5 of the world's best spa retreats to guide you on your wellness journey
wellness tourism - travel in pursuit of furthering one’s own wellbeing - has been on the rise for years now, yet in the wake of the stress of the past few years we’re predicting an even greater uptick in those seeking out health in the far reaches of the world. destination spas, wellness retreats, health resorts - whether you’re chasing physical, emotional, or spiritual wellness, a host of luxe options are available to cater to your needs. so, if you’re looking for a personal reset, we’ve rounded up five of our favourite spa & wellness retreats around the world for your next escape.
image credit: paradero hotel
paradero hotel, mexico
paradero is a brand of experience-based kind of accomodation, where encounters like learning to farm, art tours, and surf lessons are all part of the package. the hotel’s rooftop suites all feature ‘star nets’, these large hammocks set in open air designed for stargazing (rain is rare in these parts). ask for a room with a soaking tub and indoor-outdoor shower for your own slice of luxury . their on-site spa champions ancient mexican healing treatments that centre water-based therapy. guests can participate in a temazcal or sound healing ceremony, or head to their underground spa for a deep tissue massage.
https://www.paraderohotels.com/
ananda in the himalayas, india
ananada, the sanskrit word for bliss, is a fitting name for this spa retreat and slice of heaven in the himalayas. the 5-star resort and wellness centre has won award after award since it opened in 2000, and first choice for a-listers looking for a spa retreat. ananda is located in rishikesh, a lush mountainous region famous for being the birthplace of yoga. eastern treatments are the focus here - yoga, ayurveda, vedanta - but their team of wellness experts can create a tailored plan based on any treatment you fancy. rooms are decidedly luxe, with private hot tubs, flatscreen tvs, and massive, plush beds to lull you into the best sleep of your life. venture out of your room and you’ll find a relaxation room with floor to ceiling window views of the ganges valley, a golf course, and magical gardens filled with peacocks and yoga pavillions.
https://www.anandaspa.com/
image credit: ananda spa, himalayas
chable yucatan, mexico
sitting in the middle of the yucatan jungle, chable feels like a magical oasis. once a vast, 18th century sisal estate, the grounds have been transformed into a luxury retreat with a fine dining restaurant and one of the best spas in the country. its 750 hectares include san ignacio cenote, its very own natural wonder where guests are invited to meditate and practice yoga (or swim, of course). chable yucatan’s wellness centre is on another level too, with temazacal steam baths, hydrotherapy, yoga, and mayan renewal ceremonies to name just a few of their world-class treatments on offer. accomodation consists of private, standalone casitas, each with its own pool, hammock, veranda.
https://chablehotels.com/yucatan/
aro ha wellness retreat, new zealand
unlike some of the other stays on this list, aro ha is a fully inclusive wellness retreat, where your journey begins the moment you step off the plane. guests are picked up from queenstown airport and taken to the retreat’s picturesque location on the banks of lake wakatipu. experiences range from 5 to 7 nights, and include daily yoga classes, hikes, spa therapy, meditation, and meals based around raw food. in their free time guests can visit the on-site spa and enjoy the hot-cold plunge pool and sauna. whether your goal is a complete physical, mental, or spiritual transformation, aro hare is an intensive, reparative programme in an idyllic environment. rooms are simple but comfortable, with shared bathroom and dining facilities.
https://aro-ha.com/
image credit: aro hare
chalet ivy jozankei, japan
we’d be amiss not to mention a japanese retreat on this list - the country that’s famous for its traditional guesthouses (ryokan) and bathhouses (onsen). sitting on the banks of the toyohira river and in the thick of shikotsu-toya national park, chalet ivy jozankei is a brand new luxury resort in sapporo’s hot spring town jozankei. bubbling with the healing waters of hokkaido, both indoor and outdoor onsen are available with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. the spa, ‘nikur’, offers massages incorporating herbal treatments using plants from hokkaido and local ingredients, and tea ceremonies. if you’re visiting in february, the chalet hosts an annual festival called ‘path of the snow lanterns’, where 2000 lanterns illuminate the surroundings to create a fairytale winter atmosphere.
https://slh.com/hotels/chalet-ivy-jozankei
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