I had stayed before at Monda Mountain with friends so I knew my way around and enjoyed myself enormously. But this time I needed something very different. I was walking wounded after an acute bereavement over a year previously in early 2021 in UK. Floundering, emotionally dessicated and unable to reconnect, I had plateaued and needed help. I can usually sort myself out, but I was beginning to recognise this was an extreme situation. Having considered various options, I contacted Heli, Monda Mountain’s host, to see what was possible at Monda Mountain.
Heli got back to me within hours and we spoke on the phone. Ten days later I flew into Malaga, Heli collected me at the airport (part of my all-inclusive price), and I had 9 blissful nights/10 days at Monda Mountain Retreat. The only way to go for me was Heli's revitalisation program, a one-to-one all-inclusive retreat with no other guests on site. It was nurturing, nourishing, healing. In a way, I wasn't on holiday, I was receiving first aid for my soul.
I stayed in the comfortable wooden cabin by the pool, which I knew and loved because I'd stayed there before. It felt like a real home. If the weather had been colder, or if I'd preferred, I could have stayed in the adjacent studio with the wall-painting which is the other property in this tripadvisor listing.
Food: we had decided to steer clear of fasting as I needed to learn how to eat healthily again. Despite being a good cook, I had been living off ready meals and snacks. Heli made me daily power-packed smoothies and cooked all my meals - breakfast, lunch, dinner - from fresh ingredients to my own dietary profile. I could have had snacks too, but I'd become an accomplished snacker so decided to go without even more. The food was delicious with lots of variety and generous portions, and it really woke up my taste buds again. Heli is also happy to share her recipes and will show you how to do things. Waking up my taste buds means that I actively don't want to eat ready-meals now, or other rubbish - there's no will-power involved in these decisions, a real benefit and good psychology.
Therapies: There were lots of therapies, some by Heli and others by visiting therapists, so I chose Heli's face and body therapies, starting gently and building up to the intuitive body massage all with lovely cruelty-free vegan products. I also had a private pool and run of the gardens with their stunning views of the olive groves, mountains and big sky. It’s a very peaceful, contemplative environment yet dynamic and expansive at the same time, which heads off melancholy or introspection. Big skies, stunning cloud formations, yet the village close enough if I wanted a dose of people and Marbella only 30 minutes down the road. I adore Marbella and it was a triumphant moment to lie back on those beach sun-loungers and contemplate a dip in the Med. A dream I didn't even know I had.
Value for money was superlative. I can truly say my time at Monda Mountain was completely positive and utterly transformative. We achieved more than I ever dreamed possible and I can completely recommend Heli's revitalisation retreat. You don't have to be walking wounded for this one - it can also be a real time-out pamper session - but the important point to note is that this is a safe emotional space. An excellent support system for body and soul.
Four weeks on: I felt so good when I got home that I wanted to keep things going. And I am. I'm feeling brilliant. Everyone is saying I look radiant (always good to hear!). What's not to like?! Thank you Heli!!
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