The World's Best Luxury Wellness Retreats
Published on: January 30th, 2018
Last modified: July 27th, 2023
Sometimes, you just need to get away from it all. There's nothing better than a wellness retreat to refocus your energy, revive your mind and reinvigorate your body. Get your health and fitness fix at one of our expert's favourites.
These luxury wellness retreats make striving to become the best version of yourself not just easy, but indulgent.
1) Como Shambhala, Bali
Immerse yourself in a wellness program amongst rainforest and rice paddies. Situated in the rainforest surrounding Ubud, Como Shambhala health retreat is truly secluded with luxury suites looking out across the treetops, incorporating their own shaded pavilions and infinity pools, making the resort a sublime setting for complete rejuvenation.
The immersive wellbeing programs are tailored to suit each guest’s needs, with spa treatments, outdoor activities like hiking and COMO’s signature Shambhala cuisine, with the expertise of resident specialists such as an ayurvedic doctor, dietician and yoga teacher. Whether you’re low on energy, stressed out or just in need of a fitness regime, the program is sure to benefit you, inside and out.
2) Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia
This stunning island resort encompasses 27 luxury thatched pool villas, either set in the rainforest or on stilts over water with the waves lapping below. The resort has created three wellness programs – Refresh focusing on mental clarity and de-stressing, Rejuvenate to cleanse and empower, and Revive for inner wellness.
That all incorporate a consultation, yoga and meditation sessions, spa treatments and specially crafted wellness cuisine. In such a blissful location, embarking on a wellness program doesn’t seem such a chore.
3) Florblanca, Costa Rica
On the Nicoya Peninsula, the open-sided villas of Flor Blanca are set into the rainforest that backs onto the beach, looking out over the Pacific Ocean. The hotel’s cuisine utilises fresh, locally grown produce and the spa offers an extensive range of treatments in a space that’s suspended above waterfall-filled pools.
The resort focuses on wellbeing through active exploration of the pristine surroundings; the beach is a well known spot for surfers, but aside from riding the waves guests can venture out on horseback, hike and take part in yoga and pilates sessions or more intense fitness training.
4) NIZUC Resort & Spa, Mexico
Tucked into a secluded area between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Punta Nizuc is the setting for NIZUC Resort & Spa, with the open, airy interiors spilling out on to white-sand beach. Outdoor verandas have sweeping panoramic views over the ocean.
Aiming to help purify both body and mind, the resort offers yoga, pilates and sound medication, a vast array of treatments at NIZUC ESPA Spa, and outdoor activities including snorkelling, kayaking and scuba diving.
5) Dwarika's Resort, Nepal
Connect with nature at this hillside resort high up in the Himalayas, where you can experience authentic Nepali traditions while reviving both body and mind. The resort draws on the country’s philosophy of connecting with mind, spirit and nature.
Try chakra chambers for Buddhist meditation sessions, traditional Himalayan massage, nature walks, yoga sessions and cultural activities like pottery and mandala making. The resort has an infinity pool and plenty of outdoor space for taking in the mountain views.
6) Shambala, South Africa
Combine safari with a wellness retreat at this zulu camp in the Waterberg wildlife concession of Shambala. The 12,000-hectare reserve is home to Africa’s big five and the setting for this African and provincial French-style luxury camp.
The camp has its own pool and an intimate riverside spa that uses natural products for a holistic approach. By night see constellations dusted across the skies as you take part in the camp’s stargazing experience.
7) Chiva-Som, Thailand
Right in the heart of Hua Hin, this wellness retreat has made a name for itself as one of the world’s best, with a huge spa, a number of pools, physiotherapy and a kinesis studio, as well as a team of health and fitness experts on-hand to help you out each step of the way.
Spend your days hopping between yoga, pilates and tai chi sessions and take a spa cuisine cookery class, or simply take the opportunity to explore southern Thailand from one of the world’s top health retreats.
8) The Six Senses Con Dao, Vietnam
This chic eco-luxe property on Con Dao is a haven of natural beauty, and its private infinity plunge pools, panoramic ocean views and mile long sandy beach are nothing short of paradise.
The spa spoils you with treatments from yoga to meditation, whilst fresh fish and vibrant Western and Vietnamese cooking ensure a healthy and invigorating diet.
9) The Shanti Maurice, Mauritius
This tropical island paradise can be found in the very southern corner of Mauritius, and boasts three restaurants serving up delicious cuisine based on ingredients from their organic kitchen gardens.
The spa is replete with Indian Ayurvedic treatments and an excellent team of therapists, plus a swimming pool and an absolutely sublime stretch of beach.
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