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!
INDONESIA
Karma Spa at Karma Kandara
Karma Kandara boasts an extraordinary spa experience that elevates relaxation to a transformative journey. Nestled on Bali’s enchanting southern coast, the spa is a sanctuary of holistic healing and rejuvenation. It places an unwavering focus on traditional Balinese therapies and contemporary wellness practices, ensuring each spa treatment becomes a tailored restoration of your body and spirit. From the moment you enter this serene haven, tranquillity envelops you. Expert therapists seamlessly blend ancient techniques with modern therapies, offering you Balinese massages, organic facials, and therapeutic body scrubs featuring locally sourced, natural ingredients.
The spa also hosts yoga and meditation sessions that complement your wellness voyage. Post-treatment, indulge in the spa’s peaceful relaxation areas, where herbal teas are savoured while sweeping ocean vistas soothe your senses. The spa at Karma Kandara epitomizes rejuvenation, making it the ultimate retreat for those seeking respite from daily stresses and embarking on a path towards lasting well-being and inner serenity.
Gdas Bali Health and Wellness Resort
Nestled amidst the beautiful Balinese countryside, Gdas Bali offers 27 stunning rooms and villas. It is the perfect destination for the discerning traveler looking to embark on a journey of inner peace and spiritual wellness within a stunning and exclusive environment, paired with excellent accommodation and genuine Balinese hospitality from the heart. Facilities and amenities include a spa and wellness center, a fitness center, a library, an event space, world-class vegan dining at Tangi Restaurant, a resort boutique, and two yoga studios that overlook the lush paddy fields which surround the resort.
Guests checking in at Gdas Bali can sign up for the resort’s many personalized wellness packages and activities, or just enjoy an unforgettable stay at one of the resort’s exquisite villas and suites, surrounded by positive healing energies and peace in the resort’s atmospheric setting.
Each program or treatment is specially curated to suit guests’ needs to address a wide range of issues from insomnia to emotional balance, general wellness, and more. All programs are led by a team of experienced and accredited instructors who are specialists in natural healing with custom-made itineraries also available.
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.
barunabali.holidayinnresorts.com/holidayinnresorts.com/bali
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 in excess of 1,000m2, the Spa consists of seven treatment rooms, beauty and hair salons, vitality pools, a gym, hammam and 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.
Blue Karma Dijiwa Seminyak
Blue Karma Dijiwa is a refreshing mix of intimacy and Balinese culture. Featuring private villa suites and lush public areas for social interaction, each suite is a unique sanctuary that blends ethnic craft and modern amenities to create a comfortable living. Weathered recycled timber and antiques from Sumba and other islands of Indonesia have been used to create unique interiors rich in character.
Located hidden and within walking distance of shops, restaurants and the beach, the combination of artistic creativity, comfort, ethnic design and a flourishing garden make Blue Karma Dijiwa Seminyak a vacation paradise for a perfect wellness retreat. To treat your healthy lifestyle, their Bketo Bali Restaurant serves a fresh and healthy cuisine from premium local ingredients to create low-carb, high-flavour Keto dishes that are low in carbohydrates and high in flavour. Overlooking the garden and pool, this is a nice spot to embrace the value of life.
Should you need to awaken your natural powers of transformation through holistic therapies, their Mudará Spa is available until 8PM. If you want to go deeper into a holistic experience, their Blue Karma Oasis Yoga Studio has more than a few programmes, including yoga for community kids, ensuring that both staying and non-staying guests can benefit from this newly opened space.
dijiwasanctuaries.com/at/bluekarmaseminyak
Blue Karma Dijiwa Ubud
Blue Karma’s Ethic, Ethnic touch can be felt from the very moment you enter their Nestling Escape. Inspired by Alexa Aguila Genoyer’s travels, her artistic touch is discovered as soon as you step into the lobby and translates through her colourful paintings in contrast with the natural local materials, such as teak and lava stone. She has succeeded in creating a very special ambience that makes modernity serve tradition nestled into the abundant greenery.
Hidden in the hillside at a place where heaven and earth blissfully meet, their joglo-style suites have been carefully crafted from Javanese wood, making your stay ethnic and luxurious. Each suite is individual, yet all as charming as the next. Having views of the tropical jungle, abundant rice paddies and a stunning infinity pool; makes your retreat in Ubud worth spending.
For the culinary journey, you can indulge in globally inspired fare and wellness cuisine at the Botanist Restaurant. Their innovative chef sources local ingredients and superfoods (Moringa) to create divine dishes for all meals of the day. Speciality dishes include health-boosting moringa and matcha creations, along with additional offerings from the land and sea.
To offer you the time and space to reconnect with your inner self and disconnect from the outside world, their Sarang Yoga Shala comes with retreat packages, such as Hatha Yoga/ Vinyasa Yoga, Restorative Yoga/ Yoga Nidra, Meditation or Healing, and Young Yogis Class. You can also pamper in the treatment room or experience outdoor massage under a gazebo at Flying Bamboo Spa. It offers body and facial treatments, special body massage (Balinese & Hot stone massage), foot reflexology and Colonic treatment.
dijiwasanctuaries.com/at/bluekarmaubud
Korurua Dijiwa Ubud
The original concept of this property is to create a hidden world in keeping with the environment and in tune with classic modern design, space, and romance. Offering much more than just the amenities of a hotel, they are also committed to serving the needs of sophisticated travellers by blending contemporary boutique-style resorts with exceptional hospitality. Located 5 minutes away from downtown Ubud, the property presents its guests with a rare and blissful lifestyle experience of uncompromising quality and unsurpassed personal service.
Korurua Dijiwa Ubud is a family-owned retreat home uniquely designed to capture the beauty of surrounding nature, with a blend of Bali’s rich culture and yet a divine individual touch for the creation of an ambience full of tranquillity and serenity. To maximize your healthy consumption, their Uma Tiki Restaurant revives a wide range of traditional classic Indonesian local dishes while incorporating elements of diverse cuisines of neighbouring countries. The menus are distinctively designed to feature their signature healthy natural ingredients cuisine, sourced from the locally produced with many innovative fusion combinations.
For daily yoga, their traditional open-air yoga bale sits at the base of a natural garden landscape overlooking a small riverbank in Junjungan village. It is surrounded between lotus ponds and a lush garden with a nearby natural shape outdoor pool; each element evoking
Ubud’s tranquillity and harmonious balance for health-giving rejuvenation. For a relaxing experience, the 1919 spa serves as a unique sanctuary to indulge the senses as well as a perfect place to immerse yourself in nature and revives into the experience of the deepest relaxation. This symbolic spa is rich with history, which was built by a century-year-old wooden cabin on 12 October 1919 where twisting wooden pathways are bridged between lush gardens and lotus ponds; both looking across the paddy field.
dijiwasanctuaries.com/at/koruruaubud
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!
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
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
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
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.
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort
Those seeking balance and harmony can also join the team at Anantara Chiang Mai Resort in Thailand’s misty north for complimentary guided yoga and Muay Thai on a manicured lawn overlooking the Ping River. During the day, wellness workshops hosted by Anantara Spa will focus on element rebalancing and finding relief from the Office Syndrome through movement, as well as offering special prices on signature treatments.
anantara.com/en/spa-and-wellness
Absolute Sanctuary
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
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
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.
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
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.
CAMBODIA
Song Saa Private 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.
MALAYSIA
Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas
A pristine Malaysian resort popular with multigenerational families, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas is inviting guests and community to experience Dong Stick wellness therapy – a joyful and gentle practice that can be done by anyone, regardless of age or fitness level. This form of Qi Gong exercise uses a bamboo cane to support the body, enhance the flow of energy, promote agility, joint strength and flexibility, reduce stress and increase mental clarity and stability.
anantara.com/en/spa-and-wellness
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
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.
SRILANKA
Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort
Nestled in the tranquil beauty of Sri Lanka, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort will celebrate with the launch of an on-site herbal dispensary where medicinal herbs and organic produce from the resort’s own gardens will be used to prepare natural remedies drawing on the ancient wisdom of Ayurvedic medicine. Following the dispensary’s launch over World Wellness Weekend, the team will hold regular workshops where guests can learn to make herbal remedies and ointments in person or by tuning in online.
September 28, 2023
Geez….. lovely retreats indeed!
September 29, 2023
Thanks for sharing, this is a fantastic post. Cool. Love the retreats recommendation!
September 29, 2023
I don’t think DaLa spa is a retreat
September 29, 2023
They’re the best retreats you ϲould get advice from If yoᥙ’re thinkin of investing in Bali.
September 29, 2023
Hey, where’s Fivelements?
September 30, 2023
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coverage! Keep up the wonderful works guys I’ve included you guys to
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