(DailyExpertNews) — Infested by strangers, soaked in aromatic water or encouraged to throw yoga forms in beautiful surroundings, the problems of the past two years will not go away.
But for those of us who still carry the baggage of anxiety or long-term health consequences brought on by these trying times, such wellness-inducing activities will certainly be a welcome escape.
Whether you’re looking for a deep clean amid New Zealand’s snowy peaks, massages in the Maldives and Saint Lucia, or spa therapy in Saint Lucia, here are some of the best rejuvenation hotspots the world has to offer.
Aro Hā, New Zealand
Surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, Aro Hā says it has a simple kaupapa or purpose: to regenerate the body and mind.
It’s not easy, though — guests are expected to cut ties to alcohol, caffeine, and cigarettes before arriving for their wellness journey.
Days at Aro Hā begin with the tinkling of Tibetan bowls, dynamic Flow Yoga against the backdrop of the rising sun, and a breakfast of carrot bread with apple butter and berry coulis, all sourced from the resort’s garden.
To maintain the cleansing of mind, body and spirit, the cuisine is plant-based with an emphasis on garden-to-table. Fitness is just as important, so enjoying a sub-alpine hike through the region before a spa time and a therapeutic massage is highly recommended.
Willka T’ika, Peru
Willka T’ika uses the teachings of the local Quechua people for a wholesome wellness retreat.
Willka T’ika
Nestled in the Andes, between the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu and the Inca capital of Cusco, this eco-friendly resort is set amid some of the world’s most spectacular scenery.
Throw in a luxury spa and it’s the perfect getaway after a pandemic.
Its breathtaking beauty goes beyond the picturesque outdoors; among the pink-hued buildings of this boutique hotel are the Seven Chakra Gardens – a restorative space laid out to represent the seven classical chakras, which some believe are the energy centers of the human body.
While traditional Andean ceremonies can be experienced outside the resort, the staff, including the indigenous Quechua people, ensure that the guests’ stay is influenced by their relationship with Pachamama – Mother Earth. A great way to get in touch with nature is a soothing dip in a salt-and-herb-infused floral sunbath under the night sky, heated by the sun during the day.
BodyHoliday, Saint Lucia
BodyHoliday’s skin clinic offers a “restorative beauty” program.
BodyHoliday
An idyllic setting in the Caribbean Sea between powder sand beaches and tropical rainforests reinforces confidence in BodyHoliday’s promise: “Give us your body for a week and we’ll give you back your spirit.”
Depending on the program, guests can practice yoga for their entire stay or explore the island with exciting activities such as diving and archery.
There is a wellness center complete with a skin clinic, which offers “restorative beauty” among other spa and therapy treatments.
Popular with guests is the “Serenity Massage”, a Swedish technique that uses a special blend of oils to aid breathing and sleep, in addition to Ayurvedic principles.
Anantara Eastern Mangroves, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Anantara Eastern Mangroves offers luxurious spa treatments, including a Turkish hammam.
Ministry of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
Overlooking beautiful mangroves on the outskirts of the city, Anantara uses its natural environment to create an oasis of healing that combines Eastern healing practices with Arabic influences. Exclusive treatments here are the “Vichy desert sand body scrub” and the “Neom de-stress candle massage”.
Depending on the mood, guests can experience the Turkish hammam or take a trip to the Anantara waterfront where they can take part in one of the many water sports available.
Other therapies include the quintessential luxury hotel indulgences — numerous fine dining options and the house’s bottomless drink offerings.
Ananda in the Himalayas, India
Ananda’s spiritual path in the Himalayas includes medical checkups and spa consultations.
Ananda in the Himalayas
Sitting in the foothills of the Himalayas, surrounded by the Sal forests, Ananda calls itself a ‘spiritual path’. It offers therapies tailored to the needs of guests – pandemic fatigued arrivals may want to take advantage of the “stress management” program.
Full medical checkups are provided along with spa consultancies to ensure that activities such as yoga, meditation, pranayama (breath regulation) and refreshing dips provide the maximum benefits.
Guests at this rejuvenating retreat are said to be British royalty and A-listers, including Elizabeth Hurley and Brad Pitt. If you’re lucky, you might end up on a hike through the woods with someone you recognize.
Stanglwirt Green Spa Resort, Austria
The water features of the Stanglwirt Green Spa Resort reflect the rocky mountain landscape.
Stanglwirt Green Spa Resort
“The Sound of Music” meets “The Hobbit” at this sprawling grass-roofed alpine chalet in Austria’s Wilder Kaiser Mountains, where the Hauser family is in charge of luxurious eco-escape.
Environmental friendliness is enhanced by home-grown food from Stanglwirt’s organic farm, while the resort’s eco-sauna is made from local arolla pine.
Activities on offer include golf, horse riding and skiing. There is also a 500 square meter indoor fitness garden.
Highlights of Stanglwirt include water features designed to mimic the rocky mountain environment. It is recommended that the brine from the saltwater pools soothe the skin while reclined in a massage alcove before allowing guests to climb the moss-covered stairs to enjoy the spa’s organic treatments.
Palazzo Fiuggi, Italy
Palazzo Fiuggi’s programs are tailored to the specific needs of the guests.
Tyso Sadlo/Palazzo Fiuggi
This medical retreat claims to take a 360-degree approach to wellness, with a serious focus that could potentially provide respite to those suffering from illnesses, including long-term Covid.
The setting is idyllic, with healing waters and the natural beauty of the Italian Apennines in the background.
Palazzo Fiuggi offers tailor-made wellness treatment programs with holistic therapies and medical services tailored by a team of doctors and experts.
Guests can choose from “medical and diagnostic” treatments such as the “Post Covid-19” program or a “regeneration” plan such as the “Restore and Balance” program.
All treatment plans come with comprehensive medical treatments, soaks in the Roman baths and lymphatic drainage, aromatherapy and other massages.
The best wellness treatments also include good food. Here, guests can enjoy a menu curated by a three-star Michelin chef.
Euphoria Retreat, Greece
Euphoria Retreat offers unique wellness activities such as Laughter Yoga to clear the mind.
Euphoria Retreats
The charming hilltop village of Mystras is a cooler escape from the plains of Greece’s inner Peloponnese region, and a gateway to the fantastic ancient wonders of the Byzantine fortress that overlooks it.
It is also home to another escape. Euphoria is a spa complex built in a classical style that offers guests, among other treatments, treatments specifically designed to aid in recovery from the pandemic.
Euphoria’s “Feel Alive Again” program aims to release guests from pent-up negativity through a combination of activities such as laughter yoga, breathwork, and music.
The resort says these activities are designed to provoke unconscious thoughts and feelings to cleanse the mind.
It also offers a patented “3GL PLUS” therapy that measures key markers of metabolic health as guests travel through Euphoria Methodos, the spa’s approach that combines holistic Hippocratic medicine with Taoist spirituality.
Hopefully the guests will leave in a state of euphoria.
Joali Being, Maldives
Joali Being wants to offer guests a sense of freedom.
Joali Being
Surrounded by soft sand and sea breezes, this island wellness resort revolves around the concept of ‘weightlessness’. However, no laws of gravity are violated; at Joali Being that means giving a sense of freedom.
The resort says it blends modern science with ancient medicine to provide a stay inspired by the four pillars of wellness: mind, microbiome, energy and skin.
Programs tailored to the well-being of guests are offered, including Abhyanga’s full body massage to therapies in the refreshing waters of the resort’s Hydrotherapy Hall.
And for drinks? There are over 60 varieties of organic teas available at the tea lounge, Sai, for guests to sip and, hopefully, feel that weightlessness.