30 Top Wellness Retreats Part 3
2020-01-06AQUA DOME – Tirol Therme Längenfeld: Längenfeld, Austria
The whole family can enjoy some rest and relaxation at AQUA DOME – Tirol Therme Längenfeld, a futuristic Alpine resort with outdoor salt, sulphur and massage pools. Children ages 3 and older can spend time in supervised playrooms in addition to thermal baths and saunas designed especially for younger travelers. What’s more, the property offers services like herbal, honey and stone massages, as well as various fitness courses. Remember, though, that most European spas are “textilfrei,” meaning clothes and bathing suits must be removed in certain areas to receive a proper body detox. Past guests recommend disconnecting from all devices to truly appreciate the resort’s offerings.
Be Tulum: Tulum, Mexico
Be fashionably pampered at Be Tulum, a rustic-chic hotel with 64 suites. The Tulum property stands out thanks to its private plunge pools (in select accommodations), gourmet cuisine and organic spa treatments. Partake in traditional indigenous and energy healing treatments that use sacred herbs and medicinal plants from the rooftop garden. Also save time for the Yäan Wellness Spa’s traveler-approved body scrubs and deep tissue and Mayan massages. On certain dates, Be Tulum offers a purifying Open Moon Temazcal Ceremony hosted by a Mayan healer in a historic sweat lodge.
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit: Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico
Create a personal gym routine with your spa concierge at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. This property is located about 10 miles northwest of Puerto Vallarta and features stylish two-story Wellness Suites equipped with weights, stretch bands, yoga mats, exercise bikes and LED lamps to overcome jet lag. Guests also have access to a private terrace with a Jacuzzi and massage beds on the top level of each Wellness Suite. Outside their accommodations, visitors will find the SE Spa at Grand Velas, which offers treatments for visitors in all stages of life, including pregnant women and teens. Plus, the resort’s all-inclusive rates cover most of the property’s luxurious facilities and meals, so travelers will have extra cash to use for special services like VIP airport transfers.
BodyHoliday Saint Lucia: Cap Estate, St. Lucia
Give your body a holiday at this health-focused resort on St. Lucia. At BodyHoliday Saint Lucia, you can pursue wellness through the ancient Indian practice of ayurveda, better aging through medicine, restorative beauty or mindfulness with yoga. The property’s all-inclusive rates cover a daily 50-minute spa treatment, healthy food, beverages, personal concierge services and up to 40 on-site activities. Additional fees apply to stay in the resort’s luxury villas and enjoy customized spa treatments, meals and retreats centered on yoga, weight loss and detox.
Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E.: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Alternative spiritual and medical therapies abound at the oceanfront Association for Research and Enlightenment in Virginia Beach. This facility, which originally opened in 1928 as famous psychic Edgar Cayce’s Hospital of Enlightenment, provides online resources for profound personal change and education in topics like past life regression hypnotherapy. Treatment options include holistic chiropractic services, dream counseling and acupressure. Visitors can take advantage of these services during half-day or weeklong stays. Patrons say the property’s garden and labyrinth, ocean-facing meditation chapel, spa services, free lectures and library contribute to a relaxing, transformative vacation.
ADLER Spa Resort Dolomiti: Ortisei, Italy
At ADLER Spa Resort Dolomiti, guests can try forest therapy (guided immersive walks in the woods) when they’re not exploring Italy’s lush Val Gardena region on their own by electric bike or on foot. The resort’s heated outdoor pools and spa overlook the Dolomites, a mountain range about 160 miles northwest of Venice that’s known for its ski slopes. Available spa treatments include anti-aging facials, shock wave therapy, mineral mud baths and massages that incorporate oils from melting candles. Standard rates cover locally sourced salads, juices, gourmet cuisine and a selection of kid-friendly items.
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa: Carlsbad, California
Spagoers with companions who shun massages or meditation should check into Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, Southern California’s premier fitness-focused vacation destination since 1965. There’s something to benefit everyone at this Mediterranean-style compound, as it houses an award-winning spa, the Chopra Center for mind-body harmony, the state-of-the-art Athletic Club, the PFC Fitness Camp and eight distinct pools. Past guests loved the property’s dog-friendly policy, gracious staff, beautiful landscaping, vast golf courses, excellent cuisine and top-notch children’s facilities. Omni La Costa is also conveniently located near the beach and Legoland California.
The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort: Paradise Island, Bahamas
A-listers like Jay-Z, Beyonce Knowles and Kerry Washington have all enjoyed The Ocean Club since it opened on Paradise Island (an island just north of the Bahamas’ capital city of Nassau) in 1962. This Four Seasons outpost offers several luxe amenities, including elegant villas, a highly regarded golf course, the legendary Martini Bar and Lounge (with James Bond-inspired concoctions) and an eatery that serves French-Asian fusion fare concocted by celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The Ocean Club also promises paradise at its spa, which features eight private villas with waterfall showers and gardens for special services. Book couples or baby wellness therapies, warm coconut poultice treatments or a Bahamas Rhythm Massage that combines percussion with deep tissue manipulation.
Mercure Goa Devaaya Retreat: Divar Island, India
Experience certified ayurveda and naturopathy practices at this budget-friendly wellness retreat on India’s Divar Island. Multiple doctors and traditional healers work at Devaaya (which means “divine healing” in English) to provide each guest with a customized plan that promotes personal well-being during their stay. Accommodations here are simple yet comfortable, with Wi-Fi access, air conditioning and views of the resort’s grounds or waterfront. Past travelers recommend a long stay to soak in the tranquil scenery, learn yoga, enjoy tasty vegetarian cuisine and be rejuvenated with the prescribed ayurvedic and natural remedies.
The Omnia: Zermatt, Switzerland
Wrap yourself in a fur blanket or enjoy a relaxing soak at The Omnia. Most guests choose this temple of clean, modern Swiss design for its proximity to Zermatt’s superb ski slopes, but it’s also an ideal place to unwind, break a sweat and indulge. Maintain your fitness regimen in the world-class gym, lounge by the fireplace, savor hearty mountain fare by Michelin-starred chef Hauke Pohl or pamper yourself at the spa, which features indoor and outdoor pools, a hammam, a flower steam room and a Finnish sauna. Save time for admiring Zermatt’s iconic Matterhorn from the property’s marble hot tub.
Courtesy of USNews
