Retreats that Bring a New Meaning to Wellness
The concept of ‘wellness travel’ prioritises your mental and physical health and well-being. It’s all about seeking nourishment for your body and mind so you return home feeling refreshed and relaxed.
From organic, farm-to-plate dining experiences to natural beauty treatments and rejuvenating activities, the scope of wellness travel is varied and promises a medley of benefits.
When we’re in need of a little TLC, we tend to steer towards awe-inspiring destinations that encourage disconnection, and in turn, a state of serenity conducive to optimal re-invigoration. Those that allow us to really embody the ‘wellness’ Y factor.
Bawah Reserve, Indonesia
Luxurious, sustainable, private, restorative. Soothe your soul in paradise with Bawah’s wellness offerings. Just a quick ferry and seaplane from Singapore (potentially one of Australia’s first outbound destinations).
Bawah Reserve
From its untouched location in a remote archipelago of Indonesia, to its fresh and organic menu and extensive list of nature-inspired treatments at Aura Spa and Wellness, absolutely everything about this resort screams wellness. In fact, the team pride themselves on working with you to try new and inspiring experiences on your personal journey to wellness.
The Bawah ‘Movement Experience’ is designed to relax, invigorate and rejuvenate both the body and mind. Held in the resort’s outdoor pavilion, surrounded by the tranquillity of nature, classes include gentle hatha yoga, vinyasa yoga, Pilates, relaxation and meditation.
For an extra hit of luxury, Bawah have just launched their private island concept, ELANG, which offers a completely private spa experience. Kayu Spa resides in a restored joglo – a traditional Javanese house with a pyramid-like roof that evokes the shape of a mountain. The Javanese people believe that mountains symbolise all things sacred. Perched on the cliff’s edge, with stunning views of Bawah, Sanggah and Muerba islands, Kayu Spa will transport you to a more sacred and traditional time.
Nihi Sumba, Indonesia
A short flight from Bali, Nihi is luxury on the edge of wildness. Picture a fusion of safari and opulence, with indulgent wellness interwoven. Plus, horses who roam freely on the beach!!
Nihi Sumba
Tailored to indulge each one of your senses, Nihi Sumba’s ‘NihiOka Spa Safari’ is a one-of-a-kind experience not to be missed. The day begins just after sunrise with a 90-minute trek through rolling hills, expansive rice fields and a traditional Sumbanese village where you have the special opportunity to meet the villagers and buy local crafts.
After the trek, a fleet of staff bearing cold towels and fresh coconuts usher you to a dining area cantilevered over a private coastline where a full breakfast is served. After breakfast your spa therapist will show you to your private cliff-side room.
Once settled, you may choose to enjoy a swim in the ocean or simply dive right in to your selection of treatments, which range from body wraps and scrubs to 90-minute massages and an organic facial. Ultimately the day is centred around you: your wants and your needs at whatever pace truly allows you to unwind. At the end of the day, you’ll be driven in open air vehicles back to the resort as the sun sets, having experienced both adventure and serenity in equal measure.
Joali Being, Maldives
The newly opened island retreat combines boundless luxury with a dedicatedly natural approach.
Combining sustainable design, exquisite villas and a paradisiacal setting, the new Joali Being wellbeing retreat in the Maldives has just made its hotly awaited debut.
Set on the secluded island of Bodufushi in Raa Atoll, a short seaplane journey away from Male International Airport, Joali Being is no ordinary wellbeing retreat. Nature is at the very core of this new offering, from its architecture and interiors, right down to its highly tailored treatments.
“Every element of this island works together to bring to life specialized spaces, opportunities, and unique moments that lend themselves to a vast array of possibilities,” says general manager Özgür Cengīz. “The magic of Joali Being is that no story is previously written and no itinerary previously set, rather, it is a place where all visitors are welcome, invited, and encouraged to pave the way for their own journey of self-discovery and renewal, enabling guests to return home feeling uplifted and inspired.”
“Every element of this island works together to bring to life specialized spaces, opportunities, and unique moments that lend themselves to a vast array of possibilities,” he continues. “The magic of Joali Being is that no story is previously written and no itinerary previously set, rather, it is a place where all visitors are welcome, invited, and encouraged to pave the way for their own journey of self-discovery and renewal, enabling guests to return home feeling uplifted and inspired.”
Soneva Kiri, Thailand
You’ve more than likely heard of Soneva’s most famous Resorts in the Maldives, how about uncovering their incomparable Thai offering on the island of Koh Kood.
Soneva Kiri
Soneva Kiri in Koh Kood, Thailand, embraces the SLOW life philosophy the leading resort group is famous for; including a mind-blowing list of unique, immersive experiences and the most extensive suite of dining options imaginable.
Hidden among the island’s wild jungle foliage, the resort is home to a new Soneva Spa (soon to launch Soneva Soul as with its Maldivian sister properties Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani), where restorative effects of its natural environment along with invigorating facilities and holistic treatments are the key to a truly relaxing stay.
Your precious time is well spent here. Try locally-inspired treatments or kick-start your health with a three-day recovery program, leaving you feel rejuvenated from the inside out. One of the spa’s most popular services is the Wellness Screening, which provides a non-invasive reading of your body’s composition and bio-markers, and provides a personalised program based on the findings!
Kisawa, Mozambique
Discover your own rhythm at Kisawa. Home to cultural celebration and environmental conservation on Benguerra Island, Mozambique. Kisawa is a happy pairing of innovation and tradition.
Kisawa, Mozambique
Mozambique is the new hotspot for 2022. Steeped in divine history, unparalleled aesthetic, and humanity that knows no bounds.
Kisawa means unbreakable, and this defines the founding team’s commitment: to build a bond between people and place, life and land. Benguerra Island is situated 14 kilometres off Mozambique, on the Eastern coast of Africa. Part of the Bazaruto Archipelago, the neighbouring WWF National Marine Park is home to some of the richest and least explored subtropical ecosystems in the Indian Ocean.
The Kisawa mission is to bring wilderness and wellbeing together, carefully and comfortably; with generous and personalised hospitality, and a core sense of care at its heart. In all that the team do, their goal is to support and enable guests to do as they wish, when they wish.
Kisawa’s stand-alone spa specialises in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic offerings. The Natural Wellness Centre is focused on achieving wellbeing through unity of mind, body and spirit.