zest magazine

Zest magazine, January 2011

"A week in paradise put my life in perspective.

Mandie Gower, editor of Zest, learned the value of life balance at a luxury health retreat in Thailand.

...Chiva Som in Thailand, famed for destressing and detoxing celebs from Kylie to the Beckhams, seemed the ultimate place to take stock. At first, we were simply ecstatic at having 'compulsory' daily massages in our diaries, not to mentioan a virtually deserted pool. While the pampering vibe made us more than at ease flaoating around in our bathrobes, the serious approach from the white-coated consultants instilled a real determination to change. Enlightenment, though, doesn't happen on demand. 'You might as well say you want to stop your heart from beathing!' guffawed the former monk in my meditation class when I asked how to turn off that middle-of-the-night mind chatter.

My most rewarding session, however, was with the The Life Change People. While I'd never thought of myself as a perfectionist, psychologist Chrissy's analysis that a compulsive part of my personality means I keep going back to things again and again, had me wondering if perhaps somewhere along the line, I'd warped the childhood encouragement of 'always do your best' into a more punishing 'you can always do more'. While, she said, it was a trait that no doubt helped in my career, it wasn't going to work in motherhood. 'There's no such thing as a perfect mum.' she warned. I needed to let go of my expectations. It was like getting a bird's eye view of my behavioural map, with all the dead ends and diversions clear to see.

One-on-one outdoor yoga sessions and low key meals all encouraged more of this honest introspection and gradually we realised that while we'll always enjoy being busy, even the highest of highs can lose its lustre when you're merely luching from one to the next. About to embark on one of life's big journeys, we resolved to be more discerning about how we spend our time. Back home, life still resolves around to-do lists, but these days, 'time out' is often at the top.

Seven nights full board at Chiva Som start at £3,500, incl flights www.essentialescapes.com

Essential Escapes is offering readers a seven night package at Chiva Som from £3,115 per person based on two sharing an Ocean View room, including a complimentary upgrade to a Thai Pavilion and Chiva Som Spa Haven Body Cocoon treatment. It also includes 3 Chiva Som spa cuisine meals per day; daily massage;use of the water therapy suites; participation in the daily fitness and leisure activities; return international flights from London with EVA Air; and return private transfers. Based on travel from March to October 2011."