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Best wellness retreats around the world

Press pause and recharge with these mindful stays around the globe.

By Joanna Tweedy | February 22, 2024

When life gets busy, a wellness-focused vacation is often the answer — restoring mental and physical harmony surprisingly quickly. Self-care comes in a variety of forms, from all-out pampering to embarking upon a new fitness adventure or just spending some time connecting with nature. Consider these five escapes for the chance to truly switch off and feel thoroughly refreshed.

Bali, Indonesia

It doesn’t take long for travelers arriving in Bali to see stress levels dialed right down. Indonesia’s peaceful isle is a vision of swaying palm trees, perfect beaches, ornate Hindu temples and cool jungle. And to top it off, the Balinese are famously generous hosts, too. How to spend your time? The island’s tranquil coast is awash with spas, and the invigorating Balinese massage shouldn’t be missed. There are yoga and meditation classes aplenty and no shortage of opportunities to be fully at one with nature. Wellness-seekers particularly love rafting the Ayung River in Ubud, early morning hiking on spectacular Mount Batur or simply taking a dip at a different beach every day. No matter how you choose to unwind, Bali offers plenty of unique options to explore.

Scottsdale, Arizona

Located just outside of Phoenix, the sophisticated city of Scottsdale is known for its art and architecture, including the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, as well as fine dining and fabulous shopping. With sunny weather year-round, it’s also ideal for warming your bones and soothing your soul. There are dozens of day spas and health-focused activities to discover, plus walks and hikes among the red-rocked beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Check into Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale, Curio Collection by Hilton, and find an expansive spa campus with a reflecting pond, meditation labyrinth and a tranquil organic garden perfect for reconnecting with nature. Seek inner calm with a personalized Ayurvedic treatment, take a health coaching session with an expert or dine from the carefully thought-out Spa Café menu.

Stockholm

Nicknamed Beauty on the Water, the Swedish capital boasts picturesque historic quarters teeming with cozy cafes, sleek Scandinavian design and around 30,000 tiny islands close by. Kick-start a wellness break by enjoying the Swedish art of bathing at the city’s public baths. Centralbadet is Stockholm’s oldest public bathhouse with impressive art nouveau architecture, Roman baths (warm and icy), a Nordic sauna and treatments that include sun therapy and traditional Swedish massage. Stockholm’s scattered archipelago, particularly in warmer months, gifts the chance for mindful exploration via wild swimming, cycling and hiking. Many of the islands are surprisingly easy to reach, too, with Fjäderholmarna, Vaxholm and Gustavsberg all accessible by public transport.

Algarve, Portugal

Portugal’s southern coastal region is famous for its golden sand beaches with breathtaking limestone cliffs adding the perfect backdrop. This year-round sunny destination is also known to work wonders if you’re in need of some rest and relaxation. Nature is a good place to start considering the ample opportunities to spot sea turtles, dolphins and porpoises along the coast. You can even join a marine biologist on a boat tour around Baleeira Beach. If you’ve never played golf, this is the place to fall in love with the sport. There are more than 30 pristine courses, often with spas attached. Eating well here is easy, too. Freshly caught seafood (don’t skip the sardines) drizzled with olive oil and served with a simple mixed green salad is an inexpensive staple in the many traditional Portuguese bistros known as tascas.

Bengaluru, India

Touch down in Bengaluru — also known as Bangalore — at the heart of southern India, and you’ll find wellness practices based on centuries of tradition. Urban nature flourishes in the tropical climate, with the historic 240-acre (97-hectare) Lalbagh Botanical Gardens offering a serene place to walk amongst clouds of fragrant flowers. With sweeping views across Ulsoor Lake, the centrally located Conrad Bengaluru offers a tranquil retreat after a day of sightseeing. The hotel’s luxurious spa has signature treatments that include sound vibration therapy, massages with Himalayan salt and frankincense smoke rituals. Bengaluru is made for foodies, too, with spicy vegetarian dishes, dosa (thin savory crepes) and aromatic chai all worth experiencing.

The thought of a relaxing vacation used to lead travelers straight to the beach, but now there are seemingly endless options when it comes to choosing a reenergizing break. So, consider penciling in a self-care stay focused on a decadent spa, immersion in nature or an exciting physical challenge, and allow the benefits of a wellness retreat to reward you all year long.

Joanna Tweedy is an award-winning travel writer and editor who lives in London. A former UK national newspaper travel editor, she now contributes across many titles, and specializes in writing about family travel, wellness breaks and luxury vacations.

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