Relaxing in a rainforest spa, soaking up mountain vistas from a massage table or receiving pinot noir grape infused wellness treatments—these are just a few of the extraordinary experiences you’ll find in our compilation of unique luxury wellness retreats. If you’re looking for a way to relax and unwind in style, and you’re ready to swap out your regular spa for something a little more unique, then look no further than our pick of ten of the best destination spas around the world.
Aro Ha Glenorchy, New Zealand
If you’re looking for the kind of wellness retreat that’s all about spa treatments and blissful relaxation, this isn’t it. But if you are looking for a head-to-toe (or, more accurately, brain-to-body) metamorphosis, Aro Ha is the place for you. This luxury retreat offers a rigorous seven-day programme where guests follow a strict schedule of gruelling but rewarding hikes through the lavish mountains of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Yoga, massages, and soaks in hot or ice baths are included for restorative purposes. While there, you’ll enjoy vegan fine-dining made with ingredients sourced from locally grown produce.
Miraval Austin, Texas
After finding great success with its first retreat in Tucson, Arizona, the Miraval brand opened its second in Austin, Texas, in early 2019. The programming is so varied that it’ll fit the definition of wellness for any guest. There are activities from traditional yoga programmes and spa treatments to healthy-eating cooking classes and hatchet-throwing lessons. After a robust day of wellness experiences, relax in one of the property’s 117 sanctuary-like guest rooms, complete with meditation pillows and Tibetan singing bowls.
Como Shambhala Estate Payangan, Bali
Combine the wellness-oriented Como hotel brand with a destination like Bali, and you’ve got a match made in heaven. At Como Shambhala Estate, located in the jungle outside of Ubud, all guests have access to the wellness centre and spa treatments, fitness centre, and yoga and Pilates classes. But if you want to go the extra mile, book a specialised wellness programme, where you’ll receive personalised consultations with the property’s experts, whose expertise range from nutrition and chakra healing to Ayurvedic medicine.
7132 Hotel Vals, Switzerland
Built around the thermal springs in Vals, Switzerland, 7132 Hotel is all about relaxing soaks in the natural mineral waters paired with spa treatments featuring ESPA products. But wellness is only half of the equation—the hotel and its thermal baths are an architectural marvel, originally designed by Peter Zumthor, with later additions by Tadao Ando, Kengo Kuma, and Thom Mayne of Morphosis. And there’s the culinary side, too: One of 7132 Hotel’s restaurants, Silver, has two Michelin stars.
Mii Amo Sedona, Arizona
Arizona has long been a haven for wellness resorts. Still, one of the best in the state is Mii Amo, an all-inclusive destination spa (part of the larger Enchantment Resort) that offers guests three, four, and seven-night journeys. Guests can choose from five thematic paths focusing on everything from physical health to spiritual growth, or they can devise their own programming: Pick from guided meditation, hiking, and even painting classes.
Kumarakom Lake Resort, India
The alternative medicinal practice of Ayurveda originated in India more than 3,000 years ago and sought to restore the balance between your body and mind and the environment. Head to the southern state of Kerala to find the best Ayurveda resorts—among them, the luxurious Kumarakom Lake Resort. This sprawling lakefront property is home to an Ayurveda centre where specialists can tackle everything from detoxification to weight loss. Guests can do drop-in sessions, but longer stays for a complete wellness journey are advised.
The Ranch Malibu, California
The celebrity wellness boot camp of choice, The Ranch in Malibu, is a strict “results-oriented” fitness programme. Each day, you’ll be challenged by up to eight hours of physical activity that include rigorous hikes, personal-trainer-assisted workouts in the gym, yoga classes, and much more. These sessions are complemented by a minimalist plant-based diet, meditation classes, and, yes, massages. While its signature programme is a weeklong stint at the property’s location in Malibu, there’s also The Ranch 4.0, a four-day programme at the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village. You can also combine both with The Ranch 10.0 programme if you’re looking for a total transformation.
BodyHoliday Cariblue Beach, St. Lucia
The Caribbean island of St. Lucia is dotted with luxury resorts, but if it’s wellness you seek, check into BodyHoliday. The hub of the property is the wellness centre, where guests can choose from various activities: acupuncture treatments, massages, skin therapy, Tai Chi classes, and more. But this is not a place that’s super strict—you’re also here to relax and have fun, so look for beach volleyball, golf, archery lessons, sailing, and scuba diving.
Rosewood Phuket, Thailand
If you’re interested in a more entry-level wellness experience versus a no-nonsense, intensive detox—consider booking a stay at Rosewood Phuket. This luxury beachfront resort has a stellar spa where you can sign up for wellness retreats and workshops that address issues like energy balances, renourishing your body and fitness goals. You can also opt for à la carte treatments and classes, if you’d prefer.
SHA Wellness Clinic Alicante, Spain
The SHA Wellness Clinic is a luxury hilltop temple dedicated to improving the lives of its guests, which boasts past visitors like Hannah Bronfman, Donna Karan, and Kylie Minogue. Housed in a modernist complex of all-white architecture, the clinic provides holistic treatments targeting fitness, healthy eating, sleep deprivation, weight loss, and neurocognitive performance, among other issues. Beyond its wellness options, SHA impresses with its elegant—and incredibly spacious—suites and residences, each with contemporary decor and impressive mountain or ocean views.
