The world's best health resorts

1. Aro Hā, New Zealand

Nestled among the snow-capped peaks of the Alps, Aro Hā claims to have one simple mission: to regenerate mind and body.

When you embark on your wellness journey here, you must cut out alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco completely. The day begins at Aro Hā with the sounds of Tibetan singing bowls, dynamic sunrise yoga, and a breakfast of carrot bread, apple butter, and strawberry jam.

To keep the mind, body and spirit purified, Aro Hā's kitchen prepares dishes garden-to-table, using ingredients grown directly in the resort's gardens. Another key to relaxing the body and mind is light exercise - Aro Hā encourages guests to enjoy a hike in the foothills of the Alps, before seeking spa treatments and massages.

2. Willka T'ika, Peru

Nestled in the Andes between the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu and the Inca capital of Cuzco, Willka T'ika is considered one of the most spectacular resorts in the world.

There is the Seven Chakras Garden - a restorative and healing space with images representing the human energy centers, experiential activities connecting with “Pachamama” (Mother Earth) with the indigenous Quechua people, and traditional rituals of the Andean civilization. Another great way to connect with nature at Willka T'ika is to soak in a herbal bath under the night sky, or under the warm sunshine.

3. BodyHoliday, Saint Lucia

Set against the turquoise Caribbean Sea and tropical rainforests, BodyHoliday's promise rings true: “Give us your body for a week and we'll give you back your mind.”

BodyHoliday is a resort located on the island nation of Saint Lucia, nestled in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean. Depending on the program, guests can spend their entire stay practicing yoga, or explore the beautiful island through physical activities such as scuba diving or archery.

There is also a Holistic Wellness Centre, with spa treatments that restore and rejuvenate the skin. The most popular with visitors is the “Peace Massage” – a Swedish technique that uses a combination of essential oils to aid breathing and sleep, based on Ayurvedic principles (nature’s inherent principles to help maintain a person’s health by keeping the body, mind and spirit in balance).

4. Anantara Eastern Mangroves, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Overlooking the stunning mangrove forests on the edge of the city, Anantara has used its natural surroundings to create a wellness oasis, combining Eastern practices with Arabic secrets. Exclusive treatments include Vichy desert sand body scrubs and stress-relieving Neom candle massages.

Guests can choose to experience a Turkish bath (hamman), or take part in a riverside adventure near the resort with a variety of water sports.

“I felt like I was floating on a cloud of peace and tranquility. They even serve vegan dishes on request. The spa treatments are truly healing. The staff are very supportive and attentive,” a traveler from Qatar commented on her experience at Anantara Eastern Mangroves.

5. Ananda in the Himalayas, India

Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, surrounded by India’s iconic Sal forests, Ananda bills itself as a “spiritual path” to balance body and mind. Its wellness programs are tailored to the needs of its guests, such as a “stress management” package recommended for those still recovering from the pandemic.

Ananda offers comprehensive health check-ups, spa consultations, yoda activities, pranayama (breath control) meditation and immersion sessions to refresh the body and mind.

In particular, if you are lucky, you can meet members of the British Royal Family, or A-list stars like Elizabeth Hurley and Brad Pitt on a trek through the forest at Ananda in the Himalayas.

6. Stanglwirt Green Spa Resort, Austria

Stanglwirt Green Spa Resort is like a meeting of two films, The Sound of Music and The Hobbit - or in other words, a meeting of Austrian music and majestic natural scenery.

The Hauser family built this resort as a high-end retreat for those seeking a connection between mind and body. All food is grown and produced directly from Stanglwirt’s organic farm, and the saunas are made from local arolla (Swiss pine) trees. In addition to golf, horseback riding, and skiing, the Stanglwirt Green Spa Resort’s special features include saltwater pools designed to mimic the surrounding rock formations and massage niches located under the moss-covered staircase leading to the resort’s spa treatment rooms.

7. Palazzo Fiuggi, Italy

The Palazzo Fiuggi retreat promises a 360-degree wellness program, which is as comprehensive as possible. This will allow guests to experience a holistic and effective body-mind healing, including those who have been infected with the Covid-19 virus for a long time.

In addition to the idyllic setting and natural beauty of the Apennine Mountains, Palazzo Fiuggi also offers various wellness packages for guests to choose from, such as the "Examination and Diagnosis" package for the "Post Covid-19" program or the "Regeneration" package for the "Recovery and Balance" program.

All treatment and health care plans are adjusted by a team of doctors and medical experts. In particular, visitors can also soak in Roman baths, lymphatic drainage, aromatherapy and other massage therapies.

In addition to comprehensive wellness programs, guests staying at Palazzo Fiuggi can also enjoy a variety of cuisines and menu experiences designed by three-star Michelin chefs.

8. Euphoria Retreat, Greece

In faraway Greece, the town of Mystras is a refreshing break from the familiar Peloponnese plains, and a gateway to the ancient wonders of Byzantine fortresses. What’s more, it’s also home to a unique wellness resort – Euphoria Retreat.

Euphoria is essentially a spa complex built in the classical Greek style, which offers wellness programs specifically designed to support body-mind recovery after the pandemic.

Euphoria's "Feel Alive Again" program is designed to release pent-up negativity for guests through a combination of laughter yoga, breathing exercises and music. The resort says these activities are designed to awaken unconscious thoughts and emotions, thereby cleansing the mind. In addition, there is the patented "3GL PLUS" therapy, which measures the most important indicators for metabolic health.

9. Joali Being, Maldives

Surrounded by gently sloping sands and gentle ocean breezes, everything at this Maldives island retreat revolves around the concept of 'weightlessness' - a feeling of freedom.

Joali Being combines modern science with ancient healing arts to deliver a deeply nurturing vacation for the four pillars of health: mind, microbiome, energy, and skin.

Wellness programs are tailored to each guest, including Abhyanga massages and water therapy sessions in the resort’s Aqua Lounge. In addition, the Sal Tea Room offers over 60 organic teas for guests to sip.

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