The nutrition and weight loss sector was one of the few sectors that enjoyed healthy growth during the height of the pandemic, making evident the extent to which individuals now understand the importance of investing in a healthy lifestyle. Within the sector, wellness travel is shining particularly brightly, with holistic health and illness prevention increasingly affecting travelers’ choice of destination. Whether you have a specific health goal or you simply wish to boost your overall physical and mental health, you may want to put some of the following luxury spa retreats and destinations on your bucket list.
Como Shambhala in Bali, Indonesia
Como Shambhala consistently makes it to the top 10 lists of some of the world’s most prestigious travel publications owing to its blend of health and wellness programs and its fun factor. Here, in the midst of a lush jungle and meandering river, you can choose from a host of programs focusing on areas such as holistic medicine (including acupuncture and herbal medicine), Ayurveda, stress management, and detoxification. There is a wide array of accommodation available (including luxury villas with a pool) and healthy Indonesian dishes made with living enzymes are served at mealtime. When you’re not actively working on your health you can enjoy a bit of swimming, meditation, and tennis, or go on a guided nature walk.
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Taipingshan Villa at the Taipingshan Forest Recreation Area, Taiwan
If your idea of a wellness destination is more about spending the day dipping in natural spas and enjoying verdant forest walks, then the Taipinshan Forest Recreation Area in Taiwan may be what you’re looking for. This area is home to the relaxing Jioujhihze Hot Spring (originally built by Japanese loggers in search of respite after a hard day’s work) and the Jioujhihze Nature Trail (known for its impressive biodiversity). The Taipingshan Villa itself is indicative of the new demand from families for sustainable eco lodge accommodation. What makes an eco-lodge so unique? Factors such as the use of natural construction materials, renewable energy, sustainable amenities, and water conservation. The meals served are locally sourced as well. Taipingshan Villa is actually a Green Mark-accredited spot, which makes it an excellent choice for eco-warriors and their kids.
Aro Ha in Glenorchy, New Zealand
If you really want to restore the body-mind connection, consider Aroha in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. A stay here isn’t just about relaxing and receiving soothing body treatments. Instead, the seven-day program will keep you busy with a host of activities, including yoga, hot and cold baths, and long walks through the mountainside. The food served at Aro Ha is vegan and all produce is grown on the property itself.
Six Senses in the Douro Valley, Portugal
If nothing calms your mind more than nature, then head to this spa, ensconced in the stunning UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro Valley. The resort measures a vast 19 acres and its wellness offering is centered on three elements: water, stone, and wood. Take a dip in the indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling garden views, restore your energy and the vitality pool, and boost your mood with treatments such as cryotherapy, forest bathing, and color therapy. The spa offers a personal wellness screening that blends high-tech science with ancient healing traditions, relaxing treatments, and wellness activities.
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Wellness travel is rising in popularity, as travelers seek to reverse the stressful effects of the past couple of years. Top spas can be found on every continent, though the list above may inspire you to research into more health and wellness resorts. From UNESCO World Heritage sites right through to simply eco lodging, there is a wide array of wellness accommodations so make sure you choose a place that are in tune with what your body and mind crave.