1. Chiva-Som in Hua Hin, Thailand
An opulent beachside health resort in Thailand, Chiva-Som is a perfect escape to recharge your batteries. A luxury detox holiday at Chiva-Som, meaning Haven of Life, will help you embark, and stay, on a healthier path.
Pick spa options such as lymphatic drainage – which helps in eliminating toxins from the body – and detox treatment colon hydrotherapy, all the while learning about healthy eating practices.
[5 best travel destinations for culture and sunshine]
The holistic therapies in this secluded sanctuary, with 70 treatment rooms, include tailored programmes to match your personal wellness needs, whether you’d like to tackle stress, chronic health problems, weight issues, or just plain detox...
Getting there: A three-hour drive from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi or Don Muang Airport.
What you get: Five to 10 nights tailored programmes to enhance emotional well-being, cell vitality, tension release, fitness, weight management, detox.
There’s more: Swimming sessions, yoga, pilates, tai chi, beach runs and power walks, fitness classes and more.
Contact: reservation@chivasom.com
2. Ananda in the Himalayas in Rishikesh, India
Get wellness solutions in royal splendour and natural surroundings at Ananda, which means ‘bliss’ in Sanskrit. Situated at the tranquil Himalayan foothills, this luxury spa resort in India is built on 100 acres of Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal’s Palace Estate. The place boasts spectacular scenery of Sal forests, the Ganges river valley and snow-white peaks.
Remedies integrate traditional ayurveda, yoga and vedanta knowledge combined with organic diet options. An ayurvedic consultant will suggest a personalised course after an assessment.
What you get: Three and 21-night packages that focus on yogic detox, yoga, weight management, active fitness, ayurvedic rejuvenation, stress management and more.
Getting there: 40-minute drive from Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
There’s more: Shopping, safari tours, nature walks and treks, white water rafting. Visit the spiritual town of Rishikesh and witness the famous devotional ritual, Ganga Arti, on the banks of Ganges.
Contact: reservations@anandaspa.com
3. Vivamayr Resort in Altaussee, Austria
Perfect to immerse in discrete tranquillity and with top-class hotel standards, this premium health centre is set on the pristine shores of Lake Altaussee amid the Austrian Alps, and offers up the comforts of five hotels and professional medical care. There are 70 rooms and suites, and four exclusive park residences.
The stunning sights of the mountains of the Styrian Salzkammergut region and Lake Altaussee combine with the benefits of salt therapy, high-class medical care and healthy culinary delights, Vivamayr offers one revitalising stay in gorgeous locales.
Choose from modern Mayr medicine, orthomolecular medicine, TCM, homotoxicology, personal training, yoga, lab infusions, oxygen therapy, movement therapy, hydrotherapy, massages and beauty treatments.
What you get: Tailor-made programmes to tackle issues such as stress, chronic fatigue, allergies, arthritis, migraine, sleep problems and more.
Getting there: A one-hour drive from Salzburg airport.
There’s more: A world-class golf course, boating, swimming, hiking, Nordic walking (a technique using poles), cycling and skiing.
Contact: reservations@vivamayr.com
4. Anantara Kihavah Villas in Baa Atoll, Maldives
It doesn’t get more calming and picturesque than the Maldives. Turquoise lagoons and white sands with coconut, papaya and mango trees create one perfect, unbeatable setting.
Set on Baa Atoll, part of the Unesco World Biosphere Reserve, this peaceful sanctuary consists of 80 villas both on the island and over the water, offering over 25 signature treatments and two exclusive Ayurveda retreat programmes.
The therapies are designed to detoxify and cleanse the body. Options include an anti-ageing treatment; diamond microdermabrasion; vitamin IV infusion; velashape fat blast for body fat reduction and epigenetic analysis to check the level of nutrients in the body. The spa features over-water treatment suites with glass viewing panels beneath treatment beds to let you enjoy immersive sights of the coral bed while you’re getting pampered.
What you get: Three to seven-day balance wellness solutions include a private lifestyle consultation and treatments with restorative yoga, breathing, meditation, and herbal steams.
Getting there: A 35-minute seaplane ride from Male International Airport.
There’s more: Think snorkelling, kayaking, windsurfing, sunset cruises, excursions to deserted islands and fishing expeditions.
Contact: kihavahmaldives@anantara.com
5. Holiday in Harmony at Santani Wellness Resort in Kandy, Sri Lanka
Set on a former tea estate, Santani is a 20-room luxury Ayurvedic wellness resort in Sri Lanka overlooking the beautiful Knuckles Mountain Range. Santani, meaning “in harmony with” in Sanskrit, allows guests to balance mind and body through its wellness solutions including Ayurveda treatments, detox, yoga and relaxation programmes. The organic diet options include healthy traditional cuisine, ketogenic, low-carb options, vegetarian, vegan and even raw foods.
What you get: Seven to 21-night tailored wellness packages that focus on weight loss, anti-ageing, joint pain, exhaustion, trauma, depression, addiction, skin conditions and more.
Getting there: Via road from Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport. There are regular flights from the UAE.
There’s more: Hiking, biking, wildlife, birdwatching, cultural tours and stunning views.
Contact: reservations@santani.lk
6. Sha Wellness Clinic in Alicante, Spain
Hidden away in the Sierra Helada Mountains in Spain, Sha Wellness Clinic is a luxe retreat that lies on the shores of the Mediterranean, near the charming village of Altea.
A top-notch medical clinic surrounded by natural parkland, it offers holistic treatments that combine western therapeutic techniques with ancient natural therapies to help you attain a new way of living.
Choose tailored programmes related to detox, fitness, weight loss, sleep recovery, anti-tobacco, chronic fatigue and chronic muscular pain, among others. Sha also offers revitalising medicine, dental aesthetics, cognitive empowerment, regenerative medicine and stem cells, aesthetic dermatology, hydrotherapy circuit and treatment for hair problems, with bespoke treatments for guests.
What you get: Four- to 28-day packages.
Getting there: Sha Wellness Clinic is a 45-minute drive from Alicante airport and a 1.5-hour drive from Valencia airport.
There’s more: Aqua lab, rooftop infinity pool, organic hair salon, library, a tea lounge with an oxygen bar, and macrobiotic cookery classes.
Contact: info@shawellnessclinic.com
7. Fivelements Retreat in Bali, Indonesia
Located in a secluded jungle, next to a beautiful meandering river, this is the ideal eco-friendly sanctuary to nurture the body.
There are nine exclusive suites set amid the spectacular natural surroundings of soothing lush green forests, waterfalls, and the Ayung River.
The green retreat has impressive bamboo architecture and tranquil riverside healing rooms that open to a jungle valley, breezy yoga spaces, a healing pool and a lovely sanctuary.
The place offers authentic Balinese rituals and therapies such as traditional Balinese massage, energy healing treatments and beauty spa treats. Add to this organic vegan cuisine, remarkable cultural, fitness-focused activities and sacred spaces for yoga, meditation, dance and expressive arts, and you have on the cards one unforgettable experience.
Pancha Mahabhuta (five elements) is its signature retreat programme that replenishes and aligns the body through healing sessions, spa treatments, purification rituals, yoga and meditation, and healthy diet, allowing for natural healing.
What you get: Three to 21-day wellness programmes that will purify your body and mind through mindful practices, activities, healthy eating and exercise.
Getting there: Fivelements Retreat Bali is a 20-minute drive away from Ubud Palace and about an hour’s drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport.
There’s more: Aquatic bodywork, drama, visual arts, dance, aikido, yoga, cooking classes, nature walks, cycling.
Contact: contact@fivelements.org
8. Richmond Nua Wellness Spa in Turkey
Nestled on the fringes of the scenic Lake Sapanca near Istanbul, Richmond Nua Wellness-Spa resort is a popular wellness haven in Turkey.
An epitome of luxury, it offers rejuvenation programmes in the stunning surroundings of a lush forest and serene lake. From water treatments, steam, mist and temperature therapies to traditional Turkish hammam, herbal steam bath, salt-steam inhalation therapy, menthol misting experience and ice grotto, there are plenty of options.
There are also weight-loss programmes and detox body cleansing sessions, therapies to get rid of stress, anxiety, trauma and to keep away migraines, neck pain and certain psychological eating disorders.
What you get: Tailored detox programmes combined with spa experiences lasting from three to 14 days to cleanse and rejuvenate both body and mind.
Getting there: From Istanbul airport, the resort is a two-hour drive.
There’s more: Trekking, skiing, bicycling, sailing and more.
Contact: guestrelations.nua@richmondnua.com
9. La Clairiere Bio & Spa Hotel in Alsace, France
Set amid hilly forest landscape, and serene natural settings, this retreat is located in the small, picturesque village of La Petite-Pierre.
With spectacular surroundings of the North Vosges Nature Park (Unesco biosphere reserve), get pampered here with cures based on traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda and naturopathy.
A wellness weekend here means you are treated at three levels – physically, emotionally and spiritually. All bespoke programmes here involve nutrition, hydrotherapy, holistic activities and treatments, organic detox and vegan meals based on energy-building ingredients.
There are yoga pranayama classes, qigong, beginner’s meditation course and outdoor exercise sessions and unlimited access to spa, pool, and gym facilities, all to help you reset your energy.
What you get: Three to 10-day programmes designed for pure relaxation, eliminating stress, weight balance, yoga, qigong, TCM, and wellness.
Getting there: La Clairiere is a one-hour drive to Strasbourg/Entzheim Airport, Karlsruhe Baden-Baden Airport or Saarbrücken Airport.
There’s more: Explore treasures of the forest, treks through the Loosthal forest trail, the Donnenbach Pond trail, the Poet’s Garden (Jardin des Poètes) and the White Rock trail (Rocher Blanc). The place is ideal to begin hikes.
Contact: info@la-clairiere.com
10. Amanjena Wellness Retreat in Marrakech, Morocco
Set in the ancient city of Marrakech, Amanjena is a wellness retreat with graceful earth-toned architecture, courtyards with water features and lush green garden spaces.
There are five spa treatment rooms, two hammams, bespoke spa signature treatments, holistic body rituals, and exclusive therapies by leading healing specialists offering a range of healing techniques to calm and rejuvenate. All treatments are customised and stress on rebalancing, relaxation and rejuvenation of body and mind.
What you get: Three-night holistic wellness retreat that helps rebalance body and mind. It features a daily sport and fitness session, a regular 60-minute spa treatment with options of holistic massage, deep tissue massage or foot recovery treatment, an argan oil head massage, and a traditional Moroccan hammam treatment once during your stay.
Getting there: Amanjena wellness retreat is 20 minutes by car from Marrakech Menara Airport and 2.5 hours from Casablanca Airport.
There’s more: Explore the wonders of the ancient city of Marrakech, take motorbike tours through the lush oasis and desert landscape, charming villages, e-bike adventures in the Agafay dunes, or trek to mountain ranges of Kasbah du Toubkal by car, helicopter or foot.
Contact: amanjena@aman.com
