Pallavi is a Los Angeles and Mumbai-based freelance journalist. She writes about design, travel, and lifestyle for leading publications like Travel & Leisure, Architectural Digest, Conde Nast Traveller, GQ, Thrillist, and Observer. An avid traveler and design enthusiast, she finds inspiration in everything she encounters, be it her immediate environment or her travels around the world.
Wellness retreats are becoming increasingly popular as more people strive to become the best version of themselves. These sanctuaries provide an opportunity to reconnect with our bodies, cultivate inner peace, and return to our everyday lives feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and more in tune with our overall well-being. To help you find the right wellness retreat, we’ve curated a guide of the finest ones in the world. From the ancient wisdom of Ayurvedic practices in India to the new age therapies of Swiss wellbeing clinics, these wellness retreats offer a diverse range of distinctive healing treatments conceptualized to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.
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1. Rebalancing the Body Chenot Palace Weggis, Switzerland
Located on beautiful Lake Lucerne, Chenot Palace Weggis is a medical spa and wellness retreat following the renowned Chenot Method. Unlike fleeting other wellness trends, this method has stood the test of time for over 50 years blending Eastern and Western medical practices. Their Advanced Detox Programme is a deep commitment to your health featuring an 850-calorie diet alongside a rigorous daily regimen of aromatherapy baths, cupping massages, and high-pressure showers designed to stimulate cellular renewal. Beyond detox, the property boasts cutting-edge fitness facilities, including an altitude training room, an anti-gravity treadmill, and suspended workouts with a Neurac machine. Most visitors to Chenot Palace Weggis stay at least a week to fully immerse themselves in this transformative wellness experience.
2. Achieve Optimal health at SHA Wellness, Spain
SHA Wellness is an award-winning retreat blending science and holistic healing in Altea, Spain. This renowned clinic offers transformative four- to seven-day programs (or longer) focused on rejuvenation, stress relief, and detox. The SHA Method integrates nine pillars of wellness, from nutrition and natural therapies to cognitive stimulation. Guests undergo advanced health assessments, revitalizing treatments, and expert-led workshops — leaving not just refreshed, but equipped with lifelong healthy habits. Nutrition is a key element of staying at SHA Wellness with a focus on the Blue Zone diet limiting the consumption of meat, dairy and refined sugars. Rather than feeling restricted which can happen at other wellness retreats, you’ll enjoy a wide array of global flavors from morning miso soup to Thai-inspired red curry or Mexican-inspired mole. The sunny location also lets you get some sunshine in between wellness sessions making it feel like a healthy Spanish vacation.
3. Healing Waters and Regeneration at Palazzo Fiuggi, Italy
Just two hours from Rome, Palazzo Fiuggi is a wellness resort blending health and science in a palatial setting of chandeliers and Carrara marble. It offers immersive programs designed for recovery, focus, and lasting vitality in a town that has a long history of healing. For centuries, travelers have sought Fiuggi’s mineral-rich water to cleanse their kidneys and immune system. On top of drinking Fiuggi water almost exclusively, guests can also enjoy Thalasso therapy, invigorating Scottish showers and Turkish baths. On top of their wellness and medical programming, their Movement Lab is a real treat featuring futuristic training like Icaros VR, where you “fly” or “dive” through space using body motion. At Palazzo Fiuggi, food is more than nourishment — it’s healing. Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck crafted personalized, nutrient-rich menus at various calorie-intake levels designed to delight the senses while supporting wellness. You won’t have any pizza or pasta at this stunning Italian Palazzo but you will leave feeling like a rejuvenated and re-balanced version of yourself.
4. Thermalism at Castle Hot Springs, USA
Castle Hot Springs is an award-winning 1,100-acre desert oasis nestled in the Bradshaw Mountains, just an hour from Phoenix. This historic resort, with over 100 years of tradition, is a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation. Drawing inspiration from the encompassing land and the healing properties of its natural hot springs, Castle Hot Springs offers a wellness experience that is uniquely its own. Guests can experience the transformative power of thermalism with three therapeutic hot springs well-known for their mineral-rich waters. These rejuvenating waters improve both physical and mental well-being, boosting mood, calming the mind, and easing aches and pains.
5. Ancient Treatments at Ananda In The Himalayas, India
Ananda is a celebrity-favorite among wellness retreats nestled in the serene Himalayan foothills of North India. Occupying the erstwhile Palace Estate of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal, this 100-acre property boasts well-landscaped gardens, unspoiled forests, and state-of-the-art wellness facilities. This spiritual sanctuary seamlessly marries traditional practices like Ayurveda and yoga with modern techniques for emotional healing, and spiritual awareness. Ananda boasts a team of highly experienced wellness experts including Ayurvedic doctors with generations of family expertise, yoga and meditation gurus from the Bihar School of Yoga, and chefs trained in both world cuisine and Ayurvedic principles.
6. Holistic Healing at Euphoria Retreat, Greece
From the philosophical underpinnings of Ancient Greece to the time-tested practices of Hippocratic and Chinese medicine, Euphoria Retreat integrates these traditions with contemporary scientific advancements. Euphoria has a team of medical professionals and therapists that provide a diverse array of services, from human regeneration and IV infusions to more traditional practices such as acupuncture, energy healing, and massages. Yoga, meditation, and physiotherapy round out Euphoria’s offerings, providing guests with a well-rounded approach to physical and mental well-being. For those seeking a more structured experience, Euphoria also organizes specialized programs targeting specific health issues, ranging from weight management to stress reduction and emotional balance.
7. Metabolic Reset at Chiva-Som International Health Resort, Thailand
Located in Hua Hin, Chiva-Som is a picturesque wellness resort that celebrates traditional Thai and Asian therapies. The property’s new Metabolic Reset program addresses the rise of weight loss medication. This approach empowers guests to transition off medication safely and sustainably. By combining personalized nutrition plans emphasizing nutrient-dense foods with expert guidance on supplementation and exercise, the program prioritizes muscle preservation and healthy fat loss. Furthermore, it incorporates stress management techniques and focuses on developing long-term healthy habits.
8. Detox at Villa Stéphanie Spa at Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa, Germany
Villa Stéphanie Spa & Wellbeing, located within the iconic Brenners Park-Hotel in Baden-Baden, is a leading European spa renowned for its personalized approach to wellness. The spa offers a range of programs, including detox regimens, fitness programs, and beauty treatments, all delivered by experts. The detox program starts with an initial consultation, after which guests receive a customized menu including detox teas and green smoothies. Treatments include alkaline baths and body wraps. A dedicated detox host is the guest’s sole point of contact throughout their stay, ensuring a truly customized experience.
9. Regeneration and Longevity Program at ATMOSPHERE by Krallerhof, Austria
ATMOSPHERE by Krallerhof is an opulent, adults-only spa in Leogang, Austria, surrounded by the majestic Leoganger Steinberge mountains. This sanctuary invites guests on a journey of self-discovery, featuring an awe-inspiring 50-meter infinity pool merging with a natural bathing lake and a diverse range of wellness amenities, including saunas, a cold pool, an ice grotto, and a tranquil rotunda with an Alpine Zen garden. The recent introduction of their Regeneration and Longevity program, with its focus on cold chamber treatments, red light therapy, and expert guidance on extending lifespan, elevates Krallerhof into the perfect retreat for those looking for inner peace and a longer, healthier life.
10. Biophilic Wellness at Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat, South Africa
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat is a luxurious escape nestled in the Cederberg Mountains of South Africa. It’s popular for its natural surroundings, diverse wildlife, and wellness experiences. The Spa, nestled amidst untouched nature, offers bespoke treatments designed for relaxation and rejuvenation. Guests can experience serenity in earthy treatment rooms bathed in natural light and surrounded by natural vegetation. The property’s expert therapists use indigenous African ingredients to create customized wellness journeys. Couples can partake in couples’ treatments at the secluded Riverside Gazebo, or unwind in the heated pool, fitness center, and tranquil lounge.
11. Vedic Meditation at Soma Byron Bay, Australia
Soma offers a distinctive approach to wellness deeply rooted in Vedic philosophy. Established by Gary Gorrow, a Vedic Meditation Master Teacher, Ayurvedic health coach, and mindfulness expert, and Peter Ostick, an innovative visionary, it is a one-of-a-kind destination when it comes to wellness retreats in Australia. Gorrow’s decades of expertise in Vedic practices seamlessly intertwines with Ostick’s profound insights, guiding guests towards accessing their innate personal vision and breaking free from limiting beliefs. This powerful synergy crafts a distinctive and transformative experience, where individuals can go on a journey of self-discovery, cultivating higher consciousness and achieving lasting well-being.