sauna sessions, massages (optional), and more. The rationale behind this approach is to give the digestive system a break from solid foods and flood the body with easily digestible nutrients, antioxidants and enzymes found in vegetables and fruit. 

Why is a cleanse once in a while so beneficial? 

The body has its natural detoxification mechanisms through organs like the liver, kidneys and lymphatic system. These organs work continuously to eliminate waste and toxins from the body. Doing a cleanse or a detox may enhance the body's natural detoxification processes. It gives the body a nutrient boost as detox meals and juices can provide a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. A detox will reduce the digestive load as detox meals are easier to digest than processed or solid foods, allowing the digestive system to rest and redirect its energy towards the detoxification process. Detox meals and detox juices can help keep the body hydrated. Some people use a cleanse as a kickstart to healthier eating habits, with the intention of continuing a more balanced diet after the cleanse.

It is important to say that a detox is not a long-term solution. Extreme or prolonged juice cleanses may lead to nutrient deficiencies and may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions or dietary restrictions. 

The Benefits of a detox or cleanse 

We listed some of the advantages of a detox 

  • Elimination of Toxins: Detox holidays typically involve a specialized diet, fasting and cleansing practices that help flush out toxins from the body. This process can lead to improved digestion and better nutrient absorption. 
  • Increased Energy: As toxins are eliminated, and the body is nourished with nutrient-dense foods, energy levels tend to increase. You will feel more vibrant and alert during and after a detox holiday.
  • Weight Loss: Detox programs often result in weight loss, as they focus on eliminating processed foods, sugar and unhealthy fats.The weight loss is temporary as it is mainly water and toxines you lose, instead of fat. 
  • Improved Skin Health: Detoxing can lead to clearer, glowing skin, as it helps eliminate impurities.
  • Enhanced Mental Clarity: Detox holidays often include mindfulness practices such as meditation and yoga, which can help reduce stress and improve mental clarity and focus.
  • Boosted Immune System: A healthy detox can strengthen the immune system by promoting the intake of immune-boosting foods and reducing the load on your organs.
  • Reduced Inflammation: Many detox programs focus on anti-inflammatory foods and practices, which can help alleviate chronic inflammation.
  • Rejuvenation and Relaxation: Detox retreats often include spa treatments, massages and other relaxation therapies.
  • Healthy Habits and lifestyle: Detox holidays can inspire you to adopt healthier lifestyle habits, including mindful eating, regular exercise and stress management techniques. 

Various ways to detox - which suits you?

There are various types of detox holidays or retreats that you can choose based on your preferences, goals and health needs. We listed some detox retreats, each with their own strength:

  • Juice Cleanse. Consuming only fresh fruit and vegetable juices for a certain period. The aim is to give the digestive system a break while flooding the body with nutrients. Juices are made of vegetables and fruits that are known to help eliminate toxins and cleanse the gut, such as spinach, carrots, lemon or celery, just to name some. To support the detoxification process, nutritional supplements can be added.
  • Detox with light meals. During this mild detox programme, you’ll eat light, fresh food prepared with ingredients that promote cleansing within the body such as soups, salads, rice and other easy to digest foods. 
  • Mayr Detox. The Mayr detox, based on the principles of Austrian physician Dr. Franz Xaver Mayr, is all about the guts and the digestive system, including support of the liver function. It involves a specialized diet that emphasizes slow eating, thorough chewing and simple, easily digestible foods. It is combined with abdominal treatments, such as abdominal massages or castor oil compresses, to stimulate the gut and aid detoxification. 
  • Buchinger Fast.The Buchinger fast, also known as the Buchinger method, is a therapeutic fasting approach developed by Dr. Otto Buchinger. It involves abstaining from solid food and consuming only vegetable broths, herbal teas and fruit juices for a specific period. The fast aims to promote detoxification, rest the digestive system, and activate the body's self-healing processes.
  • Ayurvedic Detox. Ayurvedic detox focuses on balancing the body's doshas through a combination of specialized diets, herbal treatments, and yoga practices.
  • Raw Food Detox. Raw food detox retreats focus on consuming uncooked, plant-based foods, such as fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds. These are nutrient-rich meals that are easy on the digestive system. In their raw state, these foods contain nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that normally - through the heating process - get lost. These nutrients protect your body from toxins and support cell renewal. A Raw food detox is an ideal start to a healthy lifestyle.

Elements and therapies within a detox programme

During a detoxification retreat, a range of activities and treatments can be integrated to optimize the cleansing and rejuvenation process. The specific components and therapies will vary based on your chosen program.

Nutrition

  • Detox meals / detox juices: Vegetables and fruits that stimulate detoxification, such as greens, spinach, broccoli, avocado, apple, berries, etc.
  • Light detox meals: Easily digestible foods that are rich in nutrients, fiber and water to support the body in the detoxification process. Some examples of light detox meals are green smoothies, quinoa salad, steamed vegetables, or vegetable soup. Refined carbohydrates, processed foods, coffee, and alcohol are avoided.
  • Drinking plenty of water: Drinking plenty of water, herbal tea, and broth aids in flushing out toxins. Depending on your weight, aim to drink about 2 to 3 liters of water or light herbal tea per day.

Therapies and treatments

  • Massage Therapy: Massage can stimulate the lymphatic system and circulation, facilitating the removal of toxins from the body.
  • Colon Hydrotherapy: Colon hydrotherapy or colon cleansing treatments can help remove waste and toxins from the colon.
  • Acupuncture: Acupuncture may aid in balancing the body's energy and supporting detoxification.
  • Spa Treatments: Additional spa treatments like body scrubs, facials or body wraps with algae.

Supplements

  • Herbal Supplements: Some detox retreats may offer herbal supplements or teas that support liver function.

Light exercise

  • Yoga and Meditation: Practicing yoga and meditation can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support mental and emotional detoxification.
  • Nature Walks and Hiking: Spending time in nature and engaging in physical activities like hiking can promote overall well-being and help clear the mind.

Other activities

  • Nutrition Workshops: Educational workshops on nutrition and healthy eating which will help to continue healthy habits post-retreat.
  • Sauna or Steam Room Sessions: Saunas and steam rooms help in sweating, which aids in eliminating toxins through the skin.
  • Digital Detox: Disconnect from electronic devices during the retreat can support your mental detoxification and reduce stress.
  • Mindfulness Practices: Including mindfulness exercises and stress-reduction techniques can further support the body's detoxification process.

Methods of colon hydrotherapy (or colon cleanse):

  • Colon Hydrotherapy (Colonic Irrigation): This involves the introduction of warm water into the colon through a tube inserted into the rectum. The water helps to soften and flush out waste material and toxins from the colon. The procedure is typically performed by a trained therapist.
  • Enema: An enema involves introducing a liquid (usually water or a saline solution) into the rectum using a tube or nozzle. Enemas are often used to relieve constipation or prepare for medical procedures.
  • Herbal Colon Cleanse: This ayurveda approach involves using herbal supplements or teas to promote bowel movements and cleanse the colon. Some herbal blends are designed to stimulate digestion and eliminate waste.
  • Coffee Enema: Some detox programs include coffee enemas, where a coffee solution is introduced into the colon. Advocates claim it helps stimulate bile production and liver detoxification.

When is a Detox not recommended

Detoxing may not be advisable for you when you have underlying health issues such as diabetes, heart problems, kidney disorders, or during pregnancy. Additionally, if you are on specific medication or you have a history of eating disorders, detoxing could pose risks. Prior to selecting a detox holiday, it is crucial to take into account your health status, dietary inclinations and goals. If you have any existing medical conditions, it is recommended to seek advice from your GP or healthcare expert.

Ask our team

Our team of well-being travel experts is dedicated to providing guidance and assisting you in discovering your ideal detox holiday destination. We are here to offer advice, ensuring that your journey towards well-being aligns perfectly with your preferences and aspirations.