Discover serenity and luxury with ‘The Best Worldwide Wellness Hotels & Resorts.’ This guide reveals our top destinations for rejuvenation and renewal, from mountain spa retreats to beachfront holistic havens. Unwind, recharge and emerge refreshed.
Hôtel Royal Evian Resort
Évian-les-Bains, Rhône-Alpes, France
The Evian Resort is the closest you’ll get to the Garden of Eden. Fruitfully abundant in vivid blues and greens, the resort overlooks Lake Geneva and the town of Évian-les-Bains, birthplace of the preeminent water brand. Newly opened, the evian®SPA, is the focal point of the resort, paying homage to the mineral water source that trickles through the mountains over 15 years. Signature treatments, including massages, facials, and water rituals, reflect the Evian cycle’s four pillars: celestial birth, mineral infiltration, precious reserves, and revitalising spring. The sensory spa houses an outdoor hydro-circuit, jacuzzi, snow room, cold plunge, sauna, steam room as well as an indoor pool and outdoor pool, with dreamy vistas of the lake. Brimming with outdoor activities, from hiking in the Alps, skiing, golf and water sports on the lake, the resort is primed to reconnect you with nature. If you’re after a spot of R&R, with a healthy dose of alpine adventure, The Evian Resort is a zen seeker’s paradise.
Joali Being
Bodufushi Island, Maldives
Reaching the pinnacle of wellness is completed with a trip to Joali Being. Nowhere in the world delves into wellbeing quite like the private island of Bodufushi in the Maldives, primed with white sand, coconut palms and crystal blue waters. Little sister to Joali Maldives, just a boat journey away, Joali Being is dedicated purely to self-discovery and renewal, translated through wellbeing programmes that span five to ten nights. The biophilic design principles feed into the 68 private beach and water villas, yoga shalas, glass-floored treatment rooms and hydrotherapy halls. In a world where sound therapy in the indigenous forest, deck-side sun salutations and “Earth to Table” cuisine are part in parcel of the flow of the island, finding “weightlessness”, the whole ethos behind the concept, comes naturally. Residences from world-class practitioners bring wellness workshops to life, filling the ‘Calendar of Joy’ throughout the year.
COMO Shambhala Estate
Ubud, Bali
Surrounded by the tropical wonders of Bali’s junglescape, COMO Shambhala Estate, just outside of Ubud, is the flagship of the award-winning wellness hotel entity. Other than a handful of private villas, there are just 25 rooms and suites, spread across five large “residences”. Each residence is built around infinity pools, ponds and gardens and designed with a different focal element. The holistic Ojas spa is rooted in Eastern wellness practices, offering Ayurvedic rituals, anti-ageing treatments and Thai massage. Embracing a more relaxed rhythm, Qigong, yoga, and guided walks reign as exercise to nurture both mind and body. Predominantly wheat and dairy-free, with a dedicated raw food menu, the spin on Indonesian cuisine lets fresh fish, vegetables, pulses and fruit take centre stage.
JOALI BEING COMO SHAMBHALA
Naviva, Four Seasons Resort
Punta Mita, Mexico
Drawing wellness globetrotters who get sequential wind of it’s undeniable healing power, Naviva calls upon the power of nature to facilitate profound rejuvenation. Mimicking the environment with a biophilic design, the adults-only resort is in the thick of 48 acres of jungle, doing its utmost to retain the land by housing guests in 15 luxury tents with private pools, submerged into the surroundings. Days at Naviva diverge from the norm, with snorkel safari, Mexican boxing, sunset meditation, nature power hiking and nocturnal forest bathing on the agenda. Inside the ‘spa pods’ experience 5 hours of other-worldly wellbeing in the form of a blindfolded Mayan mud massage, sound healing and copal cleansing ritual. Naviva has revived temazcal ceremonies, an ancestral shamanic ritual which uses sweat lodges to cleanse the mind and body, guided by a curandero– a traditional native healer. With a plethora of swoon-worthy spots to dine at, the culinary delights add a health-conscious twist to Mexican cuisine using fresh seasonal produce.
Six Senses Ibiza
Spain
None of the Six Senses outposts would be out of place in this edit, but Six Senses Ibiza, in the calmer northern part of the island, stands out as a mecca centred around spiritual wellbeing. The resort features spectacular rooms, the most stunning pool area, farm-to-table restaurants, state-of-the-art fitness spaces and a gleaming spa presenting modern healing methods. The hotel even has its own farmer’s market and garden where celebrity chef Eyal Shani, famous for his fervent passion for vegetables, gets the ingredients from for his mouth-watering dishes. Relish wellness facilities such as the hammam, steam room, infra-red sauna, seafront yoga deck, outside boxing ring, as well as happenings such as sound healing, shamanic healing, workshops, cleanses, retreats, and more. Pioneering biohacking treatments at RoseBar, a one-of-a-kind longevity club located in the resort, Six Senses Ibiza’s vast scope of wellness showcases the latest buzzes in the industry whilst retaining a sense of spirituality in its concept.
NAVIVA FOUR SEASONS SIX SENSES
Santani
Kandy, Sri Lanka
High up in the rolling hills of Dumbara, you’ll find Santani, the design-centric hotel centred around wellness. Mindful-seekers descend on Santani to silence the outside world and step into the multi-sensory nature Sri Lanka has to offer. The intimate collection of 16 chalets is embedded into 48 acres of untouched forestry, built with natural ventilation. It’s the pinnacle of being at one with nature without having to pitch a tent. The integrated holistic wellness offerings form the framework of Santani, implemented through the spa, treatments, yoga and dining concept. Home to Sri Lanka’s largest spa, Santani’s tri-level therapeutic amenities include a steam room, cedar wood sauna and a thermal salt soak pool that peeks out onto the paddy fields. Hosting traditional Ayurvedic and medicinal practices, the treatments differ from typical massages from ‘Mukhalepanam’ skin therapy to ‘Pichu’ bodywork. Adopting a back-to-the-land ethos, Santani utilises the vegetation grown in the fertile land of the region for its all-inclusive cuisine.
F ZEEN KEFALONIA
Kefalonia, Greece
Seeking the epitome of serenity and relaxation, with a good measure of fitness thrown in the mix? This hillside retreat couldn’t be a more idyllic escape. F ZEEN KEFALONIA, the adults-only boutique hotel, embraces wellness in the most uber-chic manner, without ramming down your throat. Modern architecture meets a pair-back tonal aesthetic with the Ionian crystallised shore glistening in the backdrop. The outdoor fitness areas are split into multiple decks tailored to different modalities, much like a state-of-the-art gym you’d find in the city, but alfresco style! The timetable is full from sunrise to sunset with a compilation of classes that encourage trying something new. Cocooned in the basement, IDOR, the hotel spa, depicts an eclectic mix of treatments that call upon gua sha crystals, cups, Tibetan singing bowls and rich essential oils to enhance every inch of the experience. Love, care and flair have been forged into the sustainable, organic dining concept, encouraging you to relish seasonal, nutrient-dense foods.
SANTANI F ZEEN
Lily of the Valley
La Croix-Valmer, France
Nowhere in the world implements wellness as chic as Lily of the Valley. The French Riviera is humming with swanky boutiques with free-flowing rosé but Lily of the Valley is where the health-conscious crowd convolute. Paving programmes that spark long-term wellness, the concept is helmed with ground-breaking assessment tools, fitness sessions, signature treatments, bespoke nutrition guidance and meal plans. Perched on a private slice of beach, the contemporary design and earthy interiors are not what you’d envision when picturing a health-focused destination, and we consider that a positive distinction! Even the fitness suite, dubbed ‘The Shape Club’ is noteworthily trendy. Harnessing wellness facilities such as cryotherapy, bioelectrical impedance and Kinvent technology, Lily of the Valley is the place to retreat to if you’re on a mission to become the most svelte version of yourself.
Daios Cove
Crete, Greece
Carved into the cliff of Crete, Daios Cove encompasses luxury suites and villas, a selection of fine dining restaurants, a wow-factor infinity pool, state-of-the-art wellness facilities and a private stretch of beach that overlooks the Mediterranean. KEPOS, the dedicated wellbeing space blurs the lines between a clinic, a studio and a spa, the first-of-its-kind in the hotel space. In-house doctors and wellness specialists are on hand running health MOTs and synergistic programs, plus conducting advanced therapies including colon hydrotherapy, cryotherapy, vitamin infusions and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Kitted out by BXR, the fitness spaces mix indoors and outdoors, with a timetable of classes to choose from. This family-friendly resort has a kids club to keep little ones occupied while you nip off to get your wellness fix!
LILY OF THE VALLEY DAIOS COVE
Lefay Resort & Spa
Pinzolo, Italy
Reconditioning from the rigours of city living finds its natural counterpart in the tranquil embrace of Lefay Resort & Spa, cradled by the majestic scenery of the Dolomites. Perched atop the town of Pinzolo, Lefay’s architecture harmonises with the natural surroundings. Integrating the healing power of the alpine environment with the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the “Active & Balance” program is a curated blend of indoor and outdoor activities from Nordic walking to sauna stretching. At the heart of Lefay lies the renowned “Lefay Spa World,” a sanctuary covering three floors of wellness pools, heat and cold therapy and fitness suites. Venturing beyond the spa, guests can explore the natural wonders of the Dolomites, with guided hikes and outdoor excursions, from skiing to hiking to hidden waterfalls. The culinary experience at Lefay is a celebration of the region’s rich gastronomic heritage, with menus inspired by locally sourced ingredients and traditional recipes.
Palmaïa
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Drawing on ancient rituals, Palmaïa is a wellness resort with oceanfront swim-up suites, a luxury jungle spa and gourmet restaurants. Located in Playa del Carmen, the region of the Mayan Riviera in Mexico is dripping in natural beauty, from the vibrant turquoise Caribbean Sea, the 400 hectares of luscious greenery and the wildlife that roams undisturbed. Paying homage to the Mexican food scene, the restaurant elevates native dishes with a plant-centric focus, retaining the hyperlocal flavours with spices and herbs cultivated in Palmaïa’s greenhouse. The approach to retreating allows you to cherry-pick the activities that draw you in, from mindful classes, movement sessions, ceremonies, rituals and ancient mysticisms. Recognising the synergy between the mind, body, spirit and nature, Palmaïa’s ethos is rooted in the foundations of the ancient cultures within Mexico, drawing on ceremonial rituals to enrich guests’ experience through off-beaten-track offerings such as Transmutation Rituals, Soul Purification Circles, Cacao Ceremonies, Gong Baths and Prehispanic Cleansing Rituals. From all corners of the globe, you’ll find healers, yogis, shamans, reiki masters, musicians, channelers, astrologists, artists, nutritionists and much more, ready to share their wisdom and rich life experiences with you.
LEFAY RESORT & SPA PALMAIA
Forestis
South Tyrol, Italy
Engulfed by the jagged Dolomite peaks, Forestis is tailored to alpine regeneration, drawing upon nature to underpin its purpose. The minimalist architecture and pared-back interiors serenely blend into the dense forest that surrounds the hotel on the southern slope of the Plose mountain. The kitchen adopts a zero-waste stance, sourcing ingredients from nature and local farmers to create a fusion of forest cuisine. Outdoor adventures take form with skiing, hiking, biking and stargazing sessions by the firepit. Complemented by the soul-soothing spa and signature treatments inspired by the healing woods that act as Forestis’ back garden, the concept is designed to recuperate and invigorate in equal measure.
SHA Wellness Clinic
Alicante, Spain
SHA Wellness Clinic amidst the Sierra Helada Natural Park on the Mediterranean coast stands out as the place to visit for integrative wellbeing, hailing cutting-edge technology to test and analyse any health concerns you have. Its niche is in its ability to bring clinical-led medical treatments and traditional Eastern philosophies together under one roof. From cognitive health to advanced aesthetics, preventive ageing and natural therapies, the plethora of methods brings in an assortment of guests, ultimately pursuing their version of rejuvenation and balance. The clinic’s comprehensive programs encompass detox, fitness, and anti-ageing, all personalised to individual needs. Filled with expansive suites boasting panoramic views, an outdoor fitness space, immaculate gardens and a restaurant serving up macrobiotic cuisine, SHA may be clinical in its approach but is far for it when it comes to the setting. Flitting between acupuncture, emotional coaching, aqua biking, nutrition cooking classes and chilling out poolside, the possibilities at SHA are miscellaneously personalised to boost vitality for the individual.
FORESTIS SHA WELLNESS CLINIC
Lanserhof Lans
Tyrol, Austria
Lanserhof Lans has paved the way as one of the longest-standing health resorts, with over 35 years of prevention and health regeneration expertise. Fusing cutting-edge medicine and holistic naturopathy, Lanserhof programs, spanning one to two weeks, promise a transformative journey starting with a health diagnosis upon checking in to create a bespoke treatment plan. The regeneration process begins with sensitive detoxification (aka fasting), safely guided by in-house medical professionals. From curing chronic illnesses to alleviating joint pain, Lanserhof Lans is the haven to retreat to address health concerns in the plushiest setting. Complete with an indoor-outdoor salt-water pool, hydro-massage jets, steam rooms, saunas and a serene relaxation area, the spa is where to head in between therapies and treatments. There’s also a plethora of activities from yoga, Nordic walking, kinesis training, mindfulness workshops and Mayr diet-inspired cookery to enrich your bespoke programme.
Forte Village Acquaforte Thalasso & Spa
Sardinia, Italy
Where better to head for a hefty dose of wellness than one of the world’s Blue Zones. Forte Village is esteemed as Sardinia’s wellbeing sanctuary. The luxe beachside resort has a myriad of hotels and villas, as well as endless dining options. Harnessing the power and potency of the sea’s unique healing powers, the Acquaforte Thalasso & Spa centres around the aqua circuit, consisting of six pure Sardinian seawater pools. In a secluded corner of the pristine gardens, the Ayurvedic Park is dedicated to yoga practice and alfresco massage treatments. From immunity programmes and specialist medical examinations, the Forte Lab and Performance Center delve into personalised plans ranging from 4 to 7 days. Just about any sporting activity is possible at Forte Village, from cycling, tennis, boxing and yoga. The resort is geared up for families, with a kids club to keep the young ones (and teenagers) occupied whilst you indulge in some ‘me time’ at the spa.
LANSERHOF LAN FORTE VILLAGE
SIRO One Za’abeel
Dubai, UAE
From the people behind One&Only, SIRO One Za’abeel is the company’s very first fitness destination, newly opened in Dubai. Tailored for the burgeoning cohort of travellers who fuse their wanderlust with wellness pursuits, SIRO brings luxury travel and peak performance to a head, with the longest suspended infinity pool, cutting-edge treatments and state-of-the-art facilities. Input from the collective of elite athletes helps forge programmes that enable guests to train, move and recover on par with the pros. Ambassadors include Olympic British-Somalian Boxer, Ramla Ali, for boxing programmes, Gold Medallist, Adam Peaty, for swimming programmes and AC Milan Football Club for football fitness programmes. Recognising a gap in the market, SIRO will deliver a bold new immersive hospitality experience with tailored programs and treatments developed by specialists in fitness, mental health, nutrition and sleep.
Equinox
New York, USA
While New York, the city that never sleeps might not be the obvious destination for a wellness getaway, Equinox has made it possible. The Equinox Hotel, a continuum of the infamous luxe NYC gym which has a clan of A-listers amongst its members, is located in the 1,000-foot-tall skyscraper, overlooking the district of Hudson Yards in Manhattan. The expansive gym, fitness studios and opulent spa are the obvious wellness-enhancing facilities but attention to detail is in the rooms and suites, integrated with a sleep system to optimise regeneration. With a close collaboration with farmers and food artisans, the restaurant’s vibrant and nutritious menu is proof of how healthy food doesn’t need to compromise on taste. What really hoists this wellness sanctuary is the hotel’s tailored packages and programs guided by experts, with the purpose of boosting your routine outside of your stay. Between IV drips, reformer Pilates, cryo treatment, acupuncture and infrared sauna sessions, you’ll have newfound vigour checking out of Equinox.
SIRO EQUINOX
Kamalaya
Koh Samui, Thailand
Way back before taking care of yourself was trendy, Kamalaya has been making waves at the Ayurvedic sanctuary on the island of Koh Samui. To set the scene, this tropical paradise on the Gulf of Thailand is spread across a lush hilly landscape perched on the coastline, dotted with rooms, suites and villas, treatment rooms, yoga pavilions, infinity pools and a 300-year-old meditation cave once occupied by Buddhist monks. The mix of wellness programs ranges from targeting ‘detox & reset’ to ‘cultivating heart, body & spirit’ with the guidance of naturopaths, Traditional Chinese Medicine doctors, physiotherapists and life enhancement mentors. Chinese medicine leads the way in the holistic spa, with over 70 types of therapies and treatments. The Ayurvedic principles are also reflected on the activity timetable with alfresco yoga, Qi Gong, meditation and Tai Chi. Cuisine plays a fundamental role in the holistic health concept, following the principles of Asian healing traditions to use food as medicine, turning dishes into deliciously healthy renditions of Eastern cuisine. Splurge on the Rocktop Villa with a private pool to truly embrace this wellbeing sabbatical!
Rosewood Baha Mar
Nassau Bahamas
Scattered across the globe, Rosewood Hotels take a myriad of identities, ranging from majestic city townhouses to picturesque châteaus. However, within the paradisiacal setting of the Bahamian barefoot sanctuary, Rosewood Baha Mar, the focus shifts to holistic well-being. Situated along the oceanfront of Nassau, this family-friendly resort is the type of place you could spend a fortnight at and do something new every day, without leaving the premises. With its chic designs reminiscent of a California beach house, the resort boasts 224 rooms, suites, and villas, complemented by three mega pools. The Sense Spa champions local therapies such as Arawak Body-Balance and Gullah Geechee Tea Tox, harnessing the natural goodness of homegrown moringa-leaf and neem oil. There’s a comprehensive 24-hour gym facility and outdoor yoga sessions, where the Baha Mar flamingos often make a cameo appearance. Take to the crystal-clear waters of the Bahamas, whether it’s paddleboarding, kayaking, or water sports. Alternatively, basking in the beauty of Cable Beach while lounging on a beachside daybed might just suffice!
KAMALAYA ROSEWOOD BAHA MAR
Amanjena
Marrakesh, Morocco
Any one of AMAN’s refined hotels and resorts earns the right to be listed in this edit, but Amanjena has edged its way as the top contender. Between the city of Marrakech and the Agafay desert, the pink clay Moroccan palace is every bit as magnificent as it sounds. On the periphery of the ‘central bassin’, guests are housed in pavilions and maisons, all adorned with the chicest Moroccan furnishings and AMAN’s divine toiletries. Providing a holistic escape from the culture-drenched riads, Amanjena (meaning ‘peaceful paradise’) is a respite from the buzz, with sensational spa facilities, yoga and fitness classes, tennis courts and a golf course. Wellness that’s been embedded in Morrocan traditions for centuries is brought to the forefront with authentic hammam experiences and ‘gommage’ exfoliation, drawing on native ingredients such as Argan Oil, prickly pear from the cactus plant and natural mineral clay found in the Atlas Mountains. Tennis sessions on the new Petanque Court, in collaboration with LUX Tennis Academy, present unmatched vistas of the sandy dunes stretching on the horizon.
Ananda In The Himalayas
Uttarakhand, India
Encapsulating the essences of Eastern therapies and Ayurvedic principles, Ananda in the Himalayas offers otherworldly wellness in the most majestic setting, cast away from civilisation. Located within the historic Palace Estate once belonging to the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal, Ananda Himalayas India spans across sprawling 100-acre grounds, encompassing lush gardens and verdant forests to set your mind at ease. The meticulously curated programs bring new meaning to the word ‘bespoke’, intricately tailored with therapies, nutrition and movement to uplift your mind, body and spirit. From the Fertility Enhancement Programme to the Stress Management Programme, experts will be assigned to treat you with a holistic approach that is rooted in Ayurvedic medicine to get to the bottom of whatever it is that you’re facing and build a programme build upon this, adding in ancient healing traditions to enhance your experience. Guests are enveloped in luxury within pavilions adorned with breathtaking views, while bespoke therapies harness the therapeutic power of the Himalayan landscape.
AMANJENA ANANDA
words by Isabelle Shury