While winter may be seen as the perfect time to plan a wellness getaway, is there ever really a wrong time to reset your mind, body, and soul? Wellness is a timeless pursuit, and it’s even more rewarding when paired with a bit of travel. Today, a trip to the spa offers much more than just a massage or facial. Wellness centres have evolved into true destinations, blending ancient healing practices with cutting-edge medical advancements. Many now offer specialised programs and packages tailored to address a variety of health concerns, leaving you feeling rejuvenated inside and out. From luxurious spa treatments to life-changing wellness experiences, these retreats take a holistic approach to vitality and well-being. Whether you’re in search of stress relief, better sleep, or simply a restorative escape, these nine global wellness retreats—ranging from the serene Douro Valley in Portugal to the peaceful shores of Koh Samui, Thailand—promise to leave you feeling refreshed, restored, and glowing.
Kamalaya Koh Samui
Photo: Kamalaya Koh Samui
Location: Koh Samui, Thailand
Best for: Boosting Longevity
Tucked within lush tropical surroundings and alongside a private beach, Kamalaya is a renowned Thai wellness sanctuary that harmoniously blends Eastern and Western healing traditions. Offering over 70 therapies and treatments, the resort features a variety of wellness programs, including the Wellbeing Sabbatical, Sleep Enhancement, and Embracing Change. A highlight of Kamalaya’s offerings is the Longevity House, which emphasises functional medicine—a biology-based approach focused on identifying and addressing the root causes of health issues, rather than simply managing symptoms. Through personalised treatments and therapies, Kamalaya supports guests at every stage of life, helping them achieve lasting wellness and vitality. The Longevity House offers a range of cutting-edge regenerative treatments, including IV Therapy, Ozone Therapy, and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, all designed to enhance long-term health and rejuvenation. Book Now
Mandara Spa, Atlantis Resort, Bahamas
Photo: @atlantisbahamas
Location: Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas
Best For: Gentlemen, this one’s for you
Located at the renowned Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, just off New Providence Island, The Mandara Spa offers a serene escape that blends ancient Balinese healing traditions with European therapies and natural Bahamian elements. This spa is truly one of the most well-rounded in the Bahamas. Alongside a variety of indulgent treatments, it features warm and cold plunge pools, steam rooms, and saunas to elevate your relaxation experience. For a truly luxurious experience, don’t forget to book the Couple’s Spa Suite for a shared moment of tranquillity.
Now, Gentlemen, this one’s for you… For a rejuvenating, age-defying experience, try the BIOTEC Super-Charger Facial. Specifically designed to de-stress, de-age, and revitalise the male complexion, this treatment combines ultrasonic peeling, steam, and galvanic current to deeply cleanse and exfoliate the skin. Kalpariane’s anti-wrinkle properties and Samphire’s hydrating power work in tandem to leave your skin looking refreshed and revitalised. The treatment ends with an oxygen infusion for a final boost of energy, giving you a fresh, youthful glow in just one session. A perfect, time-efficient solution to put your best face forward. Book Now
Ananda in the Himalayas
Ananda Villa Pool
Location: Garhwal Uttarakhand, India
Best for: Restoring balance
Set on the estate of a former Maharaja in the foothills of the Himalayas, Ananda is a wellness retreat designed to help you reconnect with your inner yogi. Located near Rishikesh, the birthplace of yoga and Ayurveda, this 25,000-square-foot retreat offers a comprehensive range of wellness programs led by an expert team of holistic practitioners. Programs include holistic detox, dhyana meditation, stress management, and more.
One of the most popular offerings is the Ayurvedic Rejuvenation & Immunity Booster Program, which aims to enhance vitality through a combination of Panchakarma treatments, Ayurvedic therapies, a nourishing diet, immunity-boosting rasayanas, and yoga. Known for their immuno-enhancing, anti-aging, and neuro-nutrient properties, Ayurvedic rasayana remedies help restore balance by improving nutrition, enriching the body’s ojas system, boosting agni (digestive fire), and enhancing microcirculation. The result is stronger immunity, increased energy, better metabolism, and glowing, refreshed skin. Book Now
Eau Spa
Courtesy of Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa
Location: Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, Palm Beach, Florida
Best for: Indulgent self-care
Eau Spa elevates the art of self-care to a whole new level. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted with a glass of Champagne at this expansive 42,000-square-foot spa—an indulgent playground for adults. Before your treatment, float a candle in the bronze wishing well, setting the mood with customized scents, music, and lighting. Afterward, unwind in the Self-Centered Garden, a serene oasis featuring draped cabanas, lush water gardens, and a central dipping pool. Here, you can relax in a swinging chair, sip bubbly, and savor whipped cupcakes.
For a truly indulgent experience, don’t miss the highly recommended CBD Treatment. Invite healing and relaxation with a therapeutic, aromatic CBD massage, featuring artisan-crafted CBD Massage Cream (or Oil). Made with broad-spectrum, organically grown hemp-derived CBD and infused with six pain-relieving herbs, including arnica and ginger, this soothing massage helps alleviate symptoms of arthritis, sprains, and strains, bringing your body into balance. Experience lasting relief without any THC. Book Now
Claridge’s Spa
Courtesy of Claridge’s Spa
Location: Claridge’s Hotel, London, U.K.
Best for: An urban retreat
Claridge’s Spa is located five floors below ground level in one of London’s most iconic luxury hotels. Designed by renowned interior architect Andre Fu, the space draws inspiration from the tranquil temples and Zen gardens of Kyoto, featuring elegant wood panelling and cherry blossom artwork. Begin your experience by sipping crystal-infused water and listening to energy-cleansing music, setting the stage for the signature Jasmina Luminance Treatment. This luxurious, three-stage hydrating treatment begins with a fragrant full-body exfoliation using fine sel-de-Guérande salt to stimulate circulation, followed by a flowing massage and a full-body application of Jasmīna Oil-Serum. The treatment concludes with the body wrapped in a soft bamboo sheet to lock in the nourishing properties of the organic oils, finishing with a calming neck, face, and head massage. Book Now
Six Senses Douro Valley
Six Senses Douro Valley
Location: Douro Valley, Portugal
Best for: Getting a good night’s sleep
Set high on a hill with panoramic views of terraced vineyards and the gently flowing Douro River below, this 19th-century manor has been beautifully restored, blending contemporary interiors with the region’s rich heritage and Six Senses design principles. Spacious rooms, suites, and villas are nestled amidst flourishing kitchen gardens and vineyards, offering seasonal farm-to-table cuisine and exquisite wines from the valley. The resort’s stunning Six Senses Spa provides a serene retreat that lifts the spirits and nourishes the soul.
For those seeking the ultimate rest and rejuvenation, Six Senses Douro Valley offers a unique sleep program led by its in-house ‘sleep doctor.’ The program includes sleep tracking, specialty bedding, and snooze-friendly activities like yoga nidra and meditation, all tailored to improve sleep patterns and restore energy. In addition to a personalized fitness plan, wellness therapies, and nutritional guidance, you can further enhance your relaxation with underwater sound therapy, forest bathing, and cryotherapy—helping you get your sleep back on track and sink into deep relaxation. Book Now
Palazzo Fiuggi Wellness Medical Retreat
Location: Fiuggi, Italy
Best for: High-tech healing
Palazzo Fiuggi takes a comprehensive, 360-degree approach to health and wellness. Housed in an art nouveau mansion, the resort recently underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation, transforming it into a cutting-edge wellness and medical retreat. Your experience begins with a thorough health assessment, measuring immunity, digestive efficiency, and brain health. Based on these results, a team of experts customizes your treatment plan to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul, which includes healing dips in Fiuggi’s renowned curative thermal waters.
A highlight of the retreat is its Optimal Weight Loss Program, designed to help you adopt healthy habits and reach your ideal body weight. Discover the joy of enjoying nutritious, delicious foods as you work with in-house experts to develop a personalized plan for weight management. The program provides the tools and guidance for physical activity and nutritional habits, helping you achieve lasting psychophysical well-being. Book Now
Lanserhof Tegernsee
Photo by @lanserhof
Location: Waakirchen, Germany
Best for: Rebooting your system
Your haven of peace at Lake Tegernsee. This sleek wood-and-glass medi-spa in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps is surrounded by healing iodine-sulphur springs and dense woodland. But don’t let the idyllic setting fool you—this medi-spa is about as cutting-edge as it gets. Upon arrival, you’re placed under the care of an in-house doctor, who customizes a treatment plan based on rest, cleansing and rebooting your system. It’s a relaxing—but challenging—experience that will drive results. Book Now
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
Photo: Omni La Costa Resort and Spa Carlsbad
Location: Carlsbad, California
Best for: A balanced holistic approach to mental well-being.
A trip to California is not complete without a stop at The Spa at La Costa—it’s the original destination for mind, body, and sport. This expansive 43,000-square-foot spa is designed in Spanish Mission-style architecture, complete with an outdoor courtyard that features a private pool, waterfall showers, and a spa café. The café uses fresh herbs sourced from the spa’s own herb garden, affectionately named Alicia’s Garden, in honour of the longtime culinary team member who tends to it. There’s also a therapeutic reflexology path, where smooth beach stones are arranged to stimulate pressure points on your feet, offering a truly rejuvenating experience.
In 2024, the spa underwent a multimillion-dollar refresh and formed a new partnership with Ayurvedic skincare brand Shankara, renowned for its blends of anti-aging, antioxidant-rich ingredients and therapeutic essential oils. Ayurveda, a traditional Indian wellness practice that has been used for thousands of years, focuses on a holistic approach to health and mental well-being. For the ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation, indulge in the OSEA Deluxe Body Contour – Vichy Shower package. This luxurious 75-minute hydrotherapy treatment is done under a rainfall Vichy Shower, offering a calming full-body experience. The treatment includes an exfoliating seaweed body scrub, a detox body wrap, and a neck and scalp massage. The experience concludes with the application of a toning antioxidant collagen and seaweed-infused oil, leaving your skin soft, refreshed, and deeply nourished. Book Now
