Wellness retreats are specialized resorts that focus on health and wellness, offering curated programmes and treatments to help people feel their best. These types of experiences are often intensive and expensive, with the wellness retreat method being beloved by the rich and famous for their exclusivity and personalization. Not just for the rich and famous; however, if you’ve got some extra cash lying around and want ‘the best of the best’ in terms of treatment, here are the top luxury wellness retreats that you definitely need to check out.
Ananda in the Himalayas
Location: India
Located in the former palace estate of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal, and the birthplace of Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation, this holistic wellness retreat was designed with ancient ways of healing in mind. Guests can choose from 16 healing programs that can be curated to each individual’s unique needs. Their 25,000 square foot spa facilities include hydrotherapy, Ayurveda, reiki healing, Vedanta talks, panchakarma procedures, traditional Chinese medicine, physio and fitness consultations, and international treatments. When not taking advantage of the wellness program, guests can take tours of ancient temples, ashrams, and monasteries.
Aro Ha
Location: New Zealand
Located in picturesque New Zealand, just 40 minutes from Queenstown, Aro Ha, meaning “in the presence of divine breath” in Māori, is a wellness retreat created to reconnect guests with nature and a simpler way of living in order to promote healing. They offer both 6- and 7-day retreats that focus on many facets of holistic wellness including plant-based meals, breathwork, contrast hydrotherapy, yoga, hiking, mindfulness, infrared sauna, and daily massage in a group gathering setting. In addition, they offer optional classes in things like cooking and horticulture, Pilates, and functional training, to fit guests’ unique needs.
Lanserhof Sylt
Location: Germany
The Lanserhof Sylt, located on the Wadden sea, boasts a 5,000 square meter treatment and medicine area that walks guests through the Lanserhof Cure, centered around the work of gastroenterologist Dr. Franz Xaver Mayr. Their program features their fasting method, which aims to detoxify, purify, and deacidify the body, by eating nutrient-rich foods, and less than 500 calories per day. When guests arrive, they are given a general medical exam by their team of healthcare professionals, to help inform guests on which wellness package is best for them. Their packages include hormone balance, cardio check-up, stress resilience, and long COVID, among others.
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat
Location: South Africa
A 3-hour drive north of Cape Town, Bushmans Kloof offers a wide array of experiences, from their massage and spa services in their state-of-the-art facilities, to their guided nature tours, vast array of outdoor activities including four swimming pools, and activities to heal the mind and soul. They have an extensive art collection as well as book collection, to help guests learn about South Africa, its histories and its stories, and learn lessons they can take with them into their everyday lives. In addition, they serve meals using South African recipes and using local ingredients to promote healing.
BodyHoliday
Location: St. Lucia
Boasting the only Ayurvedic temple in the Caribbean, BodyHoliday is a wellness retreat designed for guests aged 16 and up, with those aged 12 and up only allowed during certain times. Popular with single travelers, as they don’t carry a single occupancy supplement, this resort has seven programs, de-stress, detox, fitness, digestive health, healthy ageing, weight management, and 360 degrees, all designed to promote holistic wellness and healing. When visitors arrive, they are greeted by a member of the healthcare team to conduct non-invasive diagnostics to assess nutrients, hormone and stress levels, heart health and circulation.
SHA Wellness Clinic
Location: Mexico
SHA’s Mexico location, located 30 minutes from Cancun International Airport, was created to focus on preventative medicine and healthy lifestyle choices. SHA offers five programs focusing on nine main areas of holistic health: healthy nutrition, natural therapies, preventive and healthy ageing medicine, advanced aesthetics, cognitive stimulation and emotional health, wellbeing and inner balance, and physical performance. Guests are given a basic medical exam at the beginning of their stay to understand their body composition, to help tailor their program and diet to their specific needs.
Lauren Schwartz | Staff Writer
