This expansive resort designed around wellness and community combines medical practices with soothing holistic treatments to nurture the body and mind
1. An exclusive address
Sangha Retreat by Octave Institute is built on a man-made peninsula in the middle of Yangcheng Lake – a bullet train from Shanghai will bring you to the resort in just under 45 minutes, while a drive from Shanghai Pudong International Airport takes about two hours. Spanning 189,000m2, the site includes The Village, designed for corporate gatherings and events featuring its own hotel space, food hall and exhibition area; At One, the wellness retreat with a range of hotel rooms and villas for accommodation; and the Sangha villas, which are available for purchase and form the “community” part of the development’s ethos.
2. Lodgings designed with serenity in mind
A package at Sangha Retreat includes a stay in one of the hotel’s lake-view suites or lake villas. The design of the accommodation echoes the retreat’s intentions, with the use of natural raw wood in the furniture and flooring as well as crystals and salt-crystal lights that “emit healing sound and energy vibrations” and encourage a good night’s sleep.
3. A philosophy centred on wellness
Guests can experience a comprehensive suite of wellness facilities designed not just to target ailments, but to uncover the root sources of these issues. A team of doctors including a chiropractor and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner are on hand for consultations, which come as part of all the retreat packages. Also included is a general health assessment as well as a MaxPulse test that can read the nervous system for stress.
4. Exceptional facilities and unique offerings
The At One Healing Spa lies deep underground, yet boasts ceilings that are six metres high. It incorporates various hydrotherapy experiences, including a Himalayan salt cave, Finnish sauna, infrared sauna, herbal steam, Turkish hammam, rhassoul chamber and watsu pool, as well as an indoor heated pool. Other esoteric offerings include crystal reiki healing and sound meditation. There is also a gym and Pilates studio.
5. Hearty and healthy cuisine
Each guest visiting the wellness hotel must fill out a consultation form prior to arrival, which allows for the chefs and nutritionists to create a menu to suit their wellness needs. While health is foremost on the menu, expect to be greeted with a variety of tastes and textures: from the dairy-free soups to the homemade dumplings in kombu broth. No sugar is served, with honey or fruits used as its main replacement.
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This article was originally published in the March 2019 issue of SilverKris magazine
