The 10 Best Wellness Retreats in the World

Perched on a hill, this 19th-century manor overlooks vine-covered slopes and the calm waters of the Douro River. Painstakingly restored, it seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern comforts. Inside, guests are welcomed by spacious rooms and suites nestled amid lush gardens and vineyards.

Here, the cuisine is a treat for the taste buds, with fresh produce from the gardens and exceptional wines from the valley enhancing the tranquil atmosphere. The Six Senses Spa adds to the experience, promising to lift spirits and rejuvenate the soul. Surrounded by such serenity, visitors embark on a journey of renewal, emerging feeling refreshed, revitalized, and equipped to tackle life's challenges with newfound vigor and clarity.

Back in 1981, an iconic American spot used as housings for manufacturing plant workers was renovated and became a top-notch destination that still keeps its old charm while offering top-quality experiences for its visitors. The manufacturing plant is still there in case visitors want to experience it. This special place, called The American Club, draws people from all over.

They don't just come for the cozy 241 rooms; they also come to play golf at four amazing courses, try out nine different restaurants, and relax at the super-fancy Kohler Waters Spa.

The staff is committed to ensuring every guest has an awesome time, with super-friendly service and experiences they won't forget. This mix of history, luxury, and incredible service makes The American Club stand out, giving everyone who visits a warm welcome and memories that last a lifetime.

Back in 2010, the idea for Arctic Bath was born, aiming to give a fancy twist to the old practice of moving timber down the Lule River. Inspired by those days of timber floating, this hotel adds a touch of luxury to the mix. Whether you're enjoying a cool summer swim under the midnight sun or gazing at the northern lights in winter, Arctic Bath promises nature, light, and the Arctic weather to make everything feel magical.

If you're not up for something too intense, you can always chill out in the outdoor hot tub. You can go on a moose safari, take a snowy hike with snowshoes, try ice fishing, or even go dog-sledding. After a fun outdoor activity day, when you return, get ready for a delicious meal made from locally grown reindeer, oysters, wild mushrooms, and a special local caviar called Kalix Löjrom.

Naviva, a Four-Season Resort is like a sanctuary with private 48 acres of lush jungle along the Pacific coast. With just 15 luxury tents, each equipped with an outdoor shower, plunge pool, and hammock, guests are immersed in the healing embrace of nature. Here, you can hike to the ancient Aztatlán ruins, practice yoga on cliffside platforms, or indulge in "seacuterie" made from the ocean's bounty.

In this exclusive adult-only retreat, every day is dedicated to rediscovering adventure while immersing yourself in the beauty and culture of Mexico. Naviva provides a haven where guests can reconnect with nature, rejuvenate their spirits, and embrace a lifestyle of exploration and relaxation. It's a unique blend of luxury, tranquility, and adventure.

It’s a charming alpine retreat based at the base of the majestic Wilder Kaiser mountain range. It's like stepping into a scene from The Sound of Music, with awesome views everywhere you look. For an adventure, take a leisurely six-mile hike to Schwarzsee Lake, known for its warm waters and stunning surroundings, perfect for a picnic or a refreshing swim. 

If you prefer to stay closer to home, try golf on the resort's driving range, where you can tee off against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. In winter, hit the slopes with lessons from the resort's ski school. After a day of exploration, cozy up by the fireplace at Stangl-Alm, a rustic yet elegant restaurant with wood paneling and a warm ambiance, the perfect place to unwind and recharge after a day in the Alps.

Prepare to have your taste buds spoiled forever after a stay at Lake Austin Spa Resort. Their organic garden provides fresh ingredients for the resort's delicious seasonal dishes. Guests rave about the Culinary Experience program, where celebrity chefs create gourmet meals and share their culinary secrets with visitors. But don't forget to take a break from eating to indulge in the resort's luxurious spa, spanning 25,000 square feet. 

Treat yourself to over 100 types of massage, body, and skincare treatments, many of which incorporate organic herbs grown in their garden. Picture yourself relaxing in an outdoor cabana enjoying the scents of rosemary and citrus during a rejuvenating scrub. It's a pampering experience unlike no other, leaving you feeling refreshed and revitalized from head to toe.

Gwinganna, is a special eco retreat designed to help you find peace and embrace a healthier lifestyle. Here, you'll meet caring experts who will guide you through the journey of balancing your busy life. You can decide how much or how little you want to be involved.

During your stay, you'll experience organic living, relaxing spa treatments, energizing movement sessions, and moments of deep rest. Enjoy delicious organic food and attend wellness seminars without any digital distractions. Their packages range from two to seven days, so you can tailor your visit to fit your needs perfectly. Gwinganna is proudly Australian-owned and operated, certified for eco-tourism. 

SHA Wellness Clinic offers a unique blend of modern medicine and ancient healing traditions overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. With over 6,000 square meters of space, this retreat is renowned for its holistic approach to wellness. SHA tailors programs to fit individual needs, promoting a healthier lifestyle through natural therapies and personalized fitness plans.

With specialized units focusing on everything from revitalizing medicine to cognitive empowerment, guests can also indulge in treatments for dental aesthetics, regenerative medicine, and skin care. Plus, there's a hydrotherapy circuit with indoor pools and relaxation areas. Most retreats require a minimum stay of 7 days, except for shorter options like Discovery (4 days) and Life Reset (28 days), ensuring you have ample time to reset and rejuvenate.

Nestled amidst New Zealand's majestic Southern Mountains, a short hop from Queenstown lies Aro Ha—an eco-retreat embraced by 8.5 hectares of untamed wilderness, overlooking Lake Wakatipu. Powered entirely by solar and hydro energy, this intimate sanctuary hosts just 32 guests, ensuring a personalized experience. 

Aro Ha blends seamlessly with its surroundings, fostering a deep connection to nature. Indulge in delicious vegetarian cuisine sourced from the onsite organic garden, inspired by raw and paleo principles. A stay at Aro Ha promises not just physical rejuvenation, but also a transformative journey of self-discovery, with all-inclusive wellness retreats available for 5 or 7 nights.

Kamalaya stands out as one of the top wellness hideaways in Asia, renowned for its stunning setting and holistic therapies like Ayurveda, Naturopathy, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Stated on a lush hillside in Koh Samui, Kamalaya boasts some of the most breathtaking sunsets on the island. Guests can easily access the beach from the retreat, offering a perfect spot for relaxation between treatments. 

Kamalaya offers a variety of wellness programs, such as Cleansing, Relaxation, Emotional Harmony, Yoga, Healthy Weight, Body Renewal, Sleep Restoration, Peak Fitness, and custom-made retreats. The food served at Kamalaya is outstanding, ensuring guests won't miss out on anything even if they opt for healthy eating during their stay. While healthy options are abundant, there are also choices available for meat, coffee, and alcohol enthusiasts.

Content Source:

• Conde Nast Traveler
• The American Club
• Aro Ha Wellness Retreat