The popularity of wellness holidays is on the up and they’re predicted to be another big travel trend for 2020. Travel Counsellor Nicki Harrison recommends some luxury tropical escapes guaranteed to soothe mind, body and soul.
‘I believe that in some way, any type of holiday has restorative benefits for us. This is simply because where we choose to go on our next adventure or escape will hold something that is special or important to us at that moment in time. That being said, in the last year, the interest in specific wellness holidays has truly spiked. With the hustle and bustle of Christmas and New Year now over, this month I thought I’d share with you some of the most popular options around the world for wellness holidays and hopefully, in the process, help you stick to your new year’s resolutions.
‘There are many ways to boost the mind, body and soul such as taking part in activities, meditation or focussing on good nutrition, but where can you go to have access to these amenities abroad? From world-leading spas to the boot camp of all boot camps, and digital detox retreats to wean you off technology, there is something to suit every need. So whether you need a peaceful sanctuary to restore the mind, top of the line fitness facilities to boost the body or just a sumptuous spa to revive the soul, here are a few suggestions that will get you away from whatever is bogging you down.’
Six Senses Yao Noi – Thailand
‘Overlooking the famous limestone pinnacles of Phang Nga Bay, this resort is composed entirely of villas with private pools and open-air bathrooms. Let yourself be tempted away from the everyday and take a long-tailed boat ride to a picnic on a nearby island, tour hidden villages by Tuk-Tuk or discover the Phi Phi islands by speedboat.
‘Nestled into the lush tropical hillside, the Six Senses Spa is world- renowned for the skill of its therapists, its use of only natural products and its Thai healing practices.’
COMO Shambala Estate, Bali
‘Rated among the world’s very best destination spas in the Condé Nast Traveller Spa Guide 2018, this intimate luxury health retreat includes 12 treatment rooms, an outdoor hydrotherapy area, yoga and Pilates specialists, total body resistance training, spring-water pools, its own Ayurvedic doctor, a dietician and tailor-made wellness packages.
‘Of its two restaurants, open-sided Glow serves delicious health-focused dietary options. COMO Shambhala Estate is also ideal for adventurers, with thrilling guided activities including white-water rafting, outdoor circuit training, hikes through rice paddies and even water blessings at an ancient spring.’
BodyHoliday, St Lucia
‘Personalised wellness programmes are the speciality of this luxury resort, with yoga, water sports, adventure tours, Ayurveda treatments and weight-loss options among the options that can be incorporated into your bespoke plan.
‘In the five restaurants, every dish is prepared with wellness in mind and pretty much any diet and intolerance can be catered for. Guests can even forage ingredients from the on-site organic farm and prepare ingredients with the I-Tal team, at the same time learning about organic and sustainable agriculture and West Indian plants.
‘Meanwhile, whether in Garden Rooms for solo travellers or Grand Luxury Oceanfront suites, a pillow menu, bedtime tea delivery service and the resort’s sleep well concept ensures restorative sleep.’
Banyan Tree Phuket – Thailand
‘One of Phuket’s most luxurious resorts and a true sanctuary of calm, Banyan Tree is made up exclusively of villas with private pools. Indulge in a dinner cruise on a traditional long-tailed boat, discover hidden waterfalls by tuk tuk, learn authentic cookery skills and all whilst having beautiful Bang Tao beach, pool and fitness facilities including golf and tennis nearby.
‘The Banyan Tree spa blends ancient health and beauty practises passed down the generations in holistic treatments using natural and native ingredients to help you truly regain a sense of wellness. Their signature experience, Chevit, is inspired by the native word for life and includes a classic Thai massage and a papaya pineapple refresher with steam bath.’
Until next time…
For more information, contact Nicki Harrison at [email protected].
