Have you ever felt yourself feeling exhausted after returning from a vacation? It could be due to post-vacation blues and facing the daily grind or perhaps, that holiday was really just a benefit for the kids. Often times, jam-packed itineraries also leaves us feeling worn out and in need of yet another holiday. To ensure a rest-free and rejuvenating getaway, many are considering wellness retreats as an alternative. What would a wellness destination offer? A typical property provides a full-service spa, healthy dining options, fitness activities and others may even have healthcare professionals on-hand to address any issues or concerns. Many of these types of properties offer wellness retreat packages or even a diet and fitness regime, inclusive of the room rate. It is best to figure out your needs and compare with what a given destination has to offer. The following are some examples of luxurious wellness destinations around the world.
Canyon Ranch Resort – Lenox, Massachusetts, USA
Considered one of the world’s premier health resorts, Canyon Ranch is situated in Lenox, Massachusetts in the heart of the Berkshire Mountains. Activities abound no matter the season and the cultured town of Lenox is only walking distance away. Featuring renowned spa and fitness facilities, 40+ classes to choose from, and acres of land amidst the unhurried New England pace, the possibilities are endless for a relaxing experience. Visitors will never be too hungry with Canyon Ranch’s unlimited healthy meals included in every guest’s stay. Medical services and an integrative health center are available on-site providing health consultations, fitness and diet programs or even an acupuncture treatment for guests. Their website indicates that visitors will “learn to feel your best every day, at every age”, ensuring the experience will be one of enlightenment and rejuvenation.
Kamalaya Resort – Koh Samui, Thailand
Formerly used as a place for meditation and spiritual gatherings by Buddhist monks, this wellness sanctuary and holistic spa resort offers tailor-made programs for a myriad of needs, such as stress and burnout, sleep enhancement, detox, and yoga. Naturopath doctors are also available for consultations regarding health programs to providing extensive holistic medicines, if needed. Accommodations are within lush, tropical surroundings offering standard rooms with hillside views or beachfront villas, all designed with attention to detail and privacy.
Soukya Holistic Health Centre – Bangalore, India
Once visited by Prince Charles’ wife, Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall, this unique facility claims to restore the natural balance of the mind, body and spirit by combining ancient and modern medical techniques and therapies used worldwide.
SOUKYA is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Soukhyam’ which means well being and a harmonious state of the mind, body and spirit. Also, in South India, people greet one another with ‘Soukhyama’ (Tamil) or ‘Soukhyamano’ (Malayalam) which means ‘Are you well?’
A typical day at Soukya begins at dawn, watching the sunrise with a cup of tea, before joining a morning walk or yoga session prior to breakfast. Then, guests may proceed to desired treatments or therapies, such as an acupressure massage or one of the wide variety of Ayurvedic offerings, while taking breaks sipping on herbal tea or refreshing coconut water. The remainder of the day may be spent unwinding at the property’s library, walking its grounds or even browsing the internet. For visitors wishing to explore Bangalore and beyond, it is recommended Soukya is left for last, to ensure its lasting effects during the journey home and onwards.
The Springs Resort & Spa – Arenal, Costa Rica
With views of Arenal Volcano from every room, this world-class resort features 18 mineral laden, artisan Arenal Hot Springs and a 14,000 square foot Spa & Fitness Center. Famously known for being the host for reality TV’s The Bachelor, it was also named one of the seven resorts with the Most Spectacular Views in the World by CNN. Aside from taking advantage of the therapeutic benefits of the country’s premier hot springs found in freeform pools, lagoons and springs around the property, visitors may also keep their days occupied with the wealth of adventure offered, such as zip-lining, canyon rappelling, and trekking through the rainforest. It is said that water therapy, such as these types of hot springs, increases blood circulation and cell oxygenation, as well as improves the performance of the body’s waste elimination systems, aiding detoxification. Metabolism is also stimulated, which helps the digestive, endocrine and autonomic nervous systems. The Springs Resort is simply a wonderful, natural way of rejuvenating and improving health and wellness while on holiday.
The Complete Retreat – Andalusia, Spain
The Complete Retreat offers one of the most comprehensive, luxurious health retreats in Europe. Surrounded by Southern Spain’s mountains, the Villa is only 1 hour and 30 minutes from Malaga airport. The Complete Retreat is renowned for its Detox Program, with its foundation focusing on raw, living foods as a method of cleansing the body. Combined with the program, visitors may enjoy days with yoga, hiking the the countryside, meditation or massages. Guests may also choose to spend some time on the property’s chlorine-free infinity pool, overlooking the mountains of Andalusia. Most nights end in the living room with new-found friends, discussing subjects surrounding health and wellness, as well as different aspects of the program and its benefits. A raw chef provides kitchen demonstrations complimenting the raw food library for all guests to explore.
