For many, travel and wellness go hand in hand and a trip that focuses on resetting the mind and body can prove to be invaluable.
These hotels that focus on wellness are specially designed to offer some of the best treatments, programmes and experiences in the world. So whether it’s a recurring theme in your travel plans or you’re looking to explore new horizons, consider this your go-to list for a wellness experience you’ll never forget.
Lime Wood Hotel
Quintessential British countryside meets luxury wellness retreat at Lime Wood, the New Forest National Park’s celebrated boutique country house hotel. Tranquil, secluded and secreting an impeccable sense of style and taste, it’s wellness focus is just part of the appeal. Herb House, the on-site spa, offers an extensive menu of rejuvenating treatments, exercise classes, hot pools and a dedicated restaurant specialising in fresh salad and fish dishes as well as juices and smoothies. Gym enthusiasts can train in the celebrity-approved Matt Roberts Personal Fitness space on the roof, which overlooks the expansive forest that surrounds the property and features a small garden where some of the spa ingredients are grown. Post relaxation, enjoy the hotel’s considered luxuries: open fireplaces, a marble topped bar serving up bespoke recipes and rooms that exude the kind of comfort you won’t want to leave.
Lefay Resorts, Italy
Positioned high above Lake Garda, boasting acres of land and a sense of serenity that mimics the stillness of the water, Lefay Resorts in Italy is the kind of place where you can’t help but switch off from the outside world. It’s approach to wellness blends classic Chinese medicine with Western scientific research. Sustainability runs through every element of the property, from its renewable electricity sources to the produce on offer, which is grown by local farmers. Specially designed health packages are available but programmes can also be personalised by the experts on hand, who aim to curate an experience that leaves guests with a feeling of complete mental wellbeing. The spa is a cut above the rest and it boasts a large salt lake, an infinity pool, hammam and two heated salt-water pools. If fitness is a priority, there’s also a fully equipped on-site gym.
Forsthofalm, Austria
If your idea of a wellness getaway centres around the great outdoors then Austria’s picture-perfect mountainous landscape is sure to appeal. Nestled in a secluded part of the countryside in Leogang sits Forsthofalm, the hotel with wooden bedroom walls, a pared-back aesthetic and nature as its underlying theme. The heated rooftop pool offers panoramic views across the valleys and outdoor activities such as skiing and rope sliding are available to guests throughout their stay. Yoga sessions take place on-site three times a day and the ever-changing schedule of group experiences promotes a sense of collaborative energy that brings guests together. All spa treatments are designed to connect with the mind and mood as well as the physical body and all products used are both natural and organic.
Equinox Hotel, New York
Equinox Hotel in New York is the first of its kind; it’s primary aim is to enhance the wellbeing of its guests and it focuses on offering the ultimate health and wellness experience in the heart of the city. Every detail is considered, from sleep-inducing bedding and perfected lighting levels to vitamin IV drips and collagen boosting sparkling tea on the in-room dining menu. First and foremost a gym, the Equinox brand prides itself in delivering the highest quality fitness sessions for its members and hotel guests, working with the best instructors in the business and offering tailored treatments to enhance performance and aid recovery. There’s also an indoor salt pool and relaxing private E.scape Pods that overlook the Hudson River.
The Farm at San Benito, Philippines
For a true education in holistic medical wellness that will inspire lifestyle changes beyond the length of a trip, look to The Farm at San Benito in the Philippines where doctors, nutritionists, therapists, chefs, yoga teachers and fitness coaches are on hand to provide transformative, tailored experiences. Its evidence-based treatments promise results and programmes range from cellular health to aesthetic focuses depending on your goals. Food is vegan, varied and derived from fresh, raw and local ingredients. Rooms are similarly considered, walking the line between authentic and luxurious. Choose from a suite or a villa, all of which are spacious, decorated in natural hues and dressed in crisp white linens.
Anantara, Sri Lanka
Boasting expansive views across the Indian ocean and a backdrop of perfectly preened paddy fields, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort on the southerly coast of Sri Lanka draws from its natural surroundings to offer a taste of authentic island life in a luxury setting. It’s dedication to sustainability is as prominent as it’s wellness focus with retreat programmes based on natural healing, celebrating Ayurveda and ranging from sleep inducing options to those designed to promote inner peace. All explore the connection between the mind, body and spirit.
Dining at the hotel is varied but for the most authentic experience book an evening at the ‘farm to plate’ restaurant. It includes a guided tour through the property’s zero-waste gardens where guests pick their own seasonal produce, are educated on their health benefits and cooked for in the outside kitchen by a dedicated chef. For those looking to explore outside the hotel’s dreamy setting, whale watching and informative sessions about local turtle conservation projects are just some of the options available.
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