A new year, a new you

Ever thought that it would be quite nice to have a complete reboot? To sort your head, calm your mind, restore your body to its natural state of well-being? When life has been hard on you, and it might take more than a day at a spa, wed recommend a proper retreat.n a 19th Century royal palace in the Annamali Hills in Kerala, there is a retreat which takes the matter of your well-being very seriously. Kalari Kovilakom basically gives you the chance to start your life afresh.

The key to the new you, according to Kalari Kovilakom, is for you to give yourself to their experts for between 14 and 28 days. A combination of the healing powers of the ancient medicinal system of Ayurveda and luxurious palace living is used to connect you to your new body and a reinvigorated spirit.

Therapies here include massages, steam treatments, flower baths, beauty treatments, and herbal treatments. And of course you diet is carefully monitored and planned to be exactly right for what you need food is seen as life-enhancing medicine here. The whole experience is a personal one. What is right for someone else is not necessarily right you for. All the therapies and meals chosen for you are chosen because they will help you reach the best of yourself. Therapies are delivered by expert therapists and the programmes are overseen by qualified Ayurvedic physicians.

When youre not having treatments, you can try yoga, take meditative walks in the grounds with their herbal gardens. There are also talks and cultural performances where guests and staff come together. There is also the opportunity for guests to watch and take part in Kalari Payattu, the traditional Keralan martial art.

Your accommodation is in a heritage suite (either Keralan style or colonial style). You dont need much luggage as every aspect of your time here is catered for, including your clothes.

And the price tag for a new you? Well a 21 day programme will cost in the region of 10,000. Are you worth it?