In today's fast-paced world, more and more travelers are looking for wellness retreats allowing them take a step back from their daily routines and focus on their overall well-being. Whether it's a program promoting a healthier lifestyle, an immersive experience amidst natural surroundings, or embracing simplicity in a mountain retreat, the following global wellness destinations cater to individuals seeking a more profound connection with themselves:
Bali: Disconnect to Reconnect at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (pictured)
Travelers looking for a getaway rooted in spirituality and healing need not look further than the Land of Gods. Considered the spiritual and cultural heartland of Bali, Ubud is known for its majestic temples and rice terraces. Beautifully set where the lush jungle meets the Ayung River, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a sanctuary to relax one’s mind, body and soul. Mandapa pays homage to Ubud's rich culture, traditions, and holistic healing through several curated experiences in the property's brand-new Disconnect to Reconnect Program. Allowing travelers to take a break from the fast-paced, digitally connected world and reconnect with themselves, it encourages guests to cultivate mindfulness and gain a renewed sense of clarity and purpose. During their stay, travelers can enjoy daily complimentary activities such as vibrational sound therapy, chakra balancing, mindfulness movement routines, breath-work, and more.
In addition to the new Disconnect to Reconnect Program, Mandapa offers healing sessions with an intuitive blind healer for travelers to take their retreat to the next level. Ibu Ketut Mursi is a highly skilled healer with a gifted intuitive awareness and touch. She assesses and assists with emotional and physical issues providing individualized recommendations. Honoring ancient traditions, Ketut carries her family's secret herbal oil blend that has been passed down from her grandfather, a Balinese healer. Accompanied by her assistant Ibu Kis, they work harmoniously to realign and release any blocked energy pattern through bodywork and reflexology.
South Africa: Sobriety and Serenity: Healing Retreat at Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa
An oasis nestled in the metropolis of Johannesburg, the Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa is a five-star international wellness destination that is home to an award-winning Spa with world class treatments and innovative techniques. For travelers seeking a wellness journey that aligns with sobriety, The Saxon has implemented a new juice and smoothie bar that incorporates superfood powders for an enhanced post safari health and wellness experience. It’s perfect for those looking to detox, rehydrate and restore their mind, body, and soul to its full capacity.
At the heart of The Saxon Spa, Manager Tanya Lopes, a rejuvenation expert, emphasizes the importance of taking time to reset for guests coming from afar, especially pre/post safari clients who deal with sleep deprivation, flying-related dehydration, and the harsh effects of the African sun. Drawing from her extensive experience, Tanya recommends the following treatments to combat these effects: The Saxon’s Innovative Sleep Therapy, Rejuvenating Sound Therapy, A Digital Detox Experience, and The Saxon Signature Rebalancing Package – an exclusive wellness treatment intended to realign the body’s natural balance through a seven hour serene experience.
Lake Garda, Italy: Discover True Wellbeing at Cape of Senses
Situated 600 feet above Lake Garda in Italy, Cape of Senses offers spectacular views of the surrounding lake and mountains and year-round relaxation and regeneration, encouraging guests to slow down and reconnect with their senses in a tranquil setting. The star of the property is its 2,100 square-foot Senses Spa, offering a holistic concept with an extensive range of facilities including pools, a sauna, a fitness area, treatment rooms, and relaxation rooms, along with a spa library and spa garden, which includes a yoga platform.
For travelers planning an extended weekend getaway, Cape of Senses offers a special five-night Discover True Wellbeing stay. During their visit, guests enjoy the benefits of connecting with their own body, surrounding environment, and exchanging energy through massages, reflexology, and the property’s Senses Pinda Ritual, which utilizes wild herbs, essential oils, and natural ingredients to rebalance physical and mental wellbeing. The restorative and purifying experience has a profound effect on the spirit, leaving guests feeling re-energized and stress-free.
United Kingdom: Enjoy "Spa Days" of Natural Healing Waters at The Gainsborough Bath Spa
The Gainsborough Bath Spa is the only hotel to offer its guests exclusive access to Bath’s famed natural thermal waters, discovered in 43 AD and known for their healing and calming properties. Evidence of the Romans utilizing the waters was found under the foundation of The Gainsborough Bath Spa when archeologists discovered over 17,000 Roman coins. An elegant, five-star luxury spa hotel located in the center of town, it is the perfect place for travelers to unwind during an extended weekend getaway.
Reviving the ancient practice of social bathing and tapping into the origin thermal spring, the Gainsborough Bath Spa boasts its unique Bath House and Spa Village Bath to enhance each traveler’s wellbeing through the healing waters, as well as its special Spa Days offering. For guests staying at the property, Spa Days includes a spa treatment, a personalized aromatherapy session, a Bath House Experience in three natural thermal pools of varying temperatures, access to an aromatic steam room, ice alcove, saunas, an elegant afternoon tea, and more.
Kenya: Transformative Wellness Experience at Finch Hattons
Finch Hattons believes the power of harmonizing the mind, body, and soul through the luxury of time defines rejuvenation. A true transformative experience in Tsavo West National Park, Finch Hattons connects guests with nature and fosters self-discovery through grounding activities like hiking Chyulu Hills and through the cloud rainforest, balancing yoga sessions, and rejuvenating spa treatments to discover inner alignment and personal growth at their own pace.
At Finch Hattons, guests can immerse themselves in the beauty of Tsavo through dawn hikes in the Chyulu Hills followed by invigorating yoga classes overlooking stunning views at the Chyulu Spa. Awakened by the sound of the birds and a fresh coffee at 4:00 a.m., guests will set out on a drive to Chyulu Hills, getting off the vehicle to hike up the mountain by sunrise to catch the sun peaking through—completely still and surrounded by nothing but the serene skyline and sounds of the bush. Led by expert guides, guests will then venture through the lush rainforest where orchids, ferns, and mosses adorning ancient trees await. Upon returning to camp, a guided yoga session on the expansive yoga deck at the Chyulu Spa provides a gentle reconnection with oneself. The Chyulu Spa also offers a holistic signature spa treatment called The Chyulu Experience, designed to restore the mind and soul after a deep connection with the surroundings. Through therapeutic techniques and essential oils, this treatment aims to relax muscles, improve circulation, and align the mind, body, and soul. Finch Hattons provides an immersive experience where guests can recenter and discover the transformative power of time.
The Dolomites, Italy: Wyda Yoga at FORESTIS
FORESTIS is a conceptual five-star mountain retreat celebrating simplicity entirely inspired by its dense forests, from the sustainable, locally-sourced materials utilized in its architecture to its signature Wyda Yoga—the Celtic movement theory practiced by the Celts who once roamed the Dolomites. Wyda aims to unite humankind and nature by helping people achieve harmony and contentment through mindfulness in the great outdoors, ideal for the powerful nature elements at FORESTIS.
The teaching of Wyda distinguishes between three energy fields: the vital field—located in the naval area—controls the body’s organs and hormonal system; the emotional field—located in the chest—regulates mood and feelings; and the mental field—in the heart area, specifically between the eyes—regulates brain performance and the senses. Wyda movements aim to keep these three fields in harmony through deep breathing and long, drawn-out yoga poses within the lush forests and fresh mountain air.
As the four elements of pure spring water, fresh mountain air, endless sunshine, and mild climate at FORESTIS create a balanced, rejuvenating experience at FORESTIS, Wyda yoga is an ideal wellness experience to completely reconnect with oneself in a pristine environment.
Switzerland: Ice Bathing with Swiss Deluxe Hotels
The Tschuggen Grand Hotel in Arosa, a member of Swiss Deluxe Hotels, is known for its fabulous winter wonderland offerings tapping into wellness and encouraging guests to enjoy the fresh, Swiss mountain air. Travelers to the property this winter season can enjoy Outdoor Ice Bathing in the Frozen Lake, where they take a dip in the frozen Untersee Lake to improve their circulation and strengthen their immune systems as the body reacts to extremely low temperatures with an increased release of adrenaline and endorphins. The experience kicks off with guided stretches by the hotel’s yoga coach before travelers are escorted to the lake to find the perfect spot for a plunge. Guests then head back to the hotel to warm up with a mug of mulled wine, tea, or coffee by the cozy fire.
Air Partner Now Offers Customizable Wellness Retreats Across The Globe
Air Partner, a Wheels Up company and world-leading international private aviation services, has partnered with Silver Linings Wellbeing and The Modern Concierge (TMC) to offer bespoke private wellness experiences anywhere in the world. With the introduction of this new global offering, Air Partner along with Silver Linings Wellbeing and TMC will now be providing elite charter journeys inclusive of private, immersive, and transformational wellness experiences at destinations of the client’s choosing. From tailored retreats to incentive trips for larger groups, each customized itinerary will be carefully designed to align with personal wellness objectives. Experiences can include rigorous fitness journeys, meditative experiences, and the entire trip will be curated into a seamless travel journey, with the client in control of all the details supported by assistance from the charter team at Air Partner – unlike most organized retreats.
New Outdoor and Oceanfront Wellness Experiences at Grand Velas Riviera Maya
In partnership with ROLA Wellness, Grand Velas Riviera Maya now allows guests to stay active during their vacation with unique outdoor classes and offerings. Cycling, functional training, yoga, pilates, meditation, and barre are all offered oceanfront. For a holistic experience, combining the beauty of the ocean with transformative wellness, the luxury resort introduces a new Zen Wellness retreat designed to rejuvenate both the body and the mind. Day 1, guests can kickstart their retreat with an invigorating cycling session, surrounded by the soothing sounds of the ocean. The following days, the group can choose from any of the classes offered by ROLA. Guests can also enhance their well-being with complimentary hydrotherapy sessions daily at Grand Velas Riviera Maya’s Forbes 5 Star SE Spa. Guided by a personal spa valet, the Water Journey is an hour-long relaxation ritual built around the use of seven, specially designed water-based facilities. Almost 40,000-square feet are given to men’s and women’s sides, each with custom-designed amenities including a Clay Room, a circular glass-tile-lined steam room with a fiber-optic “star light” ceiling, an Ice Room with floor-to-ceiling window, and hot-and-cold Experience Showers. A central infinity pool has powerful massaging faucets throughout and carved-stone chaises with jets set just underneath the surface of the water on which guests recline. Guests also have access to a range of invigorating gym classes at the resort’s on property workout facilities. Each guest will receive a personalized tumbler, providing a lasting memento of the wellness escape. The Zen Wellness Experience starts at $884 USD per person per night in the resort’s Zen Ambiance. A minimum 3 night stay is required for 6 people.
Cowdray Estate
Located in the heart of Sussex in the popular South Downs National park, Cowdray has a vast 16,000-acre estate dedicated to the beauty of farm living and the outdoors.
The South Downs National Park is an International Dark Sky Reserve, making Cowdray the perfect place to understand more of what takes place in the skies above us. Those looking to catch sight of astronomical phenomena can venture on a fascinating guided tour of the night sky with local astronomer Dr John Mason MBE at Cowdray this winter. Dr John Mason MBE will highlight some of the brighter stars, familiar and unfamiliar constellations, myths and legends of the stars, the Moon and visible planets, satellites, shooting stars and more. January 18th, 6:15-8:30pm.
For those looking to venture into the life-changing world of cold-plunging, Cowdray hosts a series of Wim Hof workshops this winter. Each half-day workshop takes place in the beautiful Cowdray Hall with Wim Hof Academy Certified Instructor Dan Hughes. January 13th and February 24th, 9:30am-1:30pm. Tickets are priced at £150pp, and can be booked here.
Cowdray Estate: rates on-request // High-res imagery can be found HERE.
Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel
Le Manoir offers a range of amenities and activities that can be incorporated into each stay to curate the perfect, personalized retreat. These include:
Additionally, guests have the option to immerse themselves in nature and take part in one of The Raymond Blanc Gardening School courses, which cater to a range of seasonal interests hosted by passionate specialists. Gardening has long been heralded for its therapeutic benefits, and the interactive classes take guests through some of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons’ 11 enchanting gardens and orchards.
Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, a Belmond Hotel: Rooms starting at £900 // High-res imagery can be found HERE.
The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel
The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel’s long-term partnership with super facialist Teresa Tarmey is now available in The Cadogan’s luxurious Treatment Room. Set among elegant Victorian homes and designer boutiques, The Cadogan is a grand London residence with an intimate character spirit, on the crossroads of the capital’s most stylish neighbourhoods; Chelsea and Belgravia. Residents and visitors can now experiences Teresa’s cult treatments in the intimate surroundings of The Cadogan, on the heart of Sloane Street.
The exclusive menu includes Teresa’s most sought-after treatments from her flagship boutique, with 14 options to choose from, the incredible line-up targets both face, body and neck. Treatments include:
Teresa’s popular selection of skincare products is also available to purchase from the hotel, allowing guests to extend their newfound glow and rejuvenation. The current range includes a tightly edited selection of key topical applications and Teresa’s signature micro needling kit.
Treatment prices range between £260 to £800. To make a booking, guests must email bookings@teresatarmey.com or visit belmond.com/hotels/europe/uk/london/belmond-cadogan-hotel
The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel:Rooms starting at £750 (off-peak)
Bulgari Hotel London
Bulgari Hotel London has announced a new collaboration with GROUND - the award-winning wellness brand with a mission to develop intuitive massaging rituals and sustainable aromatherapy products that honor true self care.
To celebrate the partnership, a series of purposeful massage journeys have been developed including an exclusive treatment to The Bulgari Spa focusing on the Vagus Nerve titled WANDERING. The journey, available as a 90 or 120 minute treatment, helps individuals to reconnect with the Vagus Nerve to support the body’s natural stress-relief pathway. The Vagus Nerve, the longest cranial nerve, communicates vital messages to the brain about emotional and physical states. Through the power of breath, touch and plant messages with the essential oils used, the treatment can deeply impact the nervous system, assisting during times of hormonal fluctuations and stress.
Alongside the Wandering treatment, a selection of advanced massages will be available and can be tailored to each guest designed to combat common wellness concerns including sleep, pregnancy comfort, menopause and PMS comfort, gut harmony and detoxification.
For more information: https://www.bulgarihotels.com/en_US/london/spa-and-fitness/the-bulgari-spa
