It’s called the “Island of the Gods” for a reason—Bali is a place truly unlike any other. This Indonesian island just south of the equator in the Java Sea is brimming with natural and cultural wonders. Blanketed in vibrant jungles and rice terraces, laced with clear-running waterfalls and sacred springs, and infused with Hindu and new-age spirituality, Bali invites you to dive into the healing journey. And, as many people are discovering, those very qualities make it an excellent destination for rehab.
Let’s take a closer look at what Bali has to offer those seeking a unique and immersive treatment experience.
A Refuge for Spiritual Healing
Addiction is harmful on many levels, including spiritually. On some level, addiction stems from a search for deeper meaning and connection, which is why spirituality is such a key component of the addiction recovery process.1 And there’s no better place to steep yourself in an atmosphere of deeply rooted spiritual practice than on Bali. You’ll notice ubiquitous canang sari—offerings of symbolically colored flowers and rice in coconut-leaf baskets—thoughtfully placed in front of every home and business. Offerings are made 3 times daily, shrines and temples are found throughout every neighborhood and religious ceremonies with traditional music and dance are a regular occurrence.
Known worldwide as a refuge for spiritual healing, Bali’s remote location and distinct culture make it feel as if you’ve broken away from your everyday concerns and stepped into a world where nature sets the tone. It’s the perfect place to let go of old patterns and settle into a new environment, complete with supportive people surrounding you and positive goals to set your sights on.
Sivana Bali understands this well. Their philosophy focuses on promoting joy, their multidisciplinary methods are accessible to people of all cultures and beliefs, and mindfulness is an essential part of their treatment program. Even their name, Sivana, translates to “oasis of enlightenment.” In this tranquil space, you’re invited to look inward and find love for both yourself and the world around you.
Wellness-Oriented Culture and Holistic Treatment Opportunities
Bali is home to a thriving wellness community, attracting yogis from around the world to deepen their practice and join restorative retreats in its meditative setting. Health nuts love recharging with fresh juices and dining on local dishes like nasi campur made with local tempeh and crunchy organic veggies grown in the island’s rich volcanic soil. And those who want to dabble in new modalities can try classes like chanting, sound healing and Qigong.
This holistic approach to wellness is reflected in the treatment programs offered at Bali rehabs like The Lighthouse Bali. Their philosophy of body, spirit and mind aligns with the Balinese philosophy of tri hita karana (3 causes of well-being), bringing together the realms of the spirit, the human world, and nature. The Lighthouse offers a private, 1:1 substance abuse treatment plan tailored to your needs and focused on biological, psychological, social, and spiritual principles. These services are structured to treat your whole being, and are followed by an aftercare program that builds on the relationships you formed with clinical team members during treatment to support you well into recovery.
Having fun without drugs and alcohol is a vital component of recovery—and the activities and adventures that can only be found in Bali makes rehab here so unique.
Ride through gorgeous rice terraces, visit the stunning volcano Mount Agung, and see religious sites ranging from mystical sea temples on the ocean to an inspiring grand temple complex on the mountain. Enjoy beautiful beaches, where surfing is a must-try, and take in stunning waterfalls dotted throughout the island. Dine out for lunch or dinner and savor Bali’s distinctive cuisine, known for its fragrant herbs and spices.
Most treatment programs include free time on the weekends or organized excursions where you get to enjoy all that Bali has to offer. Seasons Bali offers a weekend leisure activity program, where the group decides what adventures in culture, arts, sports, food, and sights they wish to experience. Kembali Recovery Center offers organized outings every Thursday as well as 3 staffed Sunday excursions.
Low-Cost Luxury
Private drug and alcohol rehab in Australia, the U.S., and Europe can cost well over $30,000 per month, while rehab centers in Bali provide comparable quality for a fraction of that cost.
For instance, a 28-day all-inclusive program at Kembali Recovery Center only costs $6,000. That $6,000 gives you a resort-like location, luxurious accommodation, meals, adventures, massages, group therapy, individual counseling, yoga, and meditation, all within one of the most beautiful settings in the world.
Bali is an island that seems to have been made for healing and recovery. A true paradise, it has beautiful landscapes, fascinating culture, thriving arts, and gorgeous beaches, along with a spiritual history and philosophy focused on growth, rehabilitation and rebirth. You can go there to relax, be renewed and you’ll leave with a new life.
The island’s natural beauty and rich culture make Bali an ideal destination for rehab. Its landscape, which includes beaches, jungles, and rice terraces, provides a peaceful atmosphere for those seeking recovery.
What types of treatments and therapies do Bali rehabs offer?
Bali rehabs offer a range of evidence-based and holistic therapies. Programs incorporate complementary elements like yoga, meditation, and experiential therapies in nature.
How do I choose the right rehab center in Bali?
When choosing a rehab in Bali, consider factors such as the facility’s accreditation, staff qualifications, treatment programs offered, and cost. It’s also helpful to read reviews from previous clients to get a better understanding of their experiences and the effectiveness of the program.
Luxury rehab centers are known for combining desirable destinations with the core elements of addiction treatment: including medically supervised detox, psychotherapy, evidence-based care, and complementary therapies. At first glance, it may seem like the perks of an upscale rehab facility are just that: frills that add nothing to the odds of your success. But many luxury facilities offer a great deal of therapeutic value, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Let’s explore some of the ways it can be beneficial to start your recovery journey at a vacation-style rehab.
Naturally Beautiful Settings Help You Heal
Though most people today live in cities and heavily populated areas, humans still have a deep longing for the serenity of natural environments. As animals ourselves, our biological rhythms are in tune with those of the natural world—when we immerse ourselves in natural settings, it has a profoundly calming effect on our bodies and minds. In fact, studies show that naturally beautiful surroundings can significantly reduce stress and anxiety.1 Nature enhances feelings of spiritual connectedness. And being surrounded by the power and immensity of the wild reminds us of how small we (and our problems) are in the larger picture—a valuable insight to apply to recovery.
Many of the world’s top luxury rehab centers are set in naturally gorgeous locations and offer plenty of access to their surroundings via daily activities or special excursions. Depending on your preferences, your choices may include everything from tropical beaches and rugged nature reserves to mountaintop retreats and lakeside villas. Any of these settings can put you in a more relaxed, grounded and receptive frame of mind that accelerates your treatment progress.
Seasons Bali calls the Island of the Gods—full of rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, volcanic hillsides and lush rice terraces—its home.
Resort Rehab Amenities: Spas, Gyms, Dining and More
As opposed to bare-bones rehabs that provide only the basics, luxury rehabs go above and beyond to create a therapeutic atmosphere that helps you relax into recovery. Top-tier rehabs often feature robust facilities:
Swimming pools for a revitalizing and refreshing midday dip or lounging during downtime (some even have lap pools as part of their fitness facilities)
Spas offering massage, aromatherapy, acupuncture, nail and hair styling to help keep tension at bay and personal hygiene up to par
Gourmet restaurants with health-conscious cuisine, chef-curated menus, local and seasonal ingredients and the ability to accommodate any dietary needs
First-class fitness centers with plenty of space, a wide variety of equipment, personal trainers, group classes and beautiful views
Choosing a center that has all the amenities that are important to you can make treatment far more enjoyable. Instead of feeling like chores, things like exercise and nutrition that are essential to your recovery can become things you look forward to each day. And, you’ll have access to additional pampering to ensure you’re as comfortable and relaxed as possible during your otherwise rigorous treatment program.
Luxury Accommodations Put Your Mind and Body at Ease
Inpatient treatment is a challenging process that requires your best efforts and often involves an intensive schedule. Withdrawal insomnia2 can occur in the early stages of sobriety, and getting your sleep hygiene on track is an important part of your recovery process. At the end of a day full of intense therapy work, fitness training and activities, you’ll undoubtedly be grateful to come home to a quiet, relaxing space.
The private, resort-style accommodations provided by luxury rehabs aren’t just comfortable and stylish—they also contribute to your recovery by providing a restful sanctuary where you can rest and recharge. If the quality of your personal space is a priority for you, be sure to get a good look at the types of accommodations available at the centers you’re considering, and inquire with their admissions team about any special requests you may have.
Ibiza Calm is housed in a 500-year-old Spanish farmhouse on a 3-hectare estate, surrounded by citrus groves.
Destination Rehabs: The Ultimate in Exclusivity and Privacy
Part of what makes the experience of beautifully secluded vacation destinations so transformative is the escape they provide from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life. Getaways like this are especially important for those who are constantly under high pressure or live their lives in the public eye. While seeking addiction treatment is a brave and admirable step to take, the unfortunate fact is that stigma persists, and is a real consideration for many people. For this reason, privacy can be invaluable during addiction treatment.
By mimicking the serene environment of a remote holiday retreat, luxury destination rehabs can help you avoid the spotlight and focus your energy completely on yourself and your healing process. If confidentiality is a priority for you, remote location could be an excellent criterion for your rehab selection.
Making a Lifestyle Change? Consider Doing It in a Resort-Style Setting
Our environment affects the choices we make, the habits we form and our ability to make changes to ourselves and our lives. It’s no surprise, then, that positive lifestyle changes are easier in a new environment.3 If you’re taking on the challenge of undergoing in inpatient treatment for addiction, doing so in a setting that eases your stress and soothes your spirit can put you in an optimal mental space for recovery.
See our searchable collection of luxury addiction treatment centers to compare resort-style rehabs around the globe, and find the right facility for your first step toward a sober life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a resort-style rehab?
A resort-style rehab is a luxury addiction or mental health treatment center that offers top-tier addiction treatment services in a comfortable and stylish environment that resembles a vacation resort.
How does a resort-style rehab differ from a traditional rehab?
A resort-style rehab offers a luxurious and comfortable environment for addiction treatment, while a traditional rehab may provide a more clinical atmosphere. Resort-style rehabs also offer a range of amenities and recreational activities, which can aid in the recovery process and improve overall well-being.
Is a resort-style rehab worth the extra cost?
While a resort-style rehab may be more expensive than a traditional rehab, it can provide a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for clients, which can be beneficial for their recovery.
Get an inside look into rehab in South Africa as part of our Destinations series.
It’s a Tuesday morning in Kruger National Park, South Africa. You’re in the passenger seat of a safari vehicle, freshly made latte in hand, shaking off the remnants of last night’s slumber as you awaken to the scenery around you. As your eyes scan the savannah, you begin to soak in the staggering beauty of the surrounding landscape: grasslands stretching out in every direction as far as the eye can see; the horizon peppered with silhouetted baobab trees; birds flocking from the bushwillows in the day’s first light.
You’ve just started along your way when suddenly, you come across a lioness guarding a freshly killed buffalo, her family patiently waiting in the shade of a nearby acacia tree. Not much further down the road, you happen upon a herd of wild elephants lumbering through the bush, ears gently flapping in contentment as they dotingly urge along their young. As you marvel at the splendor of nature in this environment thousands of miles from home, it occurs to you that you’re a world away from where you were just days ago—and not just geographically.
Immerse Yourself in an In-the-Moment Experience
Taking an African safari for the first time isn’t just an exhilarating adventure, it’s also deeply beneficial to your recovery process. This is something the team at White River Manor—a luxury treatment center located just outside of Kruger National Park – well knows, which is why this distinctly South African experience is offered to each of their guests.
There’s enormous therapeutic value in stepping away from your daily routine – full of the patterns, habits, people and places that trigger your addiction – and fully immersing yourself in a new experience. On the Kruger safari, there’s so much to take in, one can’t help but be completely enthralled with it all. Seeing one of the “big five” in its natural habitat is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Even for people who’ve been familiar with the park their whole lives, the novelty never wears off: “Every time I go out there, I have a unique experience,” says Giles Fourie, White River Manor’s Director and Co-Founder.
This photo of a cheetah was captured by a client on a safari in Kruger National Park. Learn more about getting the recovery of a lifetime at White River Manor.
Indeed, there’s nothing like witnessing majestic animals like lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and Cape buffalo in their natural habitat, and steeping yourself in the all-encompassing wonder of the savannah, to declutter your mind and bring you into the present moment. And it’s in that mental space that you can best dedicate your full attention to your personal journey of change.
Let Nature Heal the Aches of Addiction
One of South Africa’s two most iconic safari destinations, Kruger National Park is home to over 20,000 square kilometers of flourishing wilderness. Its rich ecosystem boasts a staggering array of biodiversity—from prairie grasses, to towering trees, to the myriad animal species that inhabit them. It’s not uncommon to see a family of majestic Cape buffalo wandering among the shrubs, wagging their tails as Red-Billed Oxpeckers busily hop along their backs, or an enormous African Crowned Eagle carrying food to its nest in a Knob-thorn tree.
Nature soothes. It restores. It nourishes the soul. Being in nature gives us unparalleled perspective by reminding us that we’re but a small part of a much greater universe. Our bodies are naturally attuned to its sounds and rhythms, and being in its midst transports us to a transformative space. It’s no wonder countless studies prove the benefits of nature, ranging from reducing stress and anxiety, to improving immunity, to releasing dopamine in the brain – the perfect remedy for people in recovery. And what better place to receive a whopping dose of Mother Nature’s healing properties than on an amazing South African safari?
Steep Yourself in South African History and Culture
In addition to natural beauty, South Africa is also home to a thriving and fascinating culture. Kruger National Park hosts centuries of historical, archaeological and cultural heritage, and the guides at Safaria, White River Manor’s partnered luxury safari operation, are proud to share it with their guests. Their passion for the bush is contagious, and tours include captivating tales of old traders and rangers. Guests experience a truly personal glimpse into the land and its history that only a local can provide.
A photo on a safari with White River Manor’s partner Safari company.
And guess what? Being in a new cultural environment is also conducive to your recovery. By breaking with your daily routine and learning entirely new ways of seeing the world, you’re opening to new ways of thinking—and setting yourself up to make life changes in a positive and lasting way.
A Journey Through the Savannah Is a Journey Through Life
Much like a safari, recovery is a journey. A journey of self-discovery; of navigating your challenges; of creating the circumstances under which you’ll live your best life. It’s not hard to draw inspiration from this extraordinary experience – one only has to gaze out over the plains, full of life and brimming with the promise of new beginnings.
People in recovery aren’t so much unlike the savannah’s famed resurrection plant, which after years of drought and dehydration can restore itself into a lush, green bush with just a tiny trickle of water. With the right environment, resources, and people in your corner, you too can bloom into your best self.
We got to test out the resurrection bush for ourself. On our safari with White River Manor, the guide gave us some dead pieces of plant (seen on left). We put some of it in a glass of water overnight, and voilà! green, lush plant!
White River Manor executive treatment center is located just a few miles from Kruger National Park, set among a 100-year-old garden along the scenic banks of the White River. Their guests enjoy total immersion in nature and South African culture while still having all the amenities of a luxury Western resort. In addition to the Kruger safari, activities on offer include white water rafting, traditional African dancing and mountain biking. If you’re looking for a totally different treatment experience in a one-of-a-kind location, visit White River Manor’s profile to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Safaris as a Rehab Activity
What’s a rehab activity in South Africa?
Some rehabs take advantage of South Africa’s natural wonders and offer clients a safari excursion. This experience isn’t just awe-inspiring, it can also help ground you in the present moment.
Can going on a safari help my mental health?
Yes. A key benefit of going on a safari is immersion in nature. Awe-inspiring experiences like this lower stress and increase your sense of meaning and connection, which improves mental well-being.
Where is White River Manor?
White River Manor is located in northeastern South Africa, just a few miles from Kruger National Park. The center is a 45-minute flight or 2.5-hour drive away from Johannesburg.
While New England might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of luxury addiction treatment in the U.S., McLean Hospital’s Signature Recovery Program definitely puts it on the map. As a Harvard Medical School affiliate, McLean offers a level of clinical excellence that can be hard to find in addiction treatment. Its 2 beautiful locations include McLean Fernside in a historic bed and breakfast overlooking the city of Boston in the distance, and McLean Borden Cottage in a spectacular mansion on Penobscot Bay. This facility’s accommodations hold their own against the best luxury centers out there.
Watch as our team gets an inside look into McLean’s Signature Recovery Program.
Steeped in History
Arguably the most historic region in the United States, New England is home to Revolutionary War battlefields, quaint small towns, and historic institutions. One such institution is McLean Hospital, founded in 1811. Originally a mental health facility, in the late 1960s McLean recognized the importance of treating addiction and began offering addiction treatment programs. They now offer programs across the spectrum of care at a number of locations. Paired with another historical institution, Harvard (which is in fact the oldest institution of higher learning in the U.S.), McLean has hundreds of years of experience and some of the greatest minds in the world to draw from.
Administration building on McLean’s main campus in Belmont, MA
Evidence-Based Care
“Our Signature Recovery Programs are based on proven methods and scientific inquiry that informs treatment.”
– Rocco A. Iannucci, MD, Mclean Fernside Director
As a treatment program embedded in a research hospital, the decisions made at McLean Signature Recovery are based on research and evidence-based practices. That shone through especially when discussing their thoughts on group therapy. Typically, a luxury center might de-emphasize group therapy, but at McLean they believe it to be an important part of treatment.
One of the rooms typically used for group therapy at McLean Borden Cottage
As McLean Fernside’s Director Dr. Rocco Iannucci explains, “Group therapy has been shown to be uniquely effective for treatment of substance use problems. There’s a way in which peer-to-peer interactions that are facilitated by an experienced and well-trained clinician can really add to recovery in a way that just the one-on-one interactions may not. People can bond with each other. They can communicate with each other in a different sort of way.”
International Leadership
“McLean is a world-class leader in terms of measuring treatment outcome. Back in 1994 we developed something called the BASIS and the Perceptions of Care. Those are two instruments that really look to see whether people are improving or not… And that is a product that is actually used by institutions all around the country and internationally. They use our instruments. So I like to think that they’re looking to McLean as the gold standard in terms of quality of care in the substance abuse arena.”
– Philip Levundusky, PhD, ABPP
Not surprisingly, institutions around the world look to McLean as a leader in the field. As Director of McLean’s Psychology Department Dr. Philip Levundusky told us, they are especially excited about a consulting relationship they’ve had over the past 6 years with a major rehabilitation centre in Abu Dhabi, helping a relatively new program bring their substance abuse capabilities to a world-class level.
McLean also frequently provides care to international clients and is able to cater the program to each individual’s cultural needs. McLean’s Middle East Center for Culturally Informed Care is one result of that, and has a proven history of helping clients from that part of the world.
Deconstructing Stigma
McLean’s Deconstructing Stigma display at Boston Logan Airport
An example of McLean’s leadership in driving the conversation around addiction and mental health can be found in their Deconstructing Stigma campaign. This campaign features stories from people affected by mental illness, using their real names, and real stories. Participants volunteered to be part of this campaign in order to help tear down the stigma surrounding mental illness and it is hard to miss—with 8-foot-tall photos and stories encompassing an entire hallway at Boston Logan Airport.
Learn more about McLean Fernside and Borden Cottage by viewing our listing of New England luxury treatment centers. You’ll see more details, images and contact information for each location.
Curious about the term “luxury rehab?” Check out our post entitled What Is a Luxury Rehab? (And Why Do They Exist?) for a good overview. Includes contributions from leaders at 10 luxury centers worldwide.
When my colleague and I were invited to visit a luxury rehab center in South Africa, I was intrigued. I had been to the continent of Africa once before, but never to South Africa. I knew it would be a fun place to visit, but what I quickly discovered upon arrival is that it is an ideal place for recovery.
Getting There
Although a long flight across the Atlantic, there are 2 U.S. airports (JFK and Atlanta) and numerous other major European and Asian cities offering direct flights to Johannesburg, South Africa. The airport in Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo International) is the busiest African airport and was completely renovated and expanded for the 2010 FIFA World Cup hosted in South Africa. It was nicer and had more shops and restaurants than most U.S. airports I’ve been to!
Once we arrived in Johannesburg we had two options to get to White River Manor. One option is a pick up by White River Manor directly at the airport in a luxury van for about a 2.5 hour drive to the center. Or, the second option, which we chose, is to take a 45 minute connecting flight to the Kruger/Mpumalanga airport and White River Manor will pick you up for the 15 minute ride to the center. With connecting flights basically on the hour, we were able to pick the perfect time for the connection and found that option to be extremely convenient.
First Impressions
We arrived at the Kruger airport and I knew right away we were in a special place. Since this airport is the gateway to the world famous Kruger National Park, the terminal is built to look like an African lodge, and the interior and exterior are African themed, with lots of information about the “Big Five.”
Within minutes, we were met by a White River Manor staff member who helped us with our bags and loaded them into a luxury Mercedes van. On the quick ride to the centre, we were able to take in the surrounding beauty of this part of South Africa. A lot of rolling hills and farmland. The climate and scenery reminded us of time spent in Napa Valley, California.
We turned off the main road and after a few more minutes saw the entrance to White River Manor. Once past the main gate, the driveway runs through a grove of tall trees, and then leads to the main building. The main building’s front room is where clients first check in and has a welcoming, yet modern style.
As we began to tour the grounds and surrounding buildings, I was immediately struck by the perfect serenity that is offered in this place. Thousands of miles away from home, I felt completely comfortable and immediately refreshed. As we sat and talked on the patio with the owner, Jerry Hartless, and other members of the team, I recognized another element that is sometimes missing from luxury centers: excellent service. Staff checked in with us frequently to make sure that our needs were met, bringing us lattes, and giving us a menu to choose which course we preferred for the upcoming meal.
The Story Behind White River Manor
The location of the center was formerly a 5-star boutique lodge that was well regarded in the area. Jerry, a successful American businessman who had his own struggles with addiction in the past was looking to start a luxury rehab centre in South Africa. So when the property came up for sale, he purchased the property and transformed it into the world-class centre it is today. While there we were able to hear his and his team’s vision for offering luxury treatment that has better accommodations and better customer service at a fraction of the price of U.S. luxury centers.
A Personalized Program
White River Manor provides a highly personalized program, and is a great fit for executives who might need more flexibility from a treatment program than others. While 28 days is a very short time for rehab, White River Manor has structured a program that makes full use of that time and when there is buy in and drive from the client they have seen great success.
Enjoying an African Experience
A key piece of the program is the excursions clients go on to enjoy being in Africa. Whether it’s a safari in Kruger National Park, white water rafting, traditional African dancing, mountain biking, the team helps clients make the most of being in South Africa! While we were there we had the opportunity to enjoy a safari in the neighboring Kruger National Park. So cool!
Check It Out for Yourself!
After having spent a few days at White River Manor myself, I highly recommend it to people who are open to traveling for rehab. If you are, the benefits are well worth the trip!
Frequently Asked Questions About Luxury Rehab in South Africa
Is there luxury rehab in South Africa?
There are a number of luxury rehabs in South Africa. They’re known to offer the benefits of a premium center, like high-quality programming and upscale accommodation, at a more affordable price point than Europe or the U.S.
Is there rehab for CEOs in South Africa?
South Africa has several luxury rehabs. Some are geared toward CEOs and offer specialized executive programs that accommodate their clients’ work needs, including flexibility around schedule and tech use.
How do I get to White River Manor?
Support staff will pick you up from Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport and drive you to their center 2.5 hours away. Or, you can take a connecting flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, 15 minutes from the center.
We reached out to a number of luxury rehab centers around the world and asked them “Why luxury rehab?” Responses from 10 luxury centers from around the world are reflected in this post.
Every so often you may read in the tabloids and newspapers that a celebrity has gone to rehab, but judging by the pictures that accompany the story, you question whether the celeb has simply gone on vacation. Shouldn’t a good rehab program strip you of material possessions and luxuries so that you can get to know your true self? Is it possible to overcome a debilitating addiction while hanging out poolside and enjoying gourmet food?
Beautiful scenery and a relaxing environment are hallmarks of a luxury treatment center. The Dawn Rehab in Chiang Mai, Thailand is pictured.
“Luxury denotes an all-pervasive quality standard that extends beyond infrastructure to the quality of the staff, programming, meals services, and the care and attention provided to each individual.”
In other words, luxury rehab is more than just a counseling service run out of a 4-star hotel. It is the highest quality addiction treatment option available. Luxury rehabs offer complete personalization, with the goal of complete recovery. And as you’ll find out, that’s just the beginning.
Fewer Obstacles and Distractions
If you want to beat your addiction, it’s necessary to devote 100% of your time and energy to recovery. A luxury rehab program is designed to do away with anything that might be an obstacle or distraction for someone who is used to a specific level of accommodation and lifestyle.
As Darren Lockie, CEO of Lanna Rehab points out, “rehab does not have to be spartan, or have poor quality food, or force you do your own laundry, for example. These are distractions to why [our clients] came to rehab. They came to focus on recovery, and if we can take care of them and let them focus ONLY on recovery, then we find that our clients’ success rate is far greater.”
Jan Gerber, Managing Director at Paracelsus Recovery in Switzerland, speaks of “meeting clients where they are instead of pretending they are people who they are not.” There are certainly legitimate treatment facilities that use the work of chores, cooking, cleaning, and living in an uncomfortable setting to very successfully help clients recovery. However, when clients are used to a high level of comfort and luxury in their lives, and have been highly successful in their careers, forcing them to share a room, do their own laundry, and give up access to their cell phone is often more of a barrier to treatment success than a help.
The Dawn Rehab like many luxury centers, offers massage to help clients focus on their recovery.
To help clients recover spiritually, physically and mentally, luxury rehabs tend to offer a variety of healthy activities and alternative therapies. You might swim in the pool, get a massage, practice yoga, try a ropes course or meditate in the garden. Certain facilities may limit the amount of time you spend with technology so that you can focus completely on your mind, body and spirit.
When you check in at such a facility, unpacking your mental baggage, learning to be kind to yourself and living a healthy lifestyle are your main tasks for the next 30 or more days.
Greater Anonymity and Privacy
Although we dream of a world where there’s no shame associated with getting help for addiction, the reality is that stigma exists. “The threat of stigma and social judgement is a very real issue, and wealthy or prominent people in treatment have many valid reasons to insist on privacy and anonymity,” says Barbara Ellan, with The Sanctuary Byron Bay in Australia. She cites, “fear of loss of social standing, reputation and respect” as causes for concern among clients.
The Sanctuary, in Byron Bay Australia, prides itself in an unmatched degree of privacy, utilizing a range of properties that have no connection to a treatment center.
Luxury rehab centers are focused on providing the level of privacy that is appropriate for business executives and celebrities of all kinds and are often located in remote areas with strict security measures.
Centers that are located abroad have an added benefit: “When you choose a destination rehab, no one in your home community has to know you’re in treatment—you can simply tell them you’re on holiday” says Kayla Gill of The Cabin in Chiang Mai, Thailand. At a luxury rehab you can still answer emails and phone calls, not unlike when you are on vacation. And the poolside selfies you’d take at a luxury rehab rival those of 4-star hotels and resorts. In short, clients can keep up appearances while still getting the treatment they need.
But privacy does not stop there. Within the facility itself, prominent clients can maintain their privacy with single rooms or suites, and they can choose to only participate in one-on-one therapy.
“Many people with a public profile are unable to participate in group therapy, or prefer to spend the time with a focused therapy experience rather than sharing the practitioner’s time with 10 other people,” says Ruth Limkin, CEO of The Banyans in Brisbane, Australia.
An Understanding of the Executive or Celebrity Lifestyle
Would you want to go to rehab if you felt like the staff did not understand you or, even worse, seemed to resent you? Of course not! Luxury rehabs offer executives and celebrities the assurance that their lifestyles will be understood and accommodated during the recovery process.
“Luxury rehabs are a very necessary response to the treatment needs of high net worth individuals who will only consider treatment if they can have it delivered in a manner customized to their specifications,” Ellan explains.
“You lead an uncommon lifestyle—so you need a custom-tailored approach that standard rehabs aren’t equipped to offer.”
Addiction is intimately intertwined with the circumstances of one’s life. Money, responsibility, relationships and public scrutiny are all stressors that can influence how an addiction develops. “Our counsellors know the importance of contextualising addiction in the individual’s life […] and therefore our clinical team are always seeking to understand certain lifestyles comprehensively,” says Niall Campbell of DARA Thailand. “[Our counsellors] are well versed in how the wealth, fame, notoriety and power can relate to addiction.”
As Derry adds, “This speaks to the capacity for effective empathy which is critical to the therapeutic and hence healing processes.”
Although you don’t need to be famous or exceedingly wealthy to attend a luxury rehab, the counsellors at such facilities “have dealt with rock stars, Hollywood actors, elite athletes, high profile executives and royalty,” says Lockie. “[Our counsellors] know that each client is unique and creates programs that fit in with their needs, time at rehab and lifestyle.”
True Personalization for Successful Recovery
“It is vital to understand the client in order to treat the client,” says Ameet Braich of Camino Recovery in Spain. Those suffering from addiction can’t be placed in categories or expected to benefit from a one-size-fits-all program. At luxury rehabs, personalization guides every detail.
To ensure you get the level of attention and care you need, when you need it, luxury rehabs employ plenty of skilled counselors and staff to keep your addiction treatment moving forward.
Ellan explains, “standard rehabs have to accommodate more people at once and with less staff and more clients, requiring standardized rules applying to all.” The low client/staff ratio that luxury rehabs are known for allows the entire experience to be personalized and flexible, not just the treatment plan itself.
Paracelsus Recovery in Switzerland takes personalization to the extreme, treating only one client at a time.
Most luxury rehabs limit the number of clients they take on at any given time. On one hand, there is Paracelsus Recovery, which according to Gerber, “treats only one client at a time, very privately, in a spacious, luxurious environment, and tailoring the treatment program fully to their individual needs.”
A slightly larger facility, Lanna Rehab still keeps its client count low in order to provide deep personalization and custom treatment plans. “We only accept 15 clients at any one time,” says Lockie, “[which] gives us the ability to really focus on individual needs, and when you have busy executives and people in the public eye, you have to be flexible and accommodating for these clients.”
“Some clients require 3 one-on-one sessions per week, others need daily sessions,” Lockie adds. “Personalized treatment is at the core of what we do, and because each client is unique, so is their treatment plan.”
Work or Travel Can Be Accommodated at a Luxury Rehab
While limiting cell phone and internet use can be an effective way to help clients focus on their recovery, luxury rehabs often have clientele who are simply unable to “unplug” from their responsibilities for a month or more.
“Our clients have life responsibilities that they may not be able to put on hold for 30 days or more while they attend treatment.”
To help executives handle any home or work responsibilities, some luxury facilities have dedicated workspaces in each suite, while others are willing to relax rules about phones or Internet access in order to give time to conduct business.
Allowing executives to keep up with things at home and the office is a hallmark of luxury centers, like the environment pictured here at White River Manor in South Africa.
Celebrities often have events scheduled well in advance that they can’t afford to miss. Travel is typically restricted at residential facilities, but a luxury rehab is often willing to offer some flexible time off-campus with an accompanying sober companion or therapist to ensure a safe return to treatment.
Luxury Rehab: The Embodiment of Focus and Quality
Clients shouldn’t expect to be able to go to a luxury rehab and treat it like a holiday resort. Staff at a quality luxury rehab facility will still hold clients—no matter who they are—accountable to their treatment goals. Even the most premium luxury centers in the world recognize that treatment is going to be uncomfortable in some ways. “Treatment, by its very nature, should be challenging and uncomfortable,” says Gerber of the uber-luxury center Paracelcus. But a true luxury rehab center removes as many of the physical challenges as possible in a highly personalized way, while providing accountability through partnership and collaboration, keeping the focus on you and your goals.
With the deep personalization, soothing location, and intense focus on recovery without distractions, clients at luxury rehabs often see a great deal of success.
“If the willingness, drive and dedication is there, you can really make a life change in 28 days.”
While most luxury rehabs are priced well above what a middle class client may be able to afford, there are many international options that are offering luxury rehab at a much more affordable rate. Regardless of the cost of treatment, the cost of addiction is most certainly higher.
White River Manor is an example of an affordable luxury center. Their luxury program costs around one-tenth of centers in the U.S.
We’ll leave you with these inspiring words from Campbell: “Your addiction doesn’t respect any of the good things in your life. Can you afford NOT to go?”
Contributors to this post
We received a number of well thought out responses to the topic of this post from treatment professionals at some of the top luxury rehab centers in the world, including:
Jeanine Fourie, Therapeutic Director, White River Manor, South Africa
Cover photo credit:White River Manor, a luxury rehab center in South Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luxury Rehabs
What is luxury rehab like?
Luxury rehabs combine core aspects of addiction treatment—like talk therapy—with personalized services, upscale amenities, and unique activities.
Is luxury rehab worth the money?
For people used to a certain lifestyle, the comfort of a luxury treatment setting lets them focus on recovery. Healing from addiction is a life-changing experience that can save on total healthcare costs over time.
What’s the difference between a luxury rehab and a regular rehab?
Luxury rehab centers share some common traits:
• Personalization • High-quality programming • Specialized staff • Upscale amenities • Privacy and confidentiality • Experience treating high-profile clientele like celebrities or executives
