Are you caught up in the trappings of the daily rat race and succumbing to a hectic job that robs you of valuable ‘me’ time? Sounds familiar? Then give yourself some much-deserved time out to recharge regularly and face life’s challenges again with renewed vitality and wellbeing.
Once upon a time, you had to be prepared to shell out your life savings to book a wellness retreat. Fortunately, for those of us in need of a mind-body-soul reboot ASAP, that’s no longer the case. Nowadays, it’s entirely possible to find swoon-worthy and affordable health-centric holidays. Better yet, many resorts offer all-inclusive packages, so you just need to find a cheap airfare deal and you’re set.
Here are our recommendations for wellness retreats in Asia!
CAMBODIA
Song Saa Private Island – Aun Island
Song Saa’s wellness retreats are already proving to be a much-loved addition to the private island’s spectacular offerings. Currently, the resort offers three programmes, Refresh, Revive and Rejuvenate, with the latter being the most popular one. It is cleansing and empowering, allowing you to take control of your health, and creating a base for well-being and happiness. The retreat includes diet, physical activities (paddle boarding, yoga, Buddhist blessing, Khmer cooking class), as well as indulgent massages and baths to purify and detoxify. Song Saa is the perfect place to detach from the outer world and give yourself some much-needed time out.
INDONESIA
Karma Spa at Karma Kandara – Bali
Not only focusing on the property, but Karma Kandara also highlights their well-being offering that celebrates a balanced life at Karma Spa. The iconic Uluwatu resort’s Bespoke Wellness Vacation is a personalised retreat with a strong focus on flexibility, embodying the mantra ‘where pleasure and rejuvenation intertwine.’ You can sign up for their Wellness Days Package which consists of two spa treatments, an infrared detox sauna, yoga/ fitness, and a 3-course wellness lunch.
Alternatively, go for a romantic couple spa with dinner on the edge of the cliff. Soak up the views from their Infrared Detox Sauna session and cliff-hanging water pool and at sunset, they set up a Romantic Candlelit Dinner – a marriage of natural beauty, spa and culinary excellence.
To celebrate the 12 Days of Karma, Karma Spa presents 12 Days of Karma Festival Yoga. Starting on Dec 23 until Jan 3, you can learn to Meditate, do Sunrise Yoga, join Reiki Class, Sunrise Tai Chi and Mother-Daughter Yoga.
Kayumanis Spa Jimbaran – Bali
Kayumanis Spa Jimbaran is all about self-awareness and taking the time to heed the calling that beckons from within us all. They are making a conscious effort to bring back the health and beauty traditions of a bygone era. They present a meticulously crafted menu featuring a compilation of rituals to rebalance the effects of a modern lifestyle. Their menu celebrates Asia’s rich healing culture and is infused with contemporary wellness practices.
Signature treatments have been created to reflect the distinct character of each Kayumanis Spa in Bali. They also offer exclusive gender-orientated treatments that pay special attention to neglected areas of the male and female anatomy.
Tea Tree Spa at Holiday Inn Resort Baruna – Bali
This signature spa of Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali welcomes all who relish a truly magnificent spa experience. Tea Tree Spa located by the sea within sight and sound of the rolling breakers of the Indian Ocean is a refreshing sanctuary from the stresses of life. A visit to the Tea Tree Spa guarantees a full relaxation of the body, a soothing of the soul and an uplifting of the spirits – all the necessary ingredients that enhance a stay at the Resort and ultimately a vacation in Bali. Surrounded by the cooling waters of a tranquil pond, the Tea Tree Spa invites guests to unwind and relax.
With its five treatment rooms including a couple’s room, the Spa utilizes exotic aromatherapy oil and scrubs that are personally blended with traditional eastern therapies. Tea Tree Spa has the facilities, qualified staff and expertise to provide a full day of pampering or for those who prefer it, a choice from an a la carte menu featuring a large range of massages, facials, hand and feet treatments and many more. An added feature enables guests the choice of either enjoying the treatments indoors or in one of the outdoor bales scattered beachside.
An experience at Tea Tree Spa is a Sensory Journey of five primary senses: Sight that brings elements of nature into the interior, Light that is filtered to create a moody atmosphere, Touch wherein there is an understanding that trust is paramount, Smell where the aroma of essential oils permeates throughout the Spa, and lastly Taste where Spa cuisine and refreshments provide a scintillating experience for the palate. From the arrival at the warm and welcoming entrance to the personalized check-in procedures and finally treatment and post-treatment, Tea Tree Spa at Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali is an experience not to be missed.
DaLa Spa at Alaya Resort Ubud – Bali
DaLa Spa at Alaya Resort Ubud opens up the gates to the age-old Indonesian beauty rituals. Designed to take the experience of Balinese relaxation to the next level, DaLa Spa unfolds the art of true personal indulgence with a plethora of luxury spa rituals in Bali. With a serene and calm setting, DaLa spa lies adjacent to a plush rice terrace and overlooks a small flowing river edged by native trees and tropical flora. It is a devoted space for personal indulgence where the old-time Indonesian restorative and beauty traditions are put into practice to recharge the body, mind and spirit.
Each treatment room significantly named after an exotic flower, unveils its own unique vintage-inspired style, colour palette and character. Delicate lighting, calming blends of essential oils and mood-enhancing music take guests on a sensual journey. Though a variety of beauty and rejuvenating treatments are provided in DaLa spa, one of the signatures, which also be a very popular treatment is the Balinese Boreh treatment. This treatment is inspired by Balinese traditional healing of an age-old recipe to prevent cold and help to relieve stiff muscle. It starts with a lemongrass & ginger foot ritual, followed by a 90-minute Sandalwood Healing Massage. This restorative massage celebrates the therapeutic benefit of sandalwood and puts a modern twist on the traditional Balinese healing ritual. Balinese Boreh made is from fresh and natural herbs, and is applied to the body to increase blood circulation and ease muscle pain. A revitalizing Herbal Bath brings the treatment to the end.
OmTara Spa by Clarins at Kappa Senses Ubud – Bali
Offering pure serenity and leisure pursuit for the ultimate senses of awakening, the highlight of the resort is OmTara Spa by Clarins. Covering more than 1,000m2, the Spa consists of seven treatment rooms, beauty and hair salons, vitality pools, a gym, steam and sauna and a Vichy shower. This harmonious amalgamation between Kappa Senses Ubud and Clarins is committed and driven by a long-term vision to create a haven of peace in the renowned healing destination: Bali.
Clarins for many years has been committed to sustainable and fair agriculture protecting both nature and people. Its products and application techniques are the results of more than 60 years of dialogue with respectful loyal customers. Treatments at the OmTara Spa by Clarins are absolutely unique, combining the effectiveness of the “Clarins Touch” – an exclusive 100% high-performance manual method – with the power of high-purity plant extracts and essential oils, resulting in an exquisite sensorial experience.
Como Shambala Estate – Bali
Como Shambala Estate is an all-encompassing luxury health retreat, blending holistic wellness programs and practices with state-of-the-art facilities and outstanding accommodations. Surrounded by lush jungle greenery Como Shambala offers complete seclusion and calmness in the northern part of Ubud, the perfect retreat option if you are seeking world-class guidance in health and wellness, all whilst indulging in the modern comforts and luxuries you deserve!
On-site, Como has resident experts including a Yoga and Pilates teacher, Ayurvedic Doctor, Dietician and an Acupuncturist. You’ll also benefit from their on-site gym, luxurious massages and treatments at the COMO Spa, and nearby hikes for those who like to get amongst nature and a surplus of Wellbeing programmes. Their targeted wellness programs include: Cleanse, Be Active, Ayurvedic and Bespoke — starting from three nights in length. The resort’s holistic and healthful approach to living will have you wondering why you didn’t start sooner!
Yoga Barn – Bali
With more than 15 classes and workshops on offer every day — ranging from yin yoga to tai chi, sound healing and ecstatic dance — the retreats at Yoga Barn are anything but ordinary. Not only is this Ubud institution chock-full of dynamic activities to reduce stress and boost endorphins, but it also provides a tranquil environment to facilitate healing and renewal for the mind, body, and soul. It’s the kind of a place where you can easily spend days, or even weeks, immersed in its programmes.
Fivelements – Bali
No matter which retreats at Fivelements you decide to go for, be prepared for a transformation. However, its signature retreat, which you definitely need to experience at least once, is the Panca Mahabhuta (five elements), a life-altering programme for rejuvenation, replenishment and alignment. The programme includes Balinese-inspired healing therapies, such as rituals for purification, balancing and regeneration, as well as an array of scrumptious living foods and sacred arts, all designed to allow your highest potential and organic healing to unfold on physical, emotional and spiritual levels. The retreat is available for individuals, couples and small groups and can take three to 21 nights, depending on the guest’s needs. For a more intense cleansing programme, which takes transformation to the next level, opt for the Signature Detox Retreat, Tri Kaya Parisudha.
Balitrees Retreat – Bali
Balitrees Retreat has it all: a gorgeous setting surrounded by rice paddies and swaying palms, yoga and meditation, three freshly-prepared Balinese meals per day, and a range of optional cultural activities such as cooking classes, tours to nearby temples, and language classes. The retreat offers an all-inclusive nightly rate, so you can choose the dates that suit you best and stay as long as you’d like.
The Westin Resort Nusa Dua – Bali
The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali is pleased to announce the new wellness package from its award-winning Heavenly Spa by Westin entitled Eat, Pray Spa. This signature package provides guests with a complete wellness journey to experience during their visit to the Island of the Gods. This offer will be perfect in time with the recovery of tourism in Bali where wellness and wellbeing continue to be a priority for everyone. The topic of wellness and well-being has become a crucial part of one’s life and The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali believes that maintaining wellness and well-being is important in creating balance for pleasure and health in mind and body whilst on holiday. The Eat Pray Spa offers a rejuvenating and holistic wellness journey where guests can enjoy a Balinese purifying ritual called Melukat, hands cleansing ritual, face and body massage, sound bath meditation and a nourishing dining experience mindfully created by the culinary team at the resort’s beachfront sanctuary without booking a room.
MesaStila – Java
MesaStila is a hidden gem tucked away in the forests of Java. Located on a coffee plantation with colonial buildings, the estate is a luxurious haven that also boasts its very own Hammam Spa. The property offers year-round wellness programmes and also invites visiting practitioners to host special retreats, such as the Yoga Retreat taught by yoga teacher Marta Laseras. Reconnect with body and mind during this four-day/ three-night stay, while taking in the stunning environment at MesaStila. The retreat alternates between vinyasa flow yoga, relaxation and meditation. In addition to yoga, you also learn self-massage and proper breathing.
THAILAND
Anantara Layan Phuket Resort – Phuket
Take advantage of Anantara Layan Phuket Resort’s Wellness and Fitness Retreats which have been specially created for couples, individual travellers and friends. Each Retreat combines elements of learning, spirituality and vitality coupled with stylish accommodation in a luxurious Deluxe Layan Suite. From embracing the changes in womanhood to learning how to run effortlessly, Anantara Layan’s Wellness.
Retreats are influenced by the resort’s coastal location and are designed to inspire guests to enjoy healthy and transformative journeys. Join a long weekend retreat from 13 – 16 October 2022 to explore how womanhood changes with time. Co-led by a naturopathic physician and homoeopath, Dr Benita Perch and Renata Citrons – yogi, sound healer and art therapist, this Wellness Retreat has been specially created for women aged between 35 and 50. Each of the sessions is designed to educate women about different life stages. Dr Perch explores how the female cycle and fertility are affected by nutrition and hormonal imbalances and Renata offers guided sound healing classes to clear chakras, yin and hatha yoga sessions, spine therapy and mandala art therapy to release mental tension.
anantara.com/en/layan-phuket/offers/women-wellness-retreat
Amatara – Phuket
Tucked away in a secluded haven of idyllic Cape Panwa, luxury destination Amatara Wellness Resort offers guests one of the best coastal views in Phuket with unparalleled spa and wellness service. Spoil yourself with Amatara’s selection of spacious and stunning rooms amidst a tropical setting. Find the perfect wellness program for you, select from the Amatara Detox, Weight Management, Amatara Active, Wellness Day Package, Holistic Anti-Aging and beyond.
Not only does the resort offer restorative wellness practices, but also a healthy restaurant choice, The Retreat, plating up seasonal, innovative cuisine focusing on Thai cultures and crafted with unrefined, whole foods. Spa facilities are not to be missed too! Indulge in the Thai Hamman, designed exquisitely to marry traditional Turkish and Moroccan treatments with Thai spa therapies. Amatara will ensure you depart with newfound happiness and balance in your body and mind that will last a lifetime.
Absolute Sanctuary – Koh Samui
Absolute Sanctuary offers a number of retreats, such as its Anti Stress & Burnout Packages, Detox Programs and newly launched Pilates Reformer Bootcamp Holidays, but the core of the brand still remains its dedication to yoga. Enjoy their signature Yoga Holiday package and indulge in various yoga styles, including their very own Hot Yoga and Absolute Fit sequences, which are uniquely designed to burn fat and tone the body. During the retreat, yoga classes are unlimited and guests can also enjoy à la carte vegetarian meals, Thai massage and colon hydrotherapy sessions.
Samahita Retreat – Koh Samui
Want the full Thai island experience without the tourists and booze-fueled partygoers? Look no further than Samahita Retreat in Thailand. A choice of fully customisable programmes and top-notch accommodation make it a great choice for anyone looking to book a wellness-focused vacation, but its standout feature is definitely its beachside location. Situated near Laem Sor beach and overlooking the ocean, you’ll feel at ease as soon as you step foot on the gorgeous property. And there’s a variety of amenities and facilities to keep you feeling that way throughout your entire stay — from an indoor cycling studio to a meditation garden and a beachfront dining area. The best part? Their signature YogaCoreCycle programme is all-inclusive.
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa Resort – Koh Samui
The most popular program at Kamalaya is without a doubt its seven-night Comprehensive Detox & Rejuvenation Program. Being the most effective retreat, it is also the most intensive one and is only recommended for experienced detoxers, rather than first-timers. The programme includes daily therapies, such as colonics, massages and fitness activities, and comes with nutritional supplements and healthy meals. It is an integrated approach, fusing Eastern and Western medical traditions, to create a foundation for optimum health and to experience the ‘lightness of being’. Kamalaya has also launched a popular Sleep Retreat to improve your sleep cycle and get that much-needed shut-eye.
Chiva-Som – Hua Hin
This physical makeover at Asia’s retreat pioneer will not only leave you feeling recharged but also looking renewed. Chiva-Som’s Eternal Youth programme is designed to enhance your aesthetic appearance with minimal recovery time and long-lasting results. You start with facial analysis and skin consultation so the US-trained doctors can prescribe the most suitable treatments to achieve your desired results.
The specialised treatments at the Niranlada Medi-Spa include non-invasive laser treatments, micro-invasive cosmetic surgery and anti-ageing medicine. Guests are also able to choose from daily fitness and leisure activities, as well as holistic therapies, including Chi Nei Tsang, naturopathy, stress release therapy and more.
Blue Lotus – Hua Hin
Just south of the hustle and bustle of Hua Hin you’ll land at this little slice of holistic heaven! With tranquil views out across the Gulf of Siam, verdant lush landscaping, lotus ponds and private villas, this is the perfect location to rebuild and recharge your lifestyle and wellness regime. Their healing spa radiates peace and harmony, with the sounds of flowing water and Himalayan singing bowls upon entering.
With a focus on the wellness and well-being of their guests, the resort offers a range of treatments, wellness programs and well-equipped facilities to begin (or re-ignite) your holistic routine. Their highly-skilled therapists guide you to your optimal well-being, indulge with a treatment in their 10 treatment rooms nestled amongst lush gardens and ponds, or take part in one of their wellness regimes on offer, detox or discover yoga. If a program isn’t for you, take it at your own pace with their fabulous facilities: a wellness sala, relaxation area, yoga studio, outdoor yoga pavilion or sauna room. As little or as much as you like, take your lifestyle to the next level at Blue Lotus.
Museflower Retreat & Spa – Chiang Rai
Nestled among the lush, green landscapes of Northern Thailand, Museflower Retreat & Spa focuses on helping visitors find balance through emotional and mental wellness. All of their three, five, and seven-night packages include accommodation, daily yoga and meditation classes, spa treatments, and three vegetarian meals per day, so the price is totally wallet-friendly. When you’re not sweating it out in a vinyasa class, you can enjoy ultimate relaxation in the herbal steam room, heated Himalayan crystal saltwater pool, or creative studio.
PHILIPPINES
The Farm at San Benito
The Farm cleverly fuses detoxes and holistic treatments with integrated medical services. Therefore, this makeover retreat works its magic from the inside out. During this six-day/seven-night detox, you can experience The Farm’s award-winning raw, vegan and super delicious cuisine. Start the programme with a blood analysis, followed by some treatments, including acupuncture, reflexology, colonics, massages, body salt baths, a fitness evaluation, cardio classes, yoga, meditation and much more. All treatments are scheduled carefully to break down fat and support weight loss, and detoxification occurs naturally during this programme, due to the fresh, organic meals and juices. Leave with an improved sense of well-being, clearer and smoother skin, newly gained nutritional advice and several pounds lighter.
Amanpulo – Pamalican Island
What better place is there to indulge in some alone time than on a secluded island only to be reached by private plane? Join this annual retreat at Amanpulo to restore spinal and pelvic alignment and flexibility within your body. Focusing on body awareness, neglected and weak muscles are strengthened through Pilates, and physical tension is released through watsu and cranial osteopathy. The four-night retreat also includes watsu and a postural assessment to improve posture and greater mobility. The next retreat takes place in December, and guests can pick four nights within the proposed ten days.
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June 25, 2023
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