Wellness islands offer luxurious resorts placed in the heart of pristine nature, healing therapy and counseling, yoga and meditation.
It is a safe sanctuary where one can withdraw physically and emotionally and deeply reconnect with self and Mother Nature.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an island of greenery, tropical forests, rivers, waterfalls, mountains, botanical gardens, tea and cinnamon plantations.
This “pearl of the Indian Ocean” has been acclaimed for its golden dreamy beaches, incredible wildlife, and vibrant culture.
It has also been a go-to place for Ayurveda and an ‘India light’ wellness experience. Sri Lanka is said to be a sanctuary for those wanting to revive their body and spirit. Kandaya Resort, Cebu Island
Cebu Island
This long and narrow island is the largest one in the Visayas region, Philippines. It is considered to be the most dynamic island of the archipelago.
The true gem of Cebu are its milky sandy beaches with clear azure waters. Its beachfront resorts offer world-class facilities, plunge and infinity pools, fine restaurants and bars. Rooms with private balconies boast lush scenery of the sea, mountains, or beautiful gardens.
Water-based activities, like snorkeling, kayaking, and jet-skiing, are all available. For inner withdrawal, there are spa & massage centers, yoga retreats, and soft coral beaches surrounded by breathtaking nature.
Islands of Central America
Squeezed between vast North and elongated South America, Central America seems fragmented and fragile. This area of six small states seems scattered in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific.
Nevertheless, Central America has a rich history, culture, diverse nature, unique settlements, and authentic people. It boasts greenery that reaches far under the clouds. Active volcanoes, dense jungle, clear rivers and colonial sites pulsate with life on every step.
Although Costa Rica and Panama are the most popular countries in Central America, sunsets at the Isla de Ometepe and Corn Islands are some of the most stunning in the world. St. Regis Bora Bora
Bora Bora
Crystal clear turquoise waters boarded by palm trees swaying as far as the eye can see. Stunning lagoons are rich with marine life, hugged by snow-white powdery beaches.
Some of the most luxurious hotels in the world are there on a coral ring of Bora Bora. Luxury resorts and spas dot the island with overwater bungalows and thatched-roof villas. Tropical fish and giant manta rays glide leisurely past.
Dramatic Otemanu mountain overlooks the surreal lagoon with all its shades of turquoise and blue. The lush tropical slopes and valleys blossom with hibiscus. Bora Bora island is a true paradise on earth.
San Jose Del Cabo
Though not an island but a peninsula, the feelings that staying here evokes are pretty much similar. There are plenty of lavish ocean-view resorts, with heavenly pools and sandy beaches.
Daily fitness and yoga classes, meditation, massage and spa treatments nurture physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The holistic gateways of Cabo have the power to transform and bring inner peace.
Personal escort, assistance with luggage, or customs can add to a stress-free start of the vacation. Concierge services, such as the ones that Cabo Airport VIP Service provides, ensure a smooth transition from the airport to the resort.
Seychelles
One of the world’s smallest countries brings peace, as well as adventure to those who seek it. Endless talc-white crescents of Seychelles provide privacy, ideal for leisure and me-time.
Seychelles have unique vegetation, which can be explored by kayaking through tunnels and forests. It is also a home to giant tortoises and the indigenous Coco de Mer palm.
When it comes to accommodation, Seychelles have everything. From houses for rent, boutique hotels, villas on the hilltops with or without private pools, to apartments that overlook the beach. Jumby Bay Island Resort
Jumby Bay Island
Reachable only by boat, there is no hint of urban intrusions or indigenous population. Powdered sugar-like beaches, lapped by clean, crystalline waters, and rich biodiversity, make Jumby Bay one of the most beautiful, undisturbed places in the world.
Only a 6-minute boat ride from the Antigua coastline, yet worlds apart from hustle and bustle of the Caribbean. As an exquisite and laid-back luxury resort, Jumby Bay is an island of simple pleasure.
This privately-owned hideaway has successfully remained unchanged for centuries. Its picture-perfect landscapes and underwater habitats are the perfect place to snap some incredible photos and videos. Just be sure to pack a GoPro, or one of its alternatives. Such places must outlive the oblivion.
Zanzibar
Zanzibar is one of the most beautiful islands in the Indian Ocean. It is adorned with the most charming tropical beaches and lush unspoiled nature.
Bathed in the heady scents of cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon, Zanzibar Archipelago has been known as the spice island for centuries. Local specialties are based on a variety of seafood and exotic fruit, making it one of the most delicious cuisines in the world.
The power of the ocean waves spilling over into a million shades of blue, merging into an infinite whole with the sky, leaves no one indifferent.
The Cook Islands
The far-flung Cook Islands have a lavish mountainous interior, full of hiking trails and waterfalls. Almost completely not commercialized, it boasts secluded and laid-back beaches. The most beautiful spots here are never busy.
Since there are barely any venomous animals or insects, the Cook Islands are very safe for outdoor activities. Swimming, snorkeling, and hiking are among the most popular ones.
The Cook Islands are more spread out and harder to reach, feeling more remote, rustic and authentic. Royal Hideaway Corales Beach, Canary Islands
Canary Islands
Located off the coast of northwest Africa, Canary Islands boast sunshine almost the whole year-round.
They all differ one from another. Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro are rocky and mountainous, full of forests and meadows. The remaining two islands are characterized by kilometers of endless sand. Fuerteventura resembles the Sahara with water, while Lanzarote resembles the surface of Mars.
Early morning sunrise walk, yoga or fitness sessions, nutrition and weight management, bring back balance to body and mind. No wonder the ancient Greeks and Romans named the Canaries the Happy Islands.
Essentials to take on a wellness retreat consist of a swimsuit, sunscreen, travel insurance, passport, and open mind and heart.
Article by Nina Petrov