Travel is a great way to get outside of your comfort zone, but it can also be used as a means to go inward as well. According to Skift’s 2025 Mega Trends report, travel’s new cadence is more deliberate, introspective, and soulful; while Skyscanner reports that yoga and wellness retreats are up 10% and 25% YoY, respectively (via 2025 travel trends report).
So, whether you’re going through a transitionary time, or simply seeking solace from the stresses of the world – this year is the time to use travel as a means to disconnect, reflect, and heal.
For those looking to go beyond a typical yoga retreat, see below for 3 life-changing ancient healing destinations across the globe. From sacred Balinese Hindu water purification rituals to natural energy-infused Tibetan healing practices that date back thousands of years, the destinations and experiences listed are sure to impact your mind, body, and spirit, for years (or lifetimes?!) ahead.
1. Shangri-La, China: awaken mind-body harmony through Sowa Rigpa wisdom. Sowa Rigpa (“Tibetan medicine”) is a healing practice that originated in the Tibetan region generations ago and later spread across the Himalayas and beyond. Through Songtsam Resorts – founded to champion Tibetan culture, are the only collection of luxury Tibetan-style retreats focused on combining physical and spiritual healing. Visitors can embrace a Sowa Rigpa-infused itinerary over the course of their stay, with rituals include such as Medicinal Vajra Hammer Crafting; meant to alleviate physical discomfort and to serve as a reminder to overcome inner negativity; Five-Element Tibetan Incense Making, in which guests meditate while listening to or chanting mantras for inner purification; and Tibetan Singing Bowl ceremonies to restore physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Where to Stay: Sowa Rigpa is available across select Songtsam properties. Stay at Songtsam Lodge Shangri-La to immerse yourself in a majestic landscape with a plethora of other deep spiritual experiences for travelers to explore, such as learning how to meditate from lineage passed by great Tibetan meditation practitioners that have reached enlightenment.
2. Bali, Indonesia: Cleanse your mind, body, and soul from negative energies and past karma with Melukat. Rooted in ancient traditions, Melukat is one of Bali’s most well-known ancient rituals. The Melukat ceremony is performed by a Balinese priest or pemangku at temples, waterfalls, or other sacred sites, as it is deeply connected to the community’s reverence for water (Tirta). This ceremony practice dates back over 5000 years (!) and can be used to clean and purify one’s soul and spirit.
Where to Stay: Round out this soul-refreshing trip by staying at The Oberoi Beach Resort, Bali. Located on Seminyak beach and surrounded by lush gardens, a natural amphitheater for traditional dance, and more, this 5-star resort offers a plethora of experiences good for your inner being – such as arranging a sunset blessing at Petitenget Temple with the temple priest and tour with a local expert; or helping the Olive Ridley turtles at the resort’s saltwater turtle sanctuary.
3. Punta Mita, Mexico: bask in a temazcal ceremony to purify your mind, body, and spirit. Believed to have healing powers for the mind, body, and spirit, this Mayan sweat lodge ritual has been used by the Indigenous people in Mesoamerica for hundreds (or even thousands!) of years for spiritual and medicinal purposes. The ritual, led by a shaman, uses a combination of natural steam, chanting, and meditation to purify and cleanse the energies of participants.
Where to stay: For those looking for a group journey of inner wellness, stay at Casa Patron, part of onefinestay’s portfolio of luxurious rentals in Punta Mita. This hidden gem – suitable for up to 20 guests – is a secluded paradise with crystal-clear water and a serene ambience where travelers can discover the region's wild beauty. As with all onefinestay properties, a personal concierge is available to plan excursions and itineraries catered to wellness and beyond.
Each of these experiences, led by locals, have held deep meaning and significance to local communities for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Now available to tourists – not only as an opportunity to embrace and celebrate cultures and traditions, but also as a way to heal via Eastern practices – it is encouraged for those traveling to look beyond physical restoration and utilize these ancient traditions as an inner pilgrimage for one’s soul.
