THE macrobiotics focused SHA Wellness Clinic in Alicante, Spain, will open late summer.
Owners and developers, the Bataller family, says this will be the first destination spa in Europe to offer this system of diet and lifestyle. The family were influenced by Don Alfredo Bataller Parietti’s personal experience of the macrobiotic system, which he adopted after unsucessfully trying for years to treat an illness developed as a youth using traditional drug treatments.
Following their father’s full recovery, the Bataller family adopted the principles of macrobiotics achieving positive wellbeing and changes in their lives.
Chief sales and marketing officer Alejandro Bataller Pineda was in Dubai promoting the clinic at the recently held Arabian Travel Market 2008. He said, “Alicante is generally associated with being a busy tourist destination, but within this on a quiet scenic hill in a peaceful part of Playa del Albir, is our clinic - close to the traditional town of Altea.”
The concept of the SHA Wellness Clinic is to improve and prolonging people’s wellbeing through a combination of ancient oriental disciplines and western techniques. The key areas of the SHA experience are macrobiotics, beauty and anti-ageing.
Accommodation is in five individual buildings interconnected with bridges and featuring 93 suites ranging from 84 sq m to 320 sq m. Zen, Mediterranean and tropical gardens, water features and waterfalls, and chill out areas are featured throughout.
All suites have spacious terraces, some with private Jacuzzis and most with views of the bay of Altea. Some suites come with kitchenettes.
The Grand Suite includes three bedrooms, a living area, kitchen and one service butler/security room for staff, a private swimming pool and spacious roof terrace. Prices for the suites range from $5,500 per week; Grand Suites from $11,000 per week.
The main dining room offers fine macrobiotic food that is prepared using natural organic ingredients adapted for Mediterranean cuisine. This process is supervised by Michio Kushi, a leading light in the field of macrobiotics.
In the SHA Kitchen guests can learn about the principles of macrobiotics, organic and healthy food through cooking classes, arranged near the main kitchen.
The 1,300 sq m spa features therapeutic swimming pools, a flotation room, 15 treatment rooms, a couple’s treatment suite, consultation and medical rooms and relaxation areas. Open-air massages and treatments are available.
Therapies include macrobiotic counselling, Tai Chi, acupuncture, oriental diagnosis, laughter therapy, Chinese medicine and Shiatsu.
Other facilities include a yoga and meditation room, library, indoor and outdoor pools, a putting green and an inter-faith chapel and conference facilities.
The clinic is 90 minutes drive from Valencia Airport and 40 minutes drive from Alicante International Airport, and also has a helipad.