How often have you thought of needing a ‘holiday’ after a fulfilling holiday jam-packed with activities and sightseeing? Gone are the days when people travel merely to tick off bucket lists or satiate that simple wanderlust. In a post-pandemic world, many have found new reasons and ways to travel, be it chasing a pop star across continents in the name of ‘tour tourism’ or for the benefit of one’s health and well-being.
It’s not enough to bulk up on protein smoothies or visit the gym regularly. People are all about preventative care, and wellness is now a priority rather than an afterthought. As many as 21% of global travellers have embarked on wellness-driven trips, while the wellness tourism industry has been estimated to hit US$1.3 trillion by 2025. The shift in this travel trend has opened up various new wellness retreats dedicated to previously unexplored aspects of one’s well-being.
For something much more straightforward and tried and tested by many, a yoga retreat alone can do wonders for the mind and body. Moreover, these luxurious yoga retreats in Asia come with jaw-dropping views, peace and tranquillity, envy-inducing suites, indulgently healthy meals and rejuvenating massage treatments. That’s an actual holiday!
Ananda in the Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India
Where better to disconnect and find inner balance than at the birthplace of yoga and Ayurveda? Nestled in the spiritual Himalayan foothills of India, Ananda has garnered a reputation, along with numerous awards and accolades, for its luxurious approach to holistic wellness. Inspired by ancient well-being and spiritual practices, Ananda offers personalised wellness journeys combining yoga, Ayurveda, meditation and other therapies that can help achieve the guests’ needs and intentions. Set across 100 acres of a former maharajah palace estate, you’ll truly live like royalty in this secluded resort. The yoga programmes here range from five to 21 nights and include wellness meals, consultations, access to hydrotherapy facilities and other activities such as cooking demonstrations and weekly treks.
COMO Shambhala Estate, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Escape the bustling cities and retreat into the jungles of Ubud, where this award-winning wellness resort awaits between two peaceful rivers. Stay and choose your yoga sessions at leisure, in addition to Qi Gong, circuit training and estate walks as alternative options. Or embark on one of COMO Shambhala Estate’s Wellness Paths tailored to your reset goals. In addition to yoga classes, the three-, five- or seven-night programmes include a body composition analysis scan, daily body treatments, personalised eating plans, and a choice between in-depth Chinese medicine or Ayurvedic consultation. During the ‘free time’, guests can partake in some island experiences such as rice field walks, Ubud street tours or receiving a water blessing.
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam
Connect with nature at the luxurious, remote hideaway, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay. Giving off the illusion of an escape to a remote island, the beach resort sits on a dramatic bay with the sparkling East Vietnam Sea on one side and lofty mountains on the other. Six Senses Ninh Van Bay often hosts retreats and visiting practitioners, but if those don’t work for your schedule, opt for the Discover Yoga programme. Ideal even for yoga novices or adaptable for more seasoned practitioners, it includes private yoga sessions, wellness screening, and signature massages. The programme aims to increase flexibility while building muscle strength and relaxes your system to promote deeper sleep and better peace of mind.
Kamalaya, Koh Samui, Thailand
The tropical island of Koh Samui is undoubtedly breathtaking, but to most Buddhist monks, it is a haven for spiritual retreats. They believe the island contains a unique energy, and Kamalaya itself is built around a centuries-old cave that Buddhist monks would frequent for meditation. With that inspiration at its core, it’s easy to see how Kamalaya became one of Thailand’s leading wellness resorts. The resort’s dedication to its holistic practices is unparalleled, helping guests reconnect with their inner selves and rejuvenating the mind, body and spirit in the comforts of nature. While they have plenty of wellness programs and retreats with guest instructors, the mainstay Personal Yoga Synergy is a great one-on-one experience. With the guidance of an in-house expert, guests can work through their physical practices of the asanas, pranayamic breath work and meditation techniques. The programme ranges from three to 14 nights and includes a variety of spa treatments and sessions with a life-enhancement mentor.
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, Maldives
The Maldives isn’t only for romantic honeymoons and life-changing dives. At Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, yogis of all levels can enjoy their practice to the calming sounds of waves and a mesmerising scene of turquoise waters. The luxury resort has a dedicated holistic wellness haven called AyurMa, offering a myriad of holistic programmes. The Yoga Therapy programme, in particular, offers a unique combination of traditional and innovative practices such as AntiGravity Yoga, Aqua Float Yoga and Yoga Energy Trail. More interestingly, AyurMa’s ‘yoga doctors’ can prescribe yoga healing modules according to unique ailments or intentions like spinal care, diabetes care, thyroid health, and addiction management.
