The world’s top wellness retreats to restore mind and body

Getting massaged by strangers, immersed in fragrant waters, or encouraged to practice yoga in scenic settings may not undo the challenges of recent years.

However, for those still grappling with anxiety or the lingering health impacts of these turbulent times, such rejuvenating experiences offer a much-needed escape.

From detoxes in New Zealand’s snowy mountain ranges to relaxing massages in the Maldives and Saint Lucia, here are some of the most refreshing getaway spots for rejuvenation around the world.

Aro Hā Retreat, New Zealand

Nestled among the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, Aro Hā embraces a clear and simple purpose: to rejuvenate both the mind and body.

However, this transformative experience is not without its challenges – guests are required to abstain from alcohol, caffeine, and cigarettes before embarking on their wellness journey.

Each day at Aro Hā begins with the soothing sound of Tibetan bowls, energizing Flow Yoga against the rising sun, followed by a wholesome breakfast of carrot loaf with apple butter and berry coulis, all grown fresh from the resort’s own garden.

To support a complete cleanse for mind, body, and soul, the kitchen serves plant-based dishes with a focus on farm-to-table ingredients. Fitness is equally prioritized, with a recommended subalpine hike followed by some time at the spa and a therapeutic massage.

Aro Hā

Willka T’ika, Peru

Tucked in the Andes, between the historic Machu Picchu and the Incan city of Cusco, this eco-conscious resort is surrounded by some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth.

With a luxurious spa to enhance the experience, it’s the ideal post-pandemic getaway.

The beauty of this boutique hotel extends beyond its picturesque surroundings. Among the hotel's charming pink-hued buildings lies the Seven Chakra Gardens – a serene space designed to represent the seven classic chakras, which are believed in some traditions to be the body's energy centers.

While traditional Andean rituals can be experienced beyond the resort, the staff, including indigenous Quechua people, ensure that each guest's stay reflects their deep connection to Pachamama – Mother Earth. A truly grounding experience is a tranquil soak in a salt-and-herb-infused floral solar bath under the stars, heated by the sun during the day.

Willka T’ika

BodyHoliday, Saint Lucia

Set against the idyllic backdrop of the Caribbean Sea, with powder-soft beaches and lush rainforests, BodyHoliday makes a compelling promise: 'Give us your body for a week, and we’ll return your mind.'

Depending on your chosen program, you can spend your entire stay immersed in yoga or embark on exciting island adventures such as scuba diving and archery.

The resort features a comprehensive Wellness Center, which includes a skin clinic offering 'restorative beauty' treatments alongside other indulgent spa therapies.

One of the most popular treatments is the 'Serenity Massage,' a Swedish technique that uses a special blend of oils to promote better breathing and sleep, incorporating Ayurvedic healing principles.

BodyHoliday

Anantara Eastern Mangroves, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Set against the stunning backdrop of mangroves at the city’s edge, Anantara blends natural surroundings with eastern and Arabic healing traditions. Exclusive treatments here include the 'Vichy desert sand body scrub' and the 'Neom de-stress candle massage.'

Depending on your mood, guests can enjoy the relaxing Turkish hammam experience or head to Anantara’s waterfront for a variety of exciting water sports.

Additional therapies include the luxurious amenities typical of a high-end hotel, such as gourmet dining options and the offer of unlimited complimentary drinks.

Anantara Eastern Mangroves

Ananda in the Himalayas, India

Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, surrounded by the tranquil Sal forests, Ananda is a retreat that defines itself as a 'spiritual pathway.' It provides tailored therapies to meet the needs of guests, with a 'stress management' program perfect for those recovering from the strains of the pandemic.

Comprehensive medical check-ups are part of the experience, along with spa consultations to ensure that activities such as yoga, meditation, pranayama (breathing exercises), and invigorating cold plunges offer the maximum benefits.

Ananda’s rejuvenating environment is frequented by British royalty and A-listers, including Elizabeth Hurley and Brad Pitt. If you're fortunate, you might even find yourself trekking through the forests with a familiar face.

Ananda in the Himalayas

Stanglwirt Green Spa Resort, Austria

Imagine a place where 'The Sound of Music' meets 'The Hobbit'—that’s Stanglwirt, a sprawling, grass-roofed Alpine chalet nestled in Austria’s Wilder Kaiser mountains, where the Hauser family offers an upscale eco-escape.

Stanglwirt’s environmental commitment shines through with homegrown produce from its organic farm, while the resort’s eco-sauna is crafted from locally sourced arolla pine wood.

Guests can enjoy a variety of activities, including golf, horseback riding, and skiing. The resort also features a 500-square-meter indoor fitness garden.

Stanglwirt’s standout features include water elements that echo the rugged mountain landscape. It’s highly recommended to relax in a massage alcove, letting the brine from the saltwater pools soothe the skin, before heading up moss-covered stairs to enjoy the spa’s organic treatments.

Stanglwirt Green Spa Resort

Palazzo Fiuggi, Italy

This medical retreat takes a comprehensive, 360-degree approach to well-being, with a focus on offering potential relief for those dealing with illnesses, including long Covid.

The retreat is set in a stunning location, with healing waters and the natural splendor of Italy’s Apennine mountains as its backdrop.

Palazzo Fiuggi provides bespoke wellness treatment programs that combine holistic therapies with medical services, all designed by a team of doctors and experts.

Guests can select from a variety of 'medical and diagnostic' treatments, including a 'Post Covid-19' program or a restorative 'Restore and Balance' plan.

Each treatment plan includes comprehensive medical evaluations, soothing soaks in the Roman baths, lymphatic drainage, aromatherapy, and various massage therapies.

Wellness treatments are complemented by excellent cuisine, with a menu crafted by a three-star Michelin chef for a truly nourishing experience.

Palazzo Fiuggi

Euphoria Retreat, Greece

Nestled in the charming hill village of Mystras, this retreat offers a refreshing escape from the heat of Greece’s inner Peloponnese region and provides access to the ancient wonders of the Byzantine fortress that towers above it.

Euphoria Retreat is also a sanctuary in itself, with a spa complex built in classical style, offering treatments designed specifically to support post-pandemic recovery.

Euphoria’s 'Feel Alive Again' program is crafted to help release pent-up negativity, using a combination of laughter yoga, breathwork, and music to promote emotional cleansing.

According to the resort, these activities are designed to bring unconscious thoughts and feelings to the surface, helping to purify the mind and spirit.

The retreat also offers a unique '3GL PLUS' therapy, a patented approach that assesses key metabolic health markers as guests progress through the Euphoria Methodos, a holistic fusion of Hippocratic medicine and Taoist spirituality.

The goal is for guests to depart feeling a true sense of euphoria, fully rejuvenated and at peace.

Euphoria Retreat

Joali Being, Maldives

Nestled in a paradise of soft sands and ocean breezes, this island wellness resort is centered around the concept of 'weightlessness,' offering a liberating experience without defying the laws of gravity.

The resort blends modern science with ancient healing traditions, creating a wellness experience inspired by its four core pillars: mind, microbiome, energy, and skin.

Joali Being offers personalized programs designed to restore balance to guests' wellbeing, including treatments like the Abhyanga full body massage and therapies in the rejuvenating waters of the Hydrotherapy Hall.

Guests can also enjoy over 60 types of organic tea at the Sai tea lounge, each sip designed to enhance the feeling of weightlessness and relaxation.

Joali Being