Eight of the best transformative destinations across the world. Photo / rishikesh yogpeeth on Unsplash
Eight of the best transformative destinations across the world. Photo / rishikesh yogpeeth on Unsplash
The world’s best wellness destinations offer more than relaxing spa treatments. They provide transformative experiences that foster spiritual growth, mental well-being and physical health, writes Nannette Holliday.
Whether standing in a verdant rice field practising yoga, meditating amid scabrous mountains, or soaking in a soothing geothermal spring, these eight global destinations offer unique paths to well-being and a chance for profound self-discovery.
Renowned for its spiritual healing, natural beauty and cultural richness, Bali is often called the wellness capital for yoga retreats, holistic healing centres and organic eateries.
Alila Manggis embodies all this and more.
This secluded, luxurious seaside resort is nestled on the east side between Candidasa and Mount Agung, Bali’s most sacred peak. It represents the Bali of old, where time pauses, but all your senses are awakened by meditating at sunrise, practising yoga Nidra with the rhythmic sounds of the ocean, and participating in three unique water purification ceremonies - at a well, a spring and the sea. Cadenced seas and fragrant pandan swath your soul during open-air spa treatments. Afterwards, indulge in rice paddy treks, cycle down Agung, visit a fishing village and learn to cook like the locals.
The traditionally designed luxury buildings are a haven of tropical, shaded walkways and soothing water features. The signature dining experience at Seasalt Restaurant is megibung, a traditional shared festival-style meal, with regional fish cooked in banana leaves, satay skewers, Balinese sausage, vegetables and rice. It’s the perfect way to embrace local culture and traditions while being transformed and inspired.
Queenstown is where adrenalin capital meets peaceful paradise. Find your ultimate Zen getaway at iconic Grand Dame, Eichardt’s Private Hotel. Born during the gold rush days of the 1860s, Eichardt’s contemporary luxury accommodation embodies the 160-year rich, vibrant history.
Overlooking tranquil Lake Wakatipu, with luxury spa treatments and yoga sessions against the scabrous backdrop of the Remarkables mountain range, the views take your breath away and allow you to exhale the stresses of everyday life.
A cherished gem within this treasure trove is the Vault, dating back to 1887. Once a vault for gold, it’s now a cocoon of relaxation where guests can indulge in luxurious treatments. The spa menu is a cornucopia of delights, offering traditional favourites and whimsical luxuries like calling down for your drinks, Bluff oysters and petit fours from the bar and restaurant upstairs. Paired with signature tailormade experiences, a stay here is a harmonious blend of boutique luxury, adventure and tranquillity.
Appreciate the beauty of nature at Eichardts Penthouse Queenstown.
Mineral-rich Iceland
It’s no secret that the geothermal, mineral-rich waters of Iceland’s Blue Lagoon and crisp Arctic air are on most discerning travellers’ wellness lists. Surrounded by lava fields and snow-capped mountains, languish in the warm, mineral-rich waters that melt away all your woes. Forego a day visit for complete award-winning pampering at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon with exclusive access to the healing waters, a luxurious cold plunge well, subterranean spa, steam cave, and a host of bioactive skin treatments.
Afterwards, savour gourmet Michelin dining, then drift off to sleep in modern suites that champion mollifying Scandinavian design. Activities include journeys through majestic valley vistas, black sand beaches, Diamond Beach, glacier-fed waterfalls, and lagoons. Each day is an adventure, a new chapter in your wellness journey, surrounded by Iceland’s enchanting beauty.
Soak and get a water massage in the infamous Blue Lagoon.
The birthplace of yoga in India
Hugging the banks of the Ganges River, Rishikesh is a mystical town renowned as the birthplace of yoga. Located on a 40ha Maharaja’s Palace estate surrounded by serene Sal forests and overlooking this spiritual town is award-winning luxury wellness retreat Ananda in the Himalayas.
For three blissful weeks, be guided by leading doctors and healers who tailor your wellness experience to rejuvenate your body and soul, promising to restore balance and harmony. Succumb to the natural remedy pampering amid breathtaking views as you delve deeper into understanding and empathising with your mind. By the end of this enchanting retreat, you’ll return home with a lifted spirit, a soothed mind, and a heart brimming with newfound peace.
One of the world’s top 10 spas and award-winning wellness sanctuary, Thermae Sylla Spa & Wellness Hotel sits on Greece’s second largest island, Evia, atop a natural thermal spring renowned for its healing properties. Surrounded by mountains, a patchwork of forests and beaches, time seems to stand still, and its rich 2300-year heritage embodies a fusion of historical elegance and modern luxury.
The spa’s prime location provides exclusive access to the famed Edipsos thermal waters. Inspired by Hippocrates’ wisdom, it offers a holistic and exceptional therapeutic journey and personalised care where the body’s natural ability to heal is at the core of its philosophy. Distinctive wellness programmes include Holistic Detox, Anti Stress, Weight Loss, a Classic Thermal Cure and Signature spa and mud treatments, bolstering the immune system and offering a spectrum of health benefits, interwoven in a tapestry of care that nurtures both body and soul.
Get in touch with your body at Thermae Sylla's thermal spa.
Self-care in Australia
Nestled on the cool leafy hinterland of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Spicers Tamarind Retreat is where Western luxury and Eastern tranquillity meet through a series of languid spa treatments, multi-course meals in its hatted restaurant, masterclasses on conscious consumption, meditation, fire ceremonies and Kundalini yoga. The programme centres on self-care, where nothing is off limits, including caffeine, wine and dessert.
Enjoy a relaxing bath outdoors at Spicers Tamarind Retreat.
An hour south of Broome, in Western Australia, Eco Beach Resort sits on pristine golden sands lapped by the turquoise Indian Ocean, offset with flaming sunsets. Digital detox is self-imposed with no phone or Wi-Fi reception. Instead of scrolling, start the day with yoga and soothing massages at Dragonfly Spa, explore the coastline via paddleboard or kayak, slather your body in therapeutic mangrove mud and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine while you’re waiting to rinse off in the unsullied sea.
Let go of your body's tension while watching the sunset at Eco Beach Resort's special sunset massage.
Surrounded by Australia’s first wineries, Elysia Wellness Retreat in the New South Wales Hunter Valley is Australia’s largest. Its daily schedules are wide-ranging, from morning tai chi with grazing kangaroos, spa pampering, empowering seminar programmes and activities from meditation to hiking. This serious retreat has no alcohol, caffeine, sugar, salt, saturated fat or red meat.
Challenge yourself to withstand an ice bath at Elysia Odin.
Self-improvement in Vietnam
Situated on a stunning beach near Hoi An, TIA Wellness Resort blends authentic well-being with understated luxury. The bespoke inclusive wellness retreat opens your mind to new interpretations of mindfulness living as you admire the picturesque views. Enhance your state of mind through inner balance, creative expression, learning new skills and finding new hobbies. If you want to lie in some mornings, don’t worry; breakfast is available all day, so you never miss out! You’ll return home ready to live healthily and happily.
Find sanctuary on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, high on the cliff above the Indian Ocean east of the historic port of Galle. Resplendent Ceylon’s Cape Weligama beckons you to reconnect with nature and find a sanctuary amid tropical gardens and stillness beside the ocean. Spaces are curated to emanate a grounding, cosy, restorative atmosphere, ideal for rest, rejuvenation and rediscovery.
At the Sanctuary Spa, your holistic journey focuses on restoration and recovery through extensive wellness programmes and Ayurveda practices. Enjoy a mix of pampering, fun, adventure, wines and foods full of island flavours to soothe your mind, body and soul.
