Spring detox

Detoxification of the body means cleaning it of waste materials and toxins that cause excess acidity and a lack of oxygenation.

The goal of detoxification is to use natural nutrition to improve bodily functions, strengthen the organism, and ensure vitality and energy. Detoxification enhances the elimination of toxins, thus enabling the body to purify itself and reintroduce vitamins and minerals.

So if you want to give your body new energy, when detoxing, place a special focus on a balanced diet based on ingredients rich in proteins and fibres (asparagus), spending time in nature, sports, and wellness treatments.

If you want to feel the true effect of detoxification, we invite you to visit northwestern Istria from March to May (the perfect time for a spring detox). During these months, in addition to healthy ingredients that encourage the elimination of toxins (ginger, carrots, garlic, nuts, olive oil, lemon, broccoli), we recommend you also try a "wild Istrian speciality" that also stimulates detoxification.

This lovely wild-growing plant, known to many in Istria as the "royal vegetable", is a true delicacy and a frequent guest on restaurant tables in northwestern Istria.

Asparagus is both delicious and highly nutritious. Aside from being good for the liver, kidneys and lungs, it is considered a true delicacy in the culinary world, with just 43 calories.

It is extremely low in fat and is rich in water, fibres, vitamins and minerals. It is recommended for anyone who wants to enrich their diet with high-quality, light ingredients after their winter break.

Asparagus can be prepared in numerous ways. It can be eaten raw in salads, as an addition to pastas, or consumed as a tea, which we especially recommend (water after boiling asparagus). Asparagus tea is a lovely spring tea that cleans the body of toxic substances, replenishing it with minerals and vitamins after winter.

See how to make asparagus tea (link to recipe).

We're certain you've felt your body and mind longing for a break, healthy exercise, and inner peace at some point in the year. Istria is magical in the spring.

I have experienced it in all seasons, but springtime is truly special.

The awakening nature and the peace and quiet are ideal for long seaside strolls, morning yoga, open-air meditation or exercise, running and cycling on the well-kept seaside trails (for which professional guides are available) or on the Parenzana.

Don't forget that exercise is a vital part of detoxification. Deep breathing, sweating and stretching, in addition to improving circulation, contribute to detoxification.

To feel inner peace and escape from everyday life, I've found balance in the scents of essential oils and the benefits of massage, which relaxed me completely.

In order to feel the effects of spa detoxification, I chose a highly-regarded wellness centre in northwestern Istria. There are many of them (list), and each of them offers different themed treatments and specially designed individual detox treatments.

Just for a moment, I will try to draw you into the experience of this magical world...

It all began with the selection of the right treatments, after which I put on my robe and entered the spa zone.

The girls gave me a kingly welcome, making me feel as royal as a well-pampered asparagus plant (which I mentioned a bit earlier). I was given a choice of many specially designed detox packages – my first selection was a half-hour stay in the steam room. A temperature of 60ºC, high humidity and essential oil of lavender were the ideal combination to open my pores and prepare my skin for a scrub.

Next, I had a mild body scrub using sea salt, almond oil and grapefruit essential oil, which stimulate lymphatic drainage and remove excess water from the body. A mild body scrub is recommended twice monthly at home as well. Click here and see how to prepare a good, efficient scrub (link to recipe).

The feeling was divine, and my skin was reborn...

After returning to the spa zone, I continued to enjoy the other saunas as well (Finnish sauna, bio-sauna, infrared sauna), and I ended my experience with some relaxation and meditation with tea in the magical relaxation room.

I must remind you that some wellness centres stay open longer during this time of year, some even until midnight, which is when my experience ended.

And I forgot to mention the most important thing – make sure to laugh a lot, because laughter changes bodily processes, relaxes you, and stimulates the release of the 'happiness hormone'.

Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus and rinse them well. Put in a pot with water and bring to the boil. Then reduce the heat and boil for another 10-15 minutes. Strain the asparagus and save the cooking water.