While international travel is still limited at the moment, destinations and properties are starting to open up again, and with their openings come amazing experiences to enhance and restore guest wellbeing. From relaxing in world class spas to connecting with nature, hiking, biking, and more, here are a few wonderful opportunities for travelers to focus on their wellbeing:
Fregate Island Private - Wellbeing in the Seychelles
Fregate Island Private is one of the most revered hideaways in the Seychelles, offering privacy and seclusion with 17 beautifully crafted villas throughout pristine nature, as well as seven beaches- including the only privatizable beach in the Indian Ocean. Guests can spend plenty of time outdoors by hiking and mountain biking over six miles of trails through the jungle, diving and snorkeling in the bright blue sea and enjoying guided nature walks with Fregate’s resident conservationist. For true relaxation, guests are invited to an introductory yoga session in the morning and a welcome massage at Rock Spa, which uses natural ingredients from the island in their products.
Hotel Crillon Le Brave - Wellbeing in the French Countryside
Provence, France has long been a destination for focusing on health and self-care. The natural and picturesque surroundings of Provence offers many athleisure activities to help visitors focus on restoring overall wellbeing. The feared and revered ascent of Mont Ventoux dominates the landscape and attracts cycling fans, but can also be conquered on foot, while taking in the splendid views all around. Depending on which active level is preferred, the village and the surrounding areas, between the vineyards and ochre quarries can be explored on foot, horse-back, electric or hybrid bike, trek bike, road bike or mountain bike. For water activities, there’s gentle kayaking on the Sorgue, from Fontaine de Vaucluse to Isle-sur-la-Sorgue for a refreshing and unexpected way to discover a different side of Provence. The village also offers tennis, golf and pétanque for fun sports in quaint settings.
After a day of conquering active wellness, Hotel Crillon Le Brave serves as the ultimate hideaway for relaxation and continuing self-care.Hotel Crillon Le Brave is a Maisons Pariente property, providing a ‘home away from home’ in true Provencal style.Against a backdrop of hypnotically beautiful landscapes sits a wonderful labyrinth of 17th and 18th century buildings, where Crillon Le Brave literally merges with the landscape. The hotel offers many experiences to practice wellness including the dramatic spa set in a former 18th century vaulted stone sable, an exclusive pool to take a dip in, private tastings in the hotel’s private cellar, or catching up on some reading in the tranquil garden. The hotel also features
two restaurants that celebrate exceptional produce and magnifies authentic flavors of Provence with local and traditional dishes that are both healthy and tasty. The recipes offered at each restaurant employs healthy, natural and seasonal ingredients to amplify flavors without adding anything artificial. The result is meals and juices that are hearty, wholesome, fresh and delicious.
Quasar Expeditions - Wellbeing in the Galapagos
Quasar Expeditions offers guests the chance to disconnect from their devices and connect with their surroundings for a week of wellbeing, thanks to remote cruises on their small yachts, the M/V Evolution and the M/Y Grace. Sailing through the secluded Galapagos Islands, the cruises allow guests to spend a week getting up close and personal with the islands' amazing animals by snorkeling, swimming, hiking, and kayaking. Adventurers can expect to see plenty of native wildlife, including turtles, sea lions, and the infamous blue-footed boobies, creating a once in a lifetime experience - without any distractions. Complete with delicious meals, time to relax in the hot tubs, and plenty of space to unwind in a deck chair under the sun, travelers come home revitalized and with a new appreciation for the beauty found in nature.
Tswalu - Wellbeing in the Kalahari
In Setswana, Tswalu means a “new beginning” and will leave guests feeling refreshed after days spent exploring all that the Kalahari has to offer. Tswalu is a place for those who valueaccess to South Africa’s last remaining wilderness - a privilege that far outweighs more conventional notions of luxury. As the largest, privately owned reserve in South Africa, its wide, open spaces have long drawn travelers seeking a deeply layered, immersive experiences. From the ancient quartzite Korannaberg mountains to the southern Kalahari’s grassy, red sand dunes rippling away to the horizon, Tswalu offers what discerning guests crave most - space. This is a place to recalibrate and reconnect, both with nature and yourself. In addition, Tswalu's award winning spa is crafted from natural materials such as
reed ceilings and dry-stone walls in the relaxing indoor and outdoor showers. Treatments range from aromatic candle massages to exfoliation with red dune sand, desert mineral crystals and botanical fibers, all sourced from the Kalahari. When they aren’t recharging in the spa, guests can enjoy Tswalu’s safari drives during the day and plenty of outdoor time under the stars at night.
Tschuggen Grand Hotel - Wellbeing in the Swiss Alps
Nestled in the Alpine region of Arosa, the Tschuggen Grand Hotel is known for its unique
ultramodern Mario Botta–designed Tschuggen Bergoase Spa. The 54,000 square-feet spa and wellness center is built directly into the mountain and connected to the hotel by a glass walkway. A four-story retreat waits behind the sail-shaped windows, including a rock grotto, fire pit, indoor and outdoor pools and saunas, and private spa suites. Travelers can also take advantage of yoga sessions and personal training.
In addition to the unforgettable Tschuggen Bergoase, the hotel is also known for offering a variety of outdoor wellness experiences led by the executive staff. General Manager Stefan Knoll leads various biking excursions on the mountain trails, Food and Beverage Manager Claudio Laager takes guests on a mushroom foraging trip through the forests and Executive Assistant Manager Leonie Schefenacker guides travelers on moonlight and sunrise hiking on the local trails. Whether guests come to Arosa for a luxurious spa-filled retreat or to become closer with nature, the Tschuggen Grand has wellness offerings for every type of traveler.
Saxon Spa - Wellbeing in Johannesburg
Tanya Lopes, Spa Manager at the exclusive spa of the Saxon Hotel, believes the health of the immune system is paramount in order to maintain mind and body wellness as well protect against illness. In a time of conscious living it is important to be mindful of lifestyles in orderto live the best possible version of oneself and take accountability of one’s own health. As a local to the bustling city of Johannesburg, Tanya believes no matter where one might be, self-care can be practiced in any setting as long as the five pillars of wellness are followed to ensure a healthy lifestyle. These five pillars of wellness are exercise, nutrition, stress management, sleep, and supplements.
An oasis nestled in the metropolis of Johannesburg, the Spa at the Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa is a lovely and transcendent retreat from the busy city. The spa boasts many natural features and design elements which are strategically integrated throughout the facility to promote both vitality and balance. While relaxing and pampering at the spa, guests will easily forget they’re in a city as the peaceful garden and heavy greenery surroundings of the hotel conceals the hustle and bustle of the outside beyond. The signature scent throughout the spa blends natural and therapeutic rosemary, eucalyptus, rose, jasmine petals, pomegranate blossoms, musk, cedar wood and sandalwood to both revitalize and relax guests. Treatments offered at the spa also celebrate nature, natural elements and holistic wellbeing. Two signature spa treatments incorporating natural elements are the the Himalayan Signature Journey, Sound Therapy Advanced with Crystal Therapy.
Monkey Island Estate - Wellbeing on the Water
The Floating Spa at Monkey Island Estate in the village of Bray-on-Thames offers a unique spa experience on the River Thames. The Floating Spa is the latest addition to YTL Hotels’ award-winning Spa Village collection. The bespoke crafted barge is the first of its kind in Britain, anchored on the banks of Monkey Island Estate and featuring three tranquil treatment rooms, a stunning wheelhouse reception area, and an Elixir Bar. The Spa seamlessly blends the island’s storied past with the power of water to craft specially curated experiences. The spa’s signature treatment, The Monks Elixir, begins with an elixir tasting of an ancient tonic, inspired by the monks who once lived on the island, followed by a full body massage with house-cured herbal and essential oils. The Floating Spa also features treatments like the Floating Massage, which mirrors the soothing effect of gently rocking on water, and the Garden Herbs and Magic Peat, which takes inspiration from the lush and vibrant grounds of the island.
Singita Volcanoes National Park - Wellbeing on Safari
A stay at Singita Kwitonda Lodge is sure to awaken a sense of self-discovery and reflection as guests immerse themselves in one of the most remarkable natural places in the world. Opportunities to retreat, relax and reflect are plentiful at Kwitonda as the lodge breathes a sense of peace, quiet and tranquility into its visitors. Warm fires, restful spaces, healthy food, yoga, meditation, massages, soft lighting and warm baths serve to nurture, comfort and rejuvenate guests as they connect with nature in a way they never have before. The Singita wellness philosophy creates an environment for an urban-weary guests to reconnect to nature, revive their senses, restore their body and mind, and explore our African culture. All treatments are offered in the comfort of guests’ suites or in the tranquility of their private outdoor deck.
