Finding inner peace may seem like an unobtainable goal nowadays. Our daily lives can be so busy and at times overwhelming, not to mention the fact that we are always connected to all sorts of gadgets and technologies that sometimes can do more harm than good.
Luckily for us, there are plenty of ways to escape the daily routine and reconnect to yourself. One of them is taking a trip to a wellness retreat, where travelers can focus on well-being, yoga, meditation and self-care.
We’ve put together a list of places that are perfect if you’re looking for a place that will allow you to improve your spiritual or physical health, revitalize your soul or simply escape for a digital detox.
- Bali, Indonesia
Nothing spurs holistic wellbeing and healing more than a peaceful small island like Bali. The island’s wellness retreats have it all: wonderful nature, centuries-old tradition, and ancient wisdom to boost tourists’ physical and mental condition.
Our recommendation:
The Yoga Barn
The Yoga Barn has every right to call itself the biggest retreat in Southeast Asia, considering its elaborate programs and facilities, which cater for every need. Dedicated to healing and renewal, it creates the perfect physical atmosphere to achieve just that, including serene guesthouses and a strategic, peaceful location for all its facilities. The place offers over 100 yoga classes and workshops a week, cleansing and detox programs and various kinds of therapies, such as naturopathy, reiki or sound therapy.
2. Ko Samui, Thailand
Ko Samui, Thailand’s second largest island, lies in the Gulf of Thailand off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus. It’s known for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves and dense, mountainous rainforest, plus luxury resorts and posh spas.
Our recommendation:
Kamalaya
Kamalaya is an upscale wellness sanctuary and holistic spa situated on the southeastern side of Ko Samui. Centered around a cave that once served as a place of meditation for Buddhist monks, Kamalaya is designed to be in harmony with the natural landscape. Therefore, all rooms are surrounded by granite boulders, streams, trees, and tropical plants.
The retreat focuses on exploring visitors’ emotional habits and current life situations, in order to offer a fully personalized treatment, which includes: bio-impedance analysis, Thai massage, foot massage, daily holistic fitness activities and use of the steam cavern, pool, and fitness center.
3. Goa, India
Goa is a state in western India with coastlines stretching along the Arabian Sea. Its long history as a Portuguese colony prior to 1961 is preserved in 17th-century churches and the area’s tropical spice plantations. Goa is also known for its beaches, ranging from popular stretches at Baga and Palolem to those in laid-back fishing villages such as Agonda.
Our recommendation:
Ashiyana Yoga Resort
If you want a destination where you can relax, detox and pamper yourself, Ashiyana Yoga Resort in Mandrem is the answer. The Spa and Treatment Center has a swimming pool, Turkish sauna, and six treatment rooms offering individual therapies, day spa packages, and elixir programs. As far as the accommodation is concerned, you can choose a sea facing beach hut, or a gorgeous luxurious riverside suites and eco-lodges. There’s even a couple of tree houses, which are very romantic.
4. Zermatt, Switzerland
If you enjoy going on spa breaks abroad but don’t want to travel too far from home, consider taking a trip to one Europe’s exquisite luxury spas. While it may be close to home, a spa break in Europe can almost feel as though you are visiting another world entirely.
Idyllic spa destinations can be found right across the continent, offering a variety of luxury spa experiences. Switzerland’s spas provide premier lifestyle and wellness programs, offering detox, weight-loss and stress relief plans to help you cleanse your body and refine your lifestyle. Doctors are often on hand here to give you a medical check-up and treatment for any health issues you may have.
Our recommendation:
Backstage Hotel Vernissage
Backstage Hotel Vernissage rests in the idyllic Zermatt — a car-free village surrounded by some of Switzerland’s highest and most famous peaks. Renowned for its climbing and skiing, travelers also choose Zermatt in order to get away from the chaos of the city. The hotel offers the ultimate physical and mental replenishment, designed as a seven-days process, with various treatments inspired by the different stages of creation described in the Bible. It incorporates bathing, saunas, music, visuals and the sounds of nature to represent the different stages of the Earth’s and humankind’s creation — promising a uniquely symbolic and rejuvenating experience, regardless of one’s beliefs.
5. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a rugged, rainforested Central American country with coastlines on the Caribbean and Pacific. This place is well known for its beaches, volcanoes, and biodiversity. Roughly a quarter of its area is made up of protected jungle, teeming with wildlife including spider monkeys and exotic birds.
Our recommendation:
Samasati Retreat and Rainforest Sanctuary
Treat yourself to a nature-infused wellness escape at Samasati Retreat and Rainforest Sanctuary. The place is situated on an elevated piece of pristine rainforest on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. The sustainable retreat sanctuary is a truly tranquil and magical place to come and revitalize your mind, body, and soul. There are yoga classes, spa treatments, delicious meals and outrageously beautiful surroundings to help you recharge your batteries. Samasati also hosts different types of yoga and wellness retreats throughout the year.
