A few years ago, a ‘wellness retreat’ simply meant a luxurious spa with a well-equipped gym. But today, the wellness landscape has changed irrevocably, and there are a raft of holistic retreats catering to weary, burnt-out guests yearning for something a little more than leisurely weekends spent lounging in saunas.
For 2024, wellness retreats include a lifestyle of healthy habits, savouring local and organic flavours, finding zen in outdoor activities, and, of course, plenty of yoga. Whether you’re in dire need of pampering, a detox, or some medically-inspired TLC, we’ve handpicked the world’s top 10 wellness retreats to help you refresh and indulge in some well-deserved me time.
1. The Well, Hacienda AltaGracia, Costa Rica
Rooted in Talamancan healing traditions and cutting-edge therapies, all treatments at The Well commence with a purifying local clay treatment and herbal exfoliation at the Casa de Agua, a sunny, greenhouse- style relaxation room. Featuring eight luxurious treatment rooms and hydrotherapy tubs, along with diverse movement classes, the wellness haven blends several energy healing therapies, from lunar gong baths and craniosacral facials to equine therapy and reiki healing.
A must-try: WELL River Bath treatment which will immerse you in the sound of nature and guide you to a state of healing.
2. Vivamayr, Austria
At the VIVAMAYR, days are spent gliding between treatment rooms, fitness and yoga classes, and strolling by the lake. Focusing majorly on the gut, treatments include everything from colon cleansing to nasal reflex therapy, and each guest receives a medical check-up for a tailored regime of treatment. Mornings begin with a tonic of warm water mixed with local salt to cleanse the gut. Meals, prepared with locally sourced organic vegetables, lean proteins, and renowned “trainer bread,” follow strict schedules sans phones.
A must-try: The meditative forest walk is a must, as is a bracing swim in the lake.
3. Ananda in the Himalayas, India
It’s right there in the name Ananda. The resort integrates traditional Ayurveda, yoga and Vedanta with international wellness experiences and healthy organic cuisine to restore balance and harmonise energy. The team identifies your ‘dosha’, which is used to determine everything from the oils used during your messages to the food you eat. A typical day here includes sunrise yoga classes, holistic treatments, one-on-one meditation classes, cookery lessons, Vedanta talks and breathtaking hikes.
A must-try: White-water rafting down the Ganges and the Ganga Aarti during sunset.
4. SHA Wellness Clinic, Spain
At the SHA Wellness Clinic, treatments blend eastern and western approaches with cutting-edge technology. SHA may be the only spa to have an in-house neurologist, whose transcranial direct current stimulation is designed to address conditions like depression, addiction and insomnia. The wellness area offers a plethora of facials and a range of massages, body treatments and water therapies. Programmes include stress management, anti ageing, detox, and sleep recovery.
A must-try: The wellness area boasts a complete hydrotherapy circuit with two indoor pools.
5. Estelle Manor, Oxfordshire, UK
Tucked away in the forest, the wellness sanctuary was inspired by ancient Roman bathhouses with sculpted columns, carved marble details and natural lights. Ten treatment rooms offer therapies ranging from IV vitamin drips and the Skin Design London Facelift to Tibetan KuNye massage and reflexology. There’s also a hammam, a rasul, a dedicated breath work pool, a contrast therapy circuit, and a vast tepidarium bathing hall. The wellness offering further extends to padel courts and The Clubhouse, complete with a state-of-the- art gym and class studio.
A must-try: Try the 180-minute guided thermal journey to soothe your nervous system and stimulate the immune system.
6. Clinique La Prairie, Switzerland
Perched in a tranquil spot on the shores of Lake Geneva, Clinique La Prairie is based on four foundational pillars: medical care, nutrition, movement and wellbeing. The medical spa includes 50-plus spa treatments and therapies, including a private Hammam and Jacuzzi, a Kneipp and hydrotherapy circuit, ice fountains and sensorial showers. There is an array of detox programmes, aesthetic treatments, genetic testing and medical check-ups with a gym, aerial yoga and a pool with lake views.
A must-try: Opt for the Master Detox Plan, which includes medical checkups, genetic testing, and a body composition analysis.
7. Aro Ha Wellness Retreat, New Zealand
Aro Ha Wellness Retreat is an award-winning resort where wellness traditions meet luxury. The retreat offers a variety of programmes that include nutrient-dense vegetarian cuisine, healing bodywork, and daily mindfulness practice. Salute the rising sun with vinyasa yoga and immerse yourself in nature with daily, guided hikes at an all-inclusive six-day programme that uses nutrition, mindfulness, and functional movement to jumpstart your health.
A must-try: The Harness Your Habits retreat improves mental and emotional wellbeing.
8. Chiva Som, Thailand
There is a treatment for whatever ails you at Chiva Som. Based on six modalities—spa, holistic health, fitness, physiotherapy, aesthetic beauty and nutrition—the holistic haven includes anything from retreats guided by expert health practitioners and Muay Thai-based fitness to carefully curated meals, spa pampering and soul-searching sessions. The resort also offers a plethora of fitness classes daily, from aquatic boxing to reformer Pilates and HIIT classes, along with a fully equipped open-air gymnasium.
A must-try: Attend lectures led by visiting practitioners covering topics such as stress management, happiness and more.
9. Chenot Palace Gabala, Azerbaijan
The Chenot Palace Hotel represents a new concept of a health and wellness retreat in the heart of the rolling forest. Each guest on the Chenot programme receives a medical check-up, a fitness and nutritional plan, and high-end treatments. Advanced medical aesthetic treatments are also available, with a top-class metabolic laboratory, a cryotherapy chamber, antigravity technologies and an altitude chamber for physical wellness. Programmes include Prevention and Ageing Well, 3 Day Active Detox, Recovery from Stress and Re-Energising.
A must-try: Take part in special cooking classes led by the resort’s executive chef, focused on healthy recipes and tips.
10. Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort, Hawaii
The Sensei Lama offers a full calendar of all-inclusive activities, including yoga classes, sound baths and floating meditations. Spend your days relaxing in the infrared sauna, heated Japanese tubs for post-practice soaking, hot and cold plunge pools, and rainwater showers in the garden outside. Balance your Zen with a dose of adrenaline at the Lanai Adventure Park’s treetop aerial course, or try equine therapy with a horseback ride.
A must-try: Opt for a Lomi massage which draws on the Hawaiian traditions of bodywork and aromatherapy.
