Wellness Revved: Relax, Renew, Resolve to Keep Those Resolutions
Nine wellness resorts around the globe help travelers dig into their personal journeys
January 24, 2020
As wellness tourism continues its upward trajectory, representing some $639 billion in the global wellness economy, the annual Global Wellness Summit is highlighting wellness and health-focued resorts that can help business travelers and stressed out executives get back to a place of balance. The following resorts are recommended and bring a range of experiences and services for those in need of a tune-up.
SANGHA Retreat by OCTAVE Institute (Suzhou, China) – Located in Suzhou, China, home of UNESCO World Heritage sites, SANGHA Retreat combines Eastern philosophies with Western science, and helps people awaken to a life of greater purpose and personal wellbeing, leading to a new level of consciousness. Through innovative and extensive health and wellness programs, guests are encouraged to rewire, reframe and renew their mind, body and spirit, reskilling themselves for lasting transformation.
Ayus Wellness (Mulu, Borneo, East Malaysia) – The Ayus Wellness program is located in the Mulu Marriott Resort and Spa in the rainforest of Borneo (featured above) and directly adjacent to Mulu National Park. Nature serves as the therapist here, helping to normalize blood pressure, reduce stress, enhance energy and improve sleep. The co-founder and science director of Ayus Wellness is Professor Gerry Bodeker, chair, Mental Wellness Initiative of the Global Wellness Institute.
Canyon Ranch Woodside (California, USA) – In the heart of Silicon Valley, yet seemingly worlds away, the all-inclusive Canyon Ranch® Wellness Retreat – Woodside is a place where inspiration is the currency and motivation the mantra. The newest concept from Canyon Ranch—and its first foray into California—is wedged into the hills among the ancient redwoods just outside San Francisco.
Carillon Miami (Florida, USA) – The newly reimagined Carillon Miami Wellness Resort is an unprecedented hybrid of a destination and resort spa, offering next-generation, 360-degree mind and body wellness. Beginners can dip their toes into wellness by experiencing the spa’s lavish hydrotherapy circuit before their facial, massage or body wrap, or those forging a specific path to wellbeing can visit the Wellness Concierge to map out an individualized journey.
Lefay Resorts (Lake Garda and Dolomites, Italy) – Lefay’s original destination is a multi-award winning, luxury five-star resort located on Lake Garda and covering 11 hectares of natural park, with a 3,800 square meter spa. Its latest property is located in the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and represents the second jewel in the Lefay collection with an expansive 5,000 square meter spa on four levels, featuring a “sauna world” with nine saunas and seven relaxation areas designed in accordance to the principles of Classical Chinese Medicine.
Miraval Austin (Austin, Texas, USA) – Resting on 220 acres in the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, a sanctuary of ancient trees, rare songbirds, and rich wildlife in Texas Hill Country overlooking Lake Travis, this experiential resort for individuals or groups boasts 117 guest rooms and two infinity pools, as well as the Cypress Creek Farm and Ranch (which features the signature Miraval Equine Experience), Hill Country Challenge Course, Body Mindfulness Center, and the award-winning Life in Balance Spa.
Miskawaan Health Group (Koh Samui, Thailand) – The group’s Medical Wellness Retreat is tucked away on Koh Samui’s unspoiled north coast. Located on Maenam Beach, the retreat features luxury villas offering customizable medical health and wellness stays. Miskawaan offers cutting-edge German medical wellness technologies, therapies and treatments, including personalized plans for athletic performance and recovery.
Park Hyatt Mallorca (Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain) – Framed by pine trees, hills, and the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, Park Hyatt Mallorca offers wellness that has been refined to an art using the rejuvenating power of the island. Designed in the style of a traditional Mallorcan hilltop village, the intimate retreat is gemmed with ample local accents that bring the authentic charm of the island alive. Serenitas Spa offers treatments that are individually tailored and enriched with the finest local ingredients, and the resort’s outdoor pools open up a world of laidback relaxation.
SALT (Floreal, Mauritius) – Created to connect guests with the local region and people, SALT of Palmar helps guests discover Mauritius’ culture, food and natural beauty. The SALT Equilibrium concept is based on the belief that simplicity holds the answer to happiness. Its spa includes a salt room (humble salt is, of course, a central ingredient to this spa), as well as four treatment rooms, a relaxation room, a hydro lounge and a shop. The goal is to have guests feel different when they leave because their horizons have been broadened from their experience on the island.