USP It’s the only holiday I know where the main focus is quite simply on breathing – except that is when bonding over good food.

AMBIENCE The rooms are simple and most are shared with three people. In the summer, treatments take place in one of five outdoor teepees. In cooler weather, treatments such as a full-body massage take place in your room. There is an outdoor swimming pool in the midst of woodland.

EXPERIENCE Demanding but, if you lose your inhibitions and get into it, very good. The therapies have two, two-hour daily sessions – one of these is the Ancient Chinese physical exercise of xi gong. Alongside these you can have massages, swim, or go for long walks in the countryside.

FOOD Delicious, fresh vegetarian menus include risotto with wine, pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, home-baked bread, bean salads and apple pie.

IN CROWD It is 70 per cent female, a great many of whom had done a variety of treatments before and were into the holistic scene.

WALLET WATCH Seven nights cost from £495 to £595 depending on the teaching required. It includes accommodation, meals, all classes and one massage. There is a pay bar system. Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) fly to Ancona and the taxi transfer from the airport to the spa is £40 each way. Full-body massages, Ayurvedic massage and reiki are on offer, different treatments for different weeks, all £18.50 for an hour.

NEED TO KNOW For further information on The Hill That Breathes contact Wellbeing Escapes (0845 6026202; www.wellbeingescapes.co.uk)

Times recommends

• Overlanding then and now
• Live Q&A: ski fitness and injury
• Get the right payment card and deny Ryanair its hefty fee