A Cure Is Better Than Prevention

  They tried to make Amy Winehouse go to rehab, and she said 'no, no, no'. But as more and more celebrities and everyday folk are saying 'yes, yes, yes' and checking themselves in for treatment, we can't help but notice the recent rise in super-cool treatment centres. From gourmet meals and yoga sessions to panoramic views and en-suite bedrooms, patients at these clinics may be down but they're certainly not out. It seems that the old view that those with dependency problems should scrub the floors with a toothbrush is long gone. After all, why should those with real psychological issues be punished for them? Nowadays, patients are able to heal in comfortable surroundings and focus on what brought them to rehab in the first place, rather than the cold, bleak rehab facility itself. And who said the road to recovery was a long and tough one?

Disclaimer: We do not support dependency or addiction of any kind and are not trying to undermine those with real psychological issues in this article.

The Priory, London, England
  The rehab of choice for notorious British couple Kate Moss and Pete Doherty, The Priory offers treatment for a number of mental health illnesses, such as eating disorders and addiction. Set just outside of London north of Richmond Park, The Priory provides hope, healing and sanctuary away from the fast-paced living and excesses of the City. Treatment inside the Victorian gothic building includes group therapy sessions whereby patients sit in a circle, talk about their feelings with complete strangers and hug at the end. Pretty standard, right? So where does the cool factor come in? Each room is en-suite and patients don't have to share, there are fortress-like battlements at the top where patients can re-enact their very own scenes from Braveheart, and there's an in-house boutique selling jewellery and other trinkets for those who want to indulge in a spot of shopping while battling their demons. No wonder so many British celebrities use it as home away from home, even if they did stop French-kissing the bottle three years ago.
Perfect for: the repeat offender
Cool factor: **

Beau Monde, Hollywood Hills, America
  It's a known fact in LA that if you want to meet movie execs, you're better of checking yourself into rehab than turning up unannounced at their office. At the Beau Monde rehab in the Hollywood Hills expect to swim with high-flying industry insiders in the pool, chat to them over dinner and sleep next to them, or with them, depending how desperate you are for your big break, in bed. The villa-turned-clinic offers well-to-do patients one-on-one intensive counselling, as well as fluffy robes, Frette sheets, spa treatments, Michelin-worthy meals and an unrivalled five-star hotel service. Patients will also be treated to twice-weekly massages and a day out shopping. Expect a four-week stay, the minimum to get clean, to set you back about $96,000. But hey, you wouldn't put a price on life would you?
Perfect for: the desperado
Cool factor: ****

Passages, Malibu, America
  The most expensive rehab clinic in America, Passages encourages patients to give up their vices and get better through sheer unadulterated pampering. It's no wonder Lindsay Lohan can't get enough of the place. Located on the Californian coast in Malibu, Passages organises one-on-one sessions in place of group therapy, hypnotherapy to address past issues, sauna therapy, gardening instruction, acting lessons and, er, psychodrama. With only 12 patients allowed in at any one time, everyone is assured that they'll be spoiled in the manner they'll no doubt be accustomed to. Cool factor-amenities include two juice bars, a fully equipped gym, a media room with 65-inch flat screen TV and never-ending DVD library, and an auditorium, should patients feel like expressing themselves through art.
Perfect for: the wild child
Cool factor: *****

GoSurvival, Koh Samui, Thailand
  GoSurvival is the type of detox centre adrenaline junkie Jack Osbourne would love if he wasn't already clean. A steal at just $1,250 per week, although, perhaps not such a steal when the minimum stay is four weeks - GoSurvival offers comfortable accommodation in private bungalows, healthy meals made from locally grown organic produce, professional counselling sessions, herbal medicine and a cleansing programme made up of a range of natural therapies. If you want to get back to nature and strip yourself down to the very core, then this could be the place for you. While there's no frills here, however, the treatment isn't too punishing either and you'll emerge feeling completely centred. While getting to grips with whatever it is you're there for, you'll also be able to enjoy a number of daily activities, including yoga sessions, backpacking, swims in the ocean, trips into the jungle, water-skiing, kayaking and learning martial arts. In fact, you'll be so distracted from your vice that you might forget it altogether. Or maybe not.
Perfect for: the adrenaline junky
Cool factor: ****

The Sanctuary, Byron Bay, Australia
  Each patient at The Sanctuary is assigned their very own acupuncturist and fitness and yoga instructors, ensuring they are guided through the healing process from start to finish. Treatment is very much centred around alternative therapies, with regular reflexology and shiatsu sessions. Patients stay in luxurious beachfront bungalows that boast floor-to-ceiling windows with views out over the Pacific Ocean, expansive verandas, luxurious bedrooms with king-size beds, and well-appointed kitchens that each come with their own gourmet chef. As part of the journey to mental wellbeing and physical health, patients will be taken on visit to local landmarks and will participate in a number of outdoor activities, including long walks across the beach and mountain climbing, It's like a weekend away, without the hotel bar bit.
Perfect for: the health freak
Cool factor: ***

Marbella Rehab, Costa del Sol, Spain
  Everyone who moves to the Costa del Sol either wants to run their own bar or drink one dry. It doesn't matter which they choose, because for many the outcome will be the same: a stint at rehab. Patients flying in to Marbella rehab will be picked up from the airport before being chauffeured to the secluded grounds of the clinic to begin their treatment in private. There, patients will enrol in the Minnesota Programme, which combines one-on-one sessions and group therapy with art and yoga classes. Handling just 12 patients at a time, patients are free to relax in their spacious en-suite rooms, take a dip in the shimmering, azure-coloured swimming pool, take time out in the meditation area for prayer and contemplation, or take a walk through the manicured gardens. Yep, there's no doubt about it - recovery always tastes that much sweeter when the sun is shining in the blue skies above you.
Perfect for: the ex-pat
Cool factor: **

Sober Living By The Sea, Newport Beach, America
  Although subtlety and seclusion isn't this rehab's strong point (see the name), Sober Living By The Sea does provide patients with everything they need to exorcise their dependency demons. Focusing on, but not exclusive to, eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia, Sober Living By The Sea has become a firm favourite with physically fading stars. Treatment generally makes use of the beach, including walks and meditation right on the sand, and focuses on developing emotional and intimacy skills. Because Sober Living By The Sea is in a residential setting, patients often feel very much at home here, though not so much at home they're back to stashing bottles of vodka under the kitchen sink or throwing meals out the window. Recovery and a beach holiday all rolled into one, what more could you possible want?
Perfect for: the beach bum
Cool factor: ***