A Sustainable Path to Recovery: Inside Spain’s First Eco Rehab

Oct 27, 2025

Healing in Harmony with Nature

In the rolling hills near Málaga, Hacienda Paradiso offers something rare in the world of rehabilitation: an experience that blends world-class addiction treatment with environmental consciousness.

Set in a peaceful Andalusian landscape of olive trees, sunlight and fresh mountain air, Hacienda Paradiso invites clients to reconnect with nature as part of their recovery. This is not a typical rehab centre; it is an eco retreat designed for reflection, balance and renewal.

The concept first gained international attention when Psychreg, a leading mental health publication, described Hacienda Paradiso as the world’s first eco rehab. Since then, it has evolved into a model of sustainable wellness that continues to inspire change in how recovery is approached.

Nature as the Foundation for Recovery

At Hacienda Paradiso, the environment is more than a backdrop. It is an essential part of the healing process.
Clients walk through organic gardens, breathe in clean mountain air and experience how natural light, space and stillness support emotional and physical recovery.

Founder Cristian Faro, also behind the award-winning Villa Paradiso Group, believes that “reconnecting with nature reconnects you with yourself.” The philosophy is simple: addiction disconnects, nature restores.

Every aspect of the centre reflects that vision. From solar energy and water conservation to the use of local produce and ecological materials, sustainability is built into the daily rhythm of life at Hacienda Paradiso.

A Holistic and Affordable Approach

Despite its luxury surroundings and bespoke care, Hacienda Paradiso has earned recognition as one of Europe’s most affordable luxury rehabs, with treatment programmes ranging from €15,000 to €20,000 per month. The centre was named Best Affordable Rehab in Europe by Worlds Best Rehab Magazine, surpassing other top clinics in the UK and Scandinavia.

Clients begin their journey with Purify, Hacienda Paradiso’s in-house detox programme. This medically supervised process gently restores body and mind, paving the way for deeper therapeutic work that focuses on emotional wellbeing and long-term balance.

The therapeutic approach combines evidence-based therapies such as CBT, DBT and trauma recovery, with holistic practices including mindfulness, yoga and nutritional care. The goal is not only abstinence, but transformation: a return to clarity, confidence and connection.

A Place of Purpose and Positive Impact

Hacienda Paradiso’s mission extends beyond its clients. The centre donates 50% of its turnover to local charities and environmental causes, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable growth and social responsibility.

By combining clinical excellence with ecological integrity, the project demonstrates that recovery and sustainability can coexist and even strengthen one another.

Every stay supports the restoration of local ecosystems, creating a meaningful connection between personal healing and collective wellbeing.

Why Choose an Eco Rehab in Spain

Spain’s natural diversity and Mediterranean climate make it an ideal location for eco-conscious recovery. The surroundings of Hacienda Paradiso offer a sense of privacy and calm that many clients describe as transformative.

With sunlight nearly all year round and breathtaking views of the Caminito del Rey, clients experience a unique harmony between therapy, nature and self-discovery.

Hacienda Paradiso proves that sustainable living and recovery are deeply connected. When people learn to nurture the environment, they also learn to nurture themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is an eco rehab?

An eco rehab is a treatment centre that combines clinical therapy with sustainable living practices. It uses natural surroundings, organic nutrition and environmental awareness as part of the recovery process.

How is Hacienda Paradiso different from traditional rehabs?

Hacienda Paradiso integrates world-class addiction treatment with ecological principles. Clients experience personalised therapy while living in harmony with nature, supported by renewable energy, organic food and open-air spaces.

Is eco rehab as effective as standard treatment?

Yes. Evidence shows that time spent in nature reduces stress and supports emotional regulation. At Hacienda Paradiso, natural settings enhance the effectiveness of therapy and encourage long-term recovery.

What kind of therapies are available?

The centre offers addiction and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), trauma recovery, mindfulness, yoga and holistic wellness programmes guided by experienced professionals.

How much does treatment cost?

Treatment typically ranges from €15,000 to €20,000 per month, depending on the programme and duration. This includes accommodation, therapy, meals, wellness activities and 12 month of aftercare.

Is Hacienda Paradiso still part of the Villa Paradiso Group?

Yes. Hacienda Paradiso is operated by the Villa Paradiso Group, known for its award-winning rehabilitation centres across Europe.

Conclusion

Hacienda Paradiso represents a new generation of rehabilitation: one that values both human wellbeing and the planet’s health.
By grounding recovery in nature and sustainability, it offers more than treatment. It offers a way of life built on connection, clarity and care.

Our addiction treatments

Detox @ Purify™

Detox, the first stage of becoming free from drug and alcohol dependency, is both physically and psychologically uncomfortable. Purify™ by Hacienda Paradiso was created to ease this discomfort. Restoring the body and mind in safe and comfortable surroundings, under medical supervision. The detox process will be complete within seven to ten days, with many clients beginning a successful programme of recovery after the detox process is complete.

Alcohol Addiction

Hacienda Paradiso is an award-winning alcohol treatment facility where the process of treating addiction is grounded in care, compassion and recovery. The process of treating alcohol addiction usually goes through four stages: admission, detox, rehab, and lasting recovery. We adopt an approach that is discreet, non-judgmental and individual. Our priority is to look beyond the symptoms of alcoholism and treat the causes of the condition, delivering successful lasting recovery and remission.

Bipolar Disorders & Depression

Childhood trauma, stress, grief, structural brain changes, hormonal imbalances and other neurological indicators have a proven link to Bipolar Disorder & Depression. Treatment at Hacienda Paradiso is highly effective and helps sufferers gain valuable insight and increased control over mood swings and other symptoms. It is essential to seek treatment as early as possible.

At Hacienda Paradiso, you will meet our Consultant Psychiatrist on admission. They will help you describe the symptoms you have experienced, and together with the exceptional therapeutic team, will create a treatment plan with you. If you have been using alcohol or substances, we will help you to safely detox in comfort, while we assess your care plan and recovery.

Our addiction treatments

Detox @ Purify™

Detox, the first stage of becoming free from drug and alcohol dependency, is both physically and psychologically uncomfortable. Purify™ by Hacienda Paradiso was created to ease this discomfort. Restoring the body and mind in safe and comfortable surroundings, under medical supervision. The detox process will be complete within seven to ten days, with many clients beginning a successful programme of recovery after the detox process is complete.

Depression

Hacienda Paradiso luxury residential depression clinic takes an individualized deep dive with clients on a therapeutic led journey of recovery. The World Class treatment teams deliver long term remission from all forms of depression, depressive episodes and previously treatment resistant cases of major depressive disorder. Award-winning therapists and psychiatrists at the Hacienda work with clients to identify and treat and heal underlying problems. If the causes of depression are not identified, treated and healed, sufferers of can continue to experience symptoms throughout their lives.

Drug addiction

Drug addiction is a very complex, multi-faceted disorder. Major indications of drug addiction include cravings, withdrawal and unsuccessful previous attempts to stop or reduce use. The drug addiction experts at Hacienda Paradiso treat all forms of addiction including cocaine, cannabis and prescription medication. Hacienda Paradiso takes a pragmatic and highly individualized approach to drug addiction by treating the underlying factors and any co-existing mental health issues. The team at Hacienda Paradiso has been recognized internationally for their success and dedication to long term successful recovery.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Dual diagnosis is a term when a mental illness and substance misuse disorder coexist simultaneously. Often depression and anxiety may lead to alcohol and drug addiction and vice versa. The complexities of Dual Diagnosis is to establish the specific order of coexisting conditions to effectively treat the underlying causes to create successful, lasting and long term recovery from addiction and remission from coexisting mental health conditions.
Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is an emotion that is okay to feel. Experiencing it occasionally is common and normal. However, anxiety disorders are much different to feeling the occasional bout of anxiety. Anxiety disorders can be paralyzing to those who experience them. They can leave a person feeling unable to cope with life.

Residential treatment at Hacienda Paradiso Clinic allows you to live, learn, and understand your anxiety disorder. Often clients experience significant and rapid reduction in anxiety and in many cases complete remission from a debilitating condition.

Gambling Addiction

The World Class team at Hacienda Paradiso are experts at treating pathological gambling addiction. Our unique and highly individualized programme of recovery equips you with the tools to break the cycle of addiction. We will create a unique treatment plan to heal the symptoms and address your own specific root-causes.

Gambling addiction often coexists with other addictions or mental health issues so it’s imperative to assess any dual diagnosis concerns that may have previously been undiagnosed.

Gaming Addiction
Video game addiction is a very real mental health condition impacting many millions of people around the world, across all ages. The most addicting games include Fortnite, League of Legends, PUBG, Minecraft and other household names. This is because video games are designed to be addictive.

Gaming addicts may experience significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning. Gaming disorder is a process addiction and help is available from the team at Hacienda Paradiso. The friendly, non-judgmental therapeutic help develop a healthy relationship with technology and devise ways to ensure long term recovery and remission from video game addiction.

Sex Addiction
Dr Ruth Arenas leads our award-winning residential sex and love addiction clinic. Hacienda Paradiso is the only treatment center in Europe to separate love and sex addiction. While we recognize the similarities, we identify and treat each as standalone unique issues that may be triggering compounded emotional distress.

Dr Ruth is one of the Worlds foremost authorities in compulsive sexual disorder and hypersexuality. Residential treatment at Hacienda Paradiso boosts self-esteem and rebuilds mechanisms to increase resilience. Our World Class professionals help clients achieve freedom from destructive, compulsive and obsessive behaviors.

Prescription Medication Addiction
If you or a loved one has developed a prescription drug addiction, help is available. At Hacienda Paradiso our prescription drug addiction treatment is focused on complete and lasting long-term recovery. Our approach is non-judgmental and highly therapeutic. Our medical experts and clinicians will design a treatment plan specific for your situation, and the nature of your prescription drug addiction.

The exact treatment depends on the specific prescription medications, while at same time identifying and addressing the issues and reasons underlying the addiction.

DNA Testing for Addiction
The clinical team at Hacienda Paradiso are able to use cutting edge DNA testing to identify which drugs would be safer and more effective for use in a client’s recovery. As one of the only treatment clinics in Europe to offer DNA testing the team are able to quickly find which medically assisted treatment works best in each unique and individual case. This groundbreaking approach reduces the potential for uncomfortable side effects and greatly speeds a client’s recovery.
Transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS)
Transcranial direct current stimulation is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. TDCS is successfully used in the treatment of depression, PTSD, anxiety and other persistent psychological issues. Transcranial direct current stimulation at Hacienda Paradiso is particularly successful when a client presents with treatment resistant depression.