There is nothing more important than your health and wellbeing, which is why wellness retreats are on the rise around the world. If you are looking for a break far from the stresses of everyday life, here are our top picks for the world’s most exclusive wellness retreats. After all, you can’t put a price on wellness.
Image courtesy of SHA Wellness Clinic
Aro Hā, Glenorchy, New Zealand
In need of a wellness reboot? Set your course for New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Designed to rejuvenate the spirit, Aro Hā offers a space to let go of the stresses of everyday life.
You can embark on a sub alpine hike through New Zealand’s World Heritage parks, practice mindfulness and meditation, find your flow in vinyasa yoga, and enjoy rejuvenating treatments in an Obsidian spa. The Aro Hā programs include nutrient dense vegetarian and vegan cuisine, healing bodywork, and daily mindfulness practice. Find balance between your mind and body at Aro Hā.
Image courtesy of Aro Hā
Golden Door Elysia Health Retreat and Spa, Hunter Valley, Australia
The Golden Door Elysia Health Retreat and Spa is located within one of Australia’s most prestigious wine regions: the only purpose-built destination health retreat in Australia. The retreat features 74 beautifully appointed luxurious private villas with either one, two or three bedrooms. Each one features a large living space with kitchenette, a spacious bedroom with built-ins, and bathroom including bathtub and separate shower.
On arrival, you will have an initial wellness consultation, during which you can share the reasons for your stay and receive recommendations on how best to meet your goals. The all-inclusive health and wellness programs have been developed to motivate change and give you the tools you need for lasting results. Through the wellness programs, you are encouraged to make active changes and move toward embracing your healthiest, happiest self.
Read about Nicole Lenoir-Jourdan’s experience at Golden Door Spa here.
Image courtesy of Golden Door
Song Saa Private Island, Koh Rong Archipelago, Cambodia
At Song Saa Private Island, you’ll be treated to stunning sandy beaches, glittering waters and sun-soaked days. Established by Australian couple Rory and Melita Hunter, Song Saa Private Island evokes a sense of peace and serenity without compromising sustainable practices and luxury.
Upon arrival, you will have a private spa consultation. This will allow the island’s wellness experts to create your bespoke program, which will include traditional Khmer therapies, meditation and Reiki. Song Saa works to create an unforgettable experience for each guest. This private island offers an intimate escape for A-listers, celebrities and discerning luxury travellers.
Image courtesy of Song Saa
Fivelements Retreat, Bali, Indonesia
Ready for a holistic transformation? Then head to Fivelements Retreat Bali. The eco-friendly wellness retreat is found on the banks of Ayung river and offers an unparalleled Balinese healing experience.
The retreat’s Balinese healers practice rituals and therapies that have been passed along through generations. Their signature program, Panca Mahabhuta (five elements), is a life-changing wellness program for rejuvenation, replenishment and alignment. It includes spa treatments, healing sessions, purification rituals, yoga and meditation, as well as award-winning plant-based cuisine.
Image courtesy of Djuna Ivereigh, Fivelements
Ananda, Narendra Nagar Tehri, India
Ananda is one of the most authentic Ayurvedic luxury wellness destination in India. Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, this spiritual retreat offers programs aimed at improving your health and uniting body and soul. Guests can choose from more than 80 spa menu treatments and 10 wellness programs. Some program options include: Activ-Fitness, Ayurvedic Rejuvenation, Detox, Stress Management, Weight Management and Yoga.
The retreats all start with an Ayurvedic consultation to determine guest’s dosha*, which then determines diet and treatments. Depending on individual needs, retreats can last between 3 and 14 days. The nature-focused setting creates a peaceful space, where guests can find tranquility and will leave feeling rejuvenated.
*A dosha is one of three substances that are present in a person’s body according to Ayurveda.
Image courtesy of Ananda
Golden Door Spa, San Marcos, USA
That’s right, another Golden Door Spa has made it to the list. When it comes to wellness, they definitely know what they’re doing. And the Golden Door Spa in California’s San Marcos is something special. Golden Door is just a 40-minute drive north of San Diego. It’s surrounded by 600 acres of rolling hills and hiking trails, which means guests will be in pure bliss here. Don’t be surprised if you see Oprah Winfrey, Nicole Kidman or Chevy Chase roaming the grounds, because this retreat is particularly popular with Hollywood luminaries.
Golden Door offers an all-inclusive 7-day program, giving a complete mind, body and spirit transformation. The program combines intense fitness training with luxurious pampering. Each private room comes with a garden deck or patio, daily in-room massage, personal training sessions, personalised skin care sessions, manicure and pedicure, in-room breakfast and cooking classes.
Image courtesy of Golden Door
SHA Wellness Clinic, Alicante, Spain
On the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, the renowned SHA Wellness Clinic offers a specialty SHA wellness program which aims to boost health and reduce stress. The treatments offered focus on finding a balance between the mind, body and soul through combining Eastern- and Western-inspired therapies. The program includes a medical examination, nutrition consultation, traditional Chinese medicine treatment session, personalised facial treatment, meeting with a personal trainer, massage, aquatic therapy session and access to a sauna, Turkish baths and thermal waters.
Guests will have a personalised diet designed for their individual needs. They can also attend classes on cooking, fitness and other wellness-focused subjects.
Image courtesy of SHA Wellness Clinic
Six Senses Douro Valley, Lamego, Portugal
Eco-luxe hotelier brand Six Senses offers five-star accommodation and refined service in some of the most picturesque locations around the world. In Portugal’s Douro Valley, a beautifully renovated 19th-century manor sits on a hilltop overlooking Portugal’s best wine region is – this is Six Senses Douro Valley, a world-class retreat and spa.
Six Senses boasts ten treatment rooms, each overlooking the hotel’s gardens. Guests can also enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools, aromatherapy saunas and arctic showers. For a more holistic experience, The Spa offers a variety of yoga practices, including aerial yoga.
Image courtesy of Six Senses Douro Valley
Schloss Elmau, Germany
Escape to the Bavarian Alps and the multi-award-winning spa resort, Schloss Elmau. Its unique location and history will give guests the perfect blend of relaxation and intrigue. Its location is a castle that was built in 1916 by philosopher, theologian and author Dr Johannes Muller. After much of the structure was damaged due to a fire in 2005, Dr Muller’s grandson rebuilt, cementing this wellness retreat as one of the best in the world. Total body wellness includes taking care of the stomach, and food lovers are in for a treat at Schloss Elmau, with a two-Michelin starred chef heading the restaurant.
The family-owned retreat includes an Oriental Hammam, the Badehaus adults-only spa, the Turtle Spa which is dedicated to traditional Chinese medicine and a 24-hour Family Spa, complete with indoor and outdoor pools and several saunas. Designed to cultivate feelings of peace and belonging, Schloss Elmau is the magical place in which to find one’s centre.
Image courtesy of Schloss Elmau
Bushmans Kloof, South Africa
Bushmans Kloof is an award-winning, five-star wellness retreat that’s set in a natural haven, nestled by the dramatic Cederberg Mountains is. Picture vast open plains, rugged sandstone formations and wildlife roaming free. For guests in need of an escape, the retreat offers a tranquil setting in which to reconnect with nature.
Their spa treatment menu offers a variety of health and beauty enhancing treatments. Each treatment ensures guests are “nurtured, purified, pampered and relaxed”. Drawing inspiration from ancient African traditions and signature B|Africa products, the spa uses native African plant extracts, such as baobab tree oil, mafura butter, cape aloe and rooibos in their practice.
Image courtesy of Bushmans Kloof
For more personalised information, tips and advice, or to book these incredible holiday experiences, contact your local TravelManagers’ personal travel manager here.
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