Spa & Away: The Best Health & Wellness Retreats in 2018

5 min read

Private Swimming Pool at Amanpuri, Thailand

INNER HEALING AT AMANPURI, THAILAND

A unique experience in the form of a three- to 14-night Awareness Immersion programme, a stay at Aman’s Thai property Amanpuri will leave you feeling enlightened in more ways than one. A holistic approach that aims to get one back in touch with oneself through yoga, meditation and reflection, assisted by cranial sacral therapy, reconnective healing and reiki, as well as good old fashioned massage and exfoliation. Aside from the initial consultations, there are also three daily specialist sessions with healers, including Anamai Apaiso, a Buddhist monk who offers support and guidance on a spiritual level. Days are filled with therapies, both emotional and physical, and complemented with liquid-based meals and group therapy to ensure the ultimate spiritual deep cleanse. Aman.com

The pool at Fusion Maia in Vietnam

BEACH YOGA BREAK AT FUSION MAIA, VIETNAM

This beachside resort in the beautiful surroundings of Da Nang in Vietnam encourages all guests to incorporate what they call the “seven practices of natural living” into their daily routine during a stay. The schedule includes breathing practices, yoga and martial arts workouts, as well as more relaxing tai chi and beach walks. Maiadanang.fusion-resorts.com

Aerial view of Huvafen Fushi, Maldives

LUXURY SPA TRIP AT HUVAFEN FUSHI, MALDIVES

Boasting the world’s first underwater spa, Huvafen Fushi in the Maldives creates the perfect environment in which to get some well needed R&R. The elegant resort offers powder-white sand beaches, luxury accommodation and world-class gastronomy, so daily spa treatments surrounded by underwater views of untouched coral reef will easily make stress a thing of the past. Huvafenfushi.com

The Marbella Club, Spain

GET FIT AT THE MARBELLA CLUB, MARBELLA

Located in one of Spain’s most stylish destinations, the Marbella Club offers on-point programmes for guys and girls who want to look good fast. For a new year-body boost, book into the Bikini Body & Beach Ready retreat that will kick you into shape through body-sculpting workouts with personal trainers, nutritional consultations and plenty of detoxifying and slimming spa treatments. Wellbeingescapes.com

Kamalaya, Koh Samui, Thailand

BOHO CHIC WELLNESS AT KAMALAYA, KOH SAMUI

For those serious about finding a new path in emotional balance or physical wellbeing, Kamalaya is the truest form of a wellness sanctuary. Aside from spa therapies, the retreat offers numerous and varied programmes, all with the end goal of restoring wellness. The 2018 schedule includes Awakening Your Essential Self with Karina Stewart and Finding Emotional Balance. Kamalaya.com

Clinique La Prairie

TOTAL DETOX AT CLINIQUE LA PRAIRIE, SWITZERLAND

The Master Detox Programme by Swiss experts Clinique La Prairie is a celebrity favourite. The personalized week-long treatment plan, under strict medical supervision, includes genetic testing, a nutrition plan and complementary spa treatments to assist in the detoxification of the body and ensure guests leave looking and feeling brand new. Laprairie.ch

Como Shambhala in Bali

FIND ZEN AT COMO SHAMBHALA, BALI

Immerse yourself in the tropical beauty of Ubud in Bali at one of the world’s most renowned luxury retreats. COMO Shambhala offers guests state-of-the-art facilities in which to check in and totally check out, through healthy cuisine, active itineraries and plenty of yoga, pilates and qigong to restore balance in even the busiest of minds. Comohotels.com

Ananda, Himalayas

HOLISTIC HEALING AT ANANDA, HIMALAYAS

Where better to go and heal oneself than in the heavenly Himalayas. One of the top destinations for holistic holiday junkies, Ananda offers healing packages for mind, body and soul. Popular retreats include the seven night Hatha yogic detox, 14-night weight management programme and Ayurvedic Rejuvenation. For those looking for something totally unique, the resort often has guest therapists visit to expand their wellness offering. Anandaspa.com

Anassa, Cyprus

ACTIVE ESCAPE AT ANASSA, CYPRUS

The 166-room hotel set on picturesque coastline overlooking the Mediterranean offers a myriad of fitness and wellness packages. Ranging from mother-to-be pampering and thalassotherapy immersion, to days spent at sea followed by private yoga and pilates tuition. The focus at Anassa is staying active coupled with spa-inspired relaxation. Anassa.com

Poolside Loungers at Amanbagh, Rajasthan

EXPLORE AYURVEDA AT AMANBAGH, RAJASTHAN

Book into the spectacular rose-pink, Mughal-inspired Amanbagh in India for a 4- to 21-night Ayurvedic Immersion programme. Undergo an in-depth assessment to determine your dosha before embarking on a tailor-made itinerary of yoga, meditation, spa therapies and group activities, complemented by a carefully-curated diet resulting in complete rejuvenation. Aman.com

Verdura in Sicily

SPA THERAPY AT VERDURA SPA, SICILY

With a spa philosophy based on Sebastian Kneipp’s five pillars of wellness: water, plants, exercise, nutrition and balance, Verdura Spa is one of Europe’s most advanced wellbeing centres. The 4,000sqm spa includes swimming pool, Finnish and Infrared saunas and four outdoor thalassotherapy heated pools with varying salt densities designed to rebalance the body. Wellbeingescapes.com