As the days shorten and winter sets in, thoughts turn to warmer climes and a chance to rejuvenate body and soul. YA has unearthed some of the world's best holistic hideways.
Barberyn Reef, Sri Lanka
The ancient system of Indian healing of Ayurveda (or 'science of life) is increasingly popular worldwide for its ability to re-balance body and mind.
Nestling on the golden south-west coast of Sri Lanka, Berberyn Reef is one of Ayurveda's pioneers. The resort was extensively renovated in the months after the Tsunami and now boasts 75 rooms, some with prime ocean views.
Guests can opt to take an Ayurvedic package that includes consultation with a doctor, a special diet and an individual wellbeing programme.
This is likely to include a daily four-handed massage and detox treatments such as steam baths. Alternatively, guests can chose the non-Ayurvedic package of accommodation, food and activities such as yoga, meditation and cookery lessons.
Or just kick back and relax on one of the most picturesque settings on this coastline.
Pampering aside, one of the hotel's memorable aspects is its location: it is set on a picture-perfect stretch of palm-fringed coral reef and beach, ideal for idol swimming or sunbathing.
Kamalaya, Koh Smui, Thailand
Mind/body rejuvenation is top of the agenda at Thailand's pre-eminent holistic retreat, Kamalya on Koh Samui.
Among the treatments and classes on offer are acupuncture, nutritional counselling, meditation and therapeutic massage - all designed to restore wellbeing and balance. Yoga is also top of the list - there is a monthly yoga Synergy programme and daily classes from all disciplines.
All of this takes place in a sumptuous tropical setting on Koh Samui's southern coastline. Accommodation is in hillside rooms, stylish suites or roomy villas overlooking the ocean and featuring carefully chosen Asian textiles and art works.
The built environment has been crafted to promote maximum relaxation guests can retreat to the Monk's Cave, once used by Buddhist monks as a place of meditation and spiritual retreat. The hilltop yoga pavilion sports panoramic sea views.
Guests can stay at any time, or chose from a year-round schedule of retreats called, for example, Meditation and Fearless Simplicity, or Holistic Detox for the New Year.
Hoopoe Yurt Hotel, Spain
Andalucia's Hoopoe Yurt Hotel will appeal to environmentalists and nature lovers as much as those seeking some soothing R&R.
Bricks and mortar are left refreshingly behind in this spectacular corner of southern spain: five yurts bask in three hectares of olive groves and cork oat trees.
Private views of the mountains are part of this wonderfully rejuvenating experience. Each yurt boasts spectacular views of the blue-hazed Grazalema mountains, plus its own private meadow with hammock, outdoor furniture and private bathroom (complete with compost toilet).
Yoga classes and massages can be arrange on request, and guests feel just about as close to nature as possible without resorting to canvas. The sound of goat bells and an army of resident birds - sparrow hawks, turtle doves and honey buzzards - are never far away.
The artistically decorated yurts - one is Mongolian themed, another is Afghani - are large and comfortable, with a double bed and indoor furniture in case the weather falters.
Foodies will rejoice - young British owners Ed and Henrietta organise a three-course locally sourced, mostly organic meal with wine four days a week. Dinner is taken under a pergola, lit by Chinese lanterns, perched by the swimming pool. Open from March to October every year.
Ananda, Himalayas
A more rejuvenating experience would be hard to find. Set in the Himalayan foothills, Andanda's Eastern heritage defines one of the world's greatest holistic escapes.
The focus is squarely on restoring balance and harmony using a programme of yoga, diet and Ayurveda that work with mind, body and spirit in equal measure.
Despite the holistic, integral approach to re-gaining health and balance, this is not an ashram experience: set among 100 acres of virgin forest, Ananda boasts a Viceregal Palace, acclaimed spa, 75 deluxe rooms and suites and three private villas, housing two double bedrooms.
The spa is integral to any stay. Facilities include a Turkish steam bath, Finnish sauna, Jacuzzi, couples' suite, hydro-massage systems and outdoor swimming pool. Treatments are taken in 22 treatment or relaxation rooms.
Guests are prescribed a personalised programme that includes nutrition, exercise, stress management, detoxification and relaxation.
A programme called Ananda Yoga embraces a wide range of yoga traditions, including hatha, kriya and raja; beginners and experienced practitioners alike are encouraged to sink into a programme that embraces meditation and pranayama (breathing techniques). A dedicated Yoga Pavilion sets the scene.
Skyros holidays, Greece, Asia, Cuba
Skyros has been running holistic holidays for 30 years this year and have grown in scope and popularity - centres now include Thailand, Cuba, Cambodia and the Isle of Wight, as well as the original site, Greece.
To many, Skyros was the first to embrace the concept of 'alternative' holidays, and the company prides itself on its the large number of repeat holidaymakers - most of whom are between the ages of 30 to 50.
All the expected activities are available at the Skyros centres: T'Ai Chi, yoga, meditation, marshal arts, as well as windsurfing, music and creative writing.
Most holidaymakers are attracted by the chance to embrace life anew: friendships are made quickly, new interests developed - the emphasis is firmly on letting go of preconceptions and inhibitions by giving things a go.
Visitors to Greece can opt to stay at Atsitsa Bay or Skyros Village Centre - Atsitsa attracts a more hippy-ish, mucking-in crowd, and accommodation is shared in rooms sleeping six.
Gaia House, Devon, UK
Tucked away in the verdant south Devon countryside, Gaia House is the only non-affiliated retreat centre in Britain. All are welcome; while the retreats and 
courses are drawn from the wider Buddhist tradition, the philosophy and atmosphere is inclusive and undogmatic.
The house, a former convent, nestles among hills and woodland - a more conducive environment for taking time out is hard to imagine.
Guests can either come for an organised or private retreat, though beginners should go for the former option. Themes include a Zen Retreat, Insight Meditation and Qi Gong, Insight Meditation and Yoga.
The programme is not for those seeking lie-ins and time to gossip with friends: commitment is needed as a typical day starts at 6am and finishes at 9.30pm. Most of this time is spent in silent meditation practice.
Retreats are held in complete silence, and there is a 'no mobile phone' policy, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the quiet. Be prepared for basic but comfortable accommodation - while there are some single rooms, most are shared.
Some mucking in is required: guests are requested to offer an hour a day of their time towards running the house; duties include gardening, washing up and cleaning.
The food is no-frills but tasty and wholesome, and the vegetarian meals are eaten communally in a dining room overlooking the lawn.
Oxon Hoath, Kent, UK
One of the UK's largest and most popular retreat centres, Oxon Hoath runs a year-round programme of holistic breaks, many held over a weekend.
Oxon Hoath breaks will suit stressed-out Londoners looking for some R&R, as well as those seeking an introduction to holistic breaks - general weekend retreats include two nights full board, vegetarian food and three classes or treatments, including aromatherapy, massage, shiatsu, yoga or holistic facials.
There is also a comprehensive schedule of more specialised retreats - think yoga, meditation, and psychic healing weekends.
Oxon Hoath began life as a stately home in 1372 - there's a tangible sense of history to this wonderful old house, set in 73 acres of beautiful Kent countryside.
Spending time in the grounds, in between classes and treatments, is one of the joys of a retreat here - there are exotic trees, romantic gardens and hidden woodlands.
A stay here isn't about luxury, but it's not spartan either - rooms vary in standard and size. Some are huge and characterful, with sweeping views of the grounds (ask for a room at the front of the house for the best views). Single occupancy is available for a supplement. Food is tasty, plentiful and vegetarian.
Purple Valley Yoga Centre, Goa, India
Goa is long established as India's centre for all-things alternative - and Purple Valley is one of the region's best known yoga and retreat centres.
Set in landscaped gardens bursting with banana and palm trees, people come to combine daily yoga practice with the relaxation of a beach holiday, and the centre hosts some of the world's best known yoga teachers
Daily two-hour classes - with a focus on the dynamic Ashtanga practice - begin at 7am every day before guests sit down to a hearty breakfast of tropical fruits, organic cereals and yoghurt, served on a terrace with views of the gardens. Dinner is a leisurely buffet of Indian-style wholesome, vegetarian food.
After an active start, days are free to do as guests wish - Goa's spectacular beaches are within easy reach and can be reached by motorbike hire or taxi.
Accommodation is comfortable and characterful, with three houses to choose from and a reasonable single room supplement for those valuing privacy.
Como Shambhala Parrot Cay, Turks And Caicos
Shambhala means 'peace and harmony' in the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit - and a more rejuvenating spot would be hard to find. Set on a private island in the Caribbean, this spa is committed to helping people regain a sense of peace through rebalancing and healing therapies.
There is a high degree of personal attention - the spa prides itself on a consultative (rather than prescriptive) approach. Treatments encapsulate the best of Asian traditions, combined with some western techniques and special yoga retreat weeks. The yoga pavilion looks out towards the island's empty, serene wetlands.
Facilities include a 540sq ft infinity-edge pool, treatment and steam rooms, a sauna, outdoor jacuzzi garden and even a private spa cottage, for some ultra-private pampering.
Traditional Indian Ayurvedic therapies are on offer, as well as more standard western offerings of massage, nail care and marine therapies.
The food is organic, energising and low in fat, and can be ordered at the Retreat pool and in guest rooms, as well in the restaurants.
Esalen Institute, California
The sweeping vistas and seascapes of California are a fitting setting for one of America top holistic and educational retreat centres.
With superlative views of the mountains and Big Sur, and a host of walks on the door-step, anyone looking for a transformative experience could do well here, and although plenty of tourists pass through the Big Sur, once inside the gates, you'd never know.
Facilities are impressive and include a meditation house, arts centre and hot tubs with ocean views. Wallowing in one of the hot tubs or showers allows ample opportunity to benefit from the natural mineral springs below ground level.
Although personal workshops are possible, Esalen's raison d'etre is its group workshops - weekend or longer courses range from art and music to yoga, martial arts, psychology workshops and more outlandish themes such as 'Dancing with Spirits'.
Plenty of people come alone, many have been before and the age range is as diverse as the courses on offer. Come with an open mind and anything is possible.
All meals are prepared from Esalen's own garden - meat and dairy options are as freely available as vegan, vegetarian and raw food. It's best to enjoy leaving the modern world behind - thankfully, there is no mobile reception in this stunning corner of the world.
_0.jpg "Dancer Pose: Nataraja")
I hope I could visit all
I hope I could visit all these places.