Feeling exhausted from the stresses of your daily life and desperately needing a break? Then treat yourself to a body, mind, and soul escape at one of the world’s best health spas and resorts. With stunning spaces which allow you to reconnect with yourself and programmes to nourish your wellbeing in the healing hands of certified therapists, these retreats are sure to leave you feeling fully rejuvenated.
Amanjiwo, Indonesia.
Live the spiritual dream at the stunning temple-like hideaway Amanjiwo resort which lies within view of the mystical stupas of the Unesco World Heritage-listed Borobudur, one of Buddhism’s most sacred Mahayana temples. Framed by serene emerald green rice plains and the peaks of the Menoreh Hills in rural Central Java, Amanjiwo is home to 36 magnificent suites with sunken bathtubs, thatched-roof bale pavilions, and private gardens. After a day of sightseeing, relax your tired muscles at Amanjiwo’s spa or take a long and soothing dip in its 40-metre pool as the sunset washes over you before digging into a sumptuous meal at the romantic open-air restaurant.
COMO Shambhala Estate, Indonesia.
Find your centre at the tranquil COMO Shambhala Estate, tucked in the upper echelons of Ubud on the paradise island of Bali in Indonesia. Renowned among health-conscious celebrities and wellness travellers, the luxurious residential resort offers an Ayurveda retreat which aims to restore your body to its natural state of equilibrium by rectifying imbalances in the body’s three doshas – vata, pitta and kapha. Customisable in length from three to 12 nights, it consists of a consultation with a trained Ayurvedic specialist once every seven nights and an hour-long private yoga therapy every three nights. The programme also includes nutritionist support in personalised eating plans so you can enjoy a nourishing meal as you relax to the sounds of the rustling jungle and rumbling Ayung River.
Aro Hā, New Zealand.
Lift the weight of the world off your shoulders at the transformative Aro Hā (Maori for “in the presence of divine breath”) resort, located in one of the planet’s most sublime mountainous regions. The eco-retreat takes pride in its Zen-inspired luxury, with programmes including mind-body practices, nutrient-dense vegetarian cuisine, and healing bodywork. Aro Hā boasts single and shared suites decked out in minimalist luxury design and while guests can retreat to their rooms for moments of solitude, each suite is home to a shared foyer with space to sit, socialise over tea, and admire its majestic surroundings. Your body, mind, and soul will go on an adventure you’ll be thankful for later.
Ananda, India.
Seek nirvana at the foothills of the Himalayas on a 40-hectare Maharaja Palace Estate near the spiritual town of Rishikesh. The acclaimed Ananda, India’s premier health and wellness centre, features a 678 square metre spa with 24 treatment rooms, hydrotherapy facilities, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness centre. On offer is a score of Ananda’s signature programmes such as traditional Ayurveda, Vedanta, and Hatha yoga. To complement these wellness experiences, Ananda also serves up healthy organic cuisine to restore your body’s balance and harmonise energy so you can worry less about your diet and focus on your well-being. So kick back, stretch out, and unwind. After all, there is no better place to do so than at the birthplace of yoga.
Revive Retreat at Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia.
Unplug and escape into the carefree paradise of Song Saa Private Island in Cambodia, where opulence and serenity merge. Crafted with love and created with sustainability in mind, Song Saa Private Island reflects the beauty of the Cambodian coastline. With charming wooden villas, heavenly spa sanctuaries, a pristine private beach and crystal clear waters teeming with colourful coral reef and schools of marine life, the resort allows you to forge a deep connection with the environment. Sign up for its Revive retreat which includes a range of healing massages, yoga, meditation, and a Buddhist blessing performed by monks in a local pagoda. Here, you’ll find yourself leaving footprints in the sand, instead of digital footprints.
This article is an excerpt from UNRESERVED’s July/August 2019 issue from the article SOAK & RECHARGE.
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Tags: Best Health Spas, Best Health Resorts, Amanjiwo Indonesia, COMO Shambhala Estate Indonesia, Aro Ha New Zealand, Ananda India, Song Saa Private Island Cambodia
