The New Year is time to make wellness your mantra by choosing self-care and stress-reduction over your inner-critic. (You know, that little voice reminding you that you skipped the gym last Tuesday.)
To do so, you must first know thy enemy. Stress manifests in many forms, arising from numerous triggers. Outer (environmental, interpersonal), inner (from our thoughts and feelings) and incidental stressors (triggered by events beyond our control) can all play a role in disrupting our sense of calm. All the while, the interplay of our stress responses can wreak absolute havoc on our minds, bodies and spirits.
While managing your stress can feel like a full-time job, spa go-ers have long known that combinations of bodywork, therapies, diet, nature, ambiance and digital detoxing can all help us to achieve inner peace.
Lo and behold, there’s an entire industry devoted to restoring your sense of calm. The world’s most luxurious destination spas have been perfecting retreats to help you hit the reset button on your mind, body and soul all along.
Once you make this year you put wellness first, get your zen on at one of these 5 luxury destination spas.
5.) Ananda in the Himalayas, India
Ananda Spa
India’s five-star Ananda in the Himalayas resort and spa is one of the globe’s wellness treasures. The award-winning property opened in 2001, and has been recognized by Condé Nast as India’s premier luxury spa nearly every year since. Their commitment to holistic wellness is made evident through ayurveda-inspired cuisine, activities and treatment practices, all seeking to balance your physical and mental well-being.
The accommodations are just as luxe as you’d expect of a maharaja’s 100-acre estate. Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, the property features infinity pools, greenery, cultural excursions and 24 separate treatment rooms offering over 80 wellness services. If you’ve already got a penchant for practices like yoga, meditation, chanting, breathwork and reflexology, you’ll be blissed-out beyond belief after a stay of five to 21 days.
4.) Chiva-Som, Hua Hin, Thailand
Chiva-Som
It comes as no surprise that Travel + Leisure named Chiva-Som Health Resort one of the world’s Top 10 International Destination Spas. Thailand’s wellness destination scored a whopping 93.3/100 thanks to its cutting-edge spa offerings on its own beachy paradise.
The exclusive property puts wellness first, as evidenced by a number of treatment rooms that outnumbers their 58-guest rooms hotel. With ocean sounds, plenty of sunshine and lush vegetation, it offers plenty of opportunities to unwind. Guests can focus on weight loss and skin contouring, or opt-in on a sunrise stroll on the sand with monks. You can also sign up for a number of classes like Thai boxing and gyrokinesis.
Chiva-Som appeals to every type of traveler. If you’re preparing for an Everest ascent, you can help your body prepare for the altitude with sessions in their hypoxic chamber training on-site. They’ve also recently begun offering a “cell vitality” retreat, designed especially for guests recovering from cancer. No matter your calling, this world-class destination effortlessly imparts healing vibes into your vacay.
3.) BodyHoliday Resort, St. Lucia, Caribbean
BodyHoliday St. Lucia
A retreat at the Caribbean’s most-celebrated destination spa doesn’t just provide all-inclusive, luxury accommodations at a five-star resort. There, guests benefit from individually tailored wellness regimens based in the cutting-edge of science. Using genetic testing to ensure top-notch results, you’ll receive customized skincare, nutrition and fitness plans to meet your every need.
You can enjoy a number of fitness activities during your stay — ranging from sailing, scuba, golf and yoga — alongside heaping opportunities for rejuvenation. Their health-first premises even promises five-star, organic cuisine and customized restaurants selections.
The spa is the property’s undeniable star. Therapies include ayurveda-derived offerings and mindfulness practices, all the way to anti-aging and restorative beauty selections for those with cosmetic concerns. The best part? All take place on a gorgeous island setting inviting you to leave all worries behind.
2.) Borgo Egnazia, Pulia, Italy
Borgo Egnazia
If you’re health-minded but could never give up carbs, Borgo Egnazia’s fashionable property is right up your ally. As the host of Justin Timberlake’s wedding to Jessica Biel, it’s possible that you’ve already heard of the spa world’s leader in sensual indulgence.
The charming spot is great for both culture and relaxation. Designed to look like a traditional village, the 29-villa property proves rich in history — without scrimping on modern luxuries.
The Vair Spa on-site pays homage to the Roman Baths alongside state-of-the-art amenities. The contemporary staff of professionals is made up of modern, creative-minded professionals that are truly one-of-a-kind — like a psychologist-composer, a hair doctor and even a scent master. While visiting, you can enjoy a candle-lit soak, a handmade body scrub, or even a session of music therapy.
1.) Aja Malibu, California, United States
Aja Malibu
This Malibu-based, year-old spa’s reputation for excellency speaks for itself. Booked solid through 2018 since its opening, the holistic wellness institution has been lauded by news outlets ranging from Vogue to Condé Nast. Here, services are offered that cater to the luxury, artistic types that flock to Malibu’s beachside for seclusion and serenity.
If you’re typically turned off by New Age modalities, but you’re a fan of five-star accommodations, the stunning property could very well soothe away your inner-skeptic. Their therapies blend old with new, drawing from neuroscience as well as ancient, sanskrit philosophies of healing. A staff comprised of highly attuned individuals offer meditations, sound healing, shamanic therapies, breathwork, crystal light therapy and even binaural beats, all of which align your chakras and balance your energy, clearing away old blockages.
Your treatments are supplemented by communal meals consisting of raw, live, nutrient-dense meals that were specially formulated by nutritionists to facilitate your healing journey. (Not to mention, providing you with an uncanny amount of energy.)
At Aja Malibu, treatments don’t just soothe you. An entire seven-day stay will ease you into a healthier form of conscious living from which to draw in your everyday life. Namaste.