In a world of constant connectivity and ever-extending work hours, it’s no wonder that wellness tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the travel industry. According to a recent report by the Global Wellness Institute, the sector expanded by 6.5 percent annually from 2015 to 2017.
Quick to embrace the trend, Asia has seen an influx of alluring wellness retreats in some of the most enchanting destinations, from the jungles of Bali to the beaches of Hoi An.
The relaxing scenery sets the tone for a range of holistic programs that tackle everything from fitness and spirituality to nutrition and tranquility. Here are a few of our favorite spots to press reset across Asia.
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An
Home to one of the largest spas in central Vietnam, this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star escape is a wellness wonderland. The beachfront retreat sprawls across lush lawns with terrace pools, tennis courts and an open-air yoga pavilion.
The healthy hideaway centers around The Heart of the Earth Spa, which is inspired by the mindful teachings of Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh. Surrounding a scenic pond, private “floating villas” provide an ethereal setting to enjoy one of the spa’s thoughtful treatments, such as the Nam Hai Earth Song, an immersive, 150-minute journey filled with breath work, a body scrub, an herbal bath, an aromatic massage and vibration therapy.
The resort also has added the mindfulness Retreat to its lineup of experiences. For two fall sessions (October 8 to 12 and November 28 to December 2), the spa will welcome Dr. Buathon Thienarrom, one of the region’s leading Thai holistic practitioners, for special three-day meditation journeys with an aim to hone awareness and clear your mind.
Plus, the new in-villa Presence Prompts wellness program encourages mindful moments throughout your stay with balancing essential oils, a singing bowl for your personal use, a soothing selection of meditation tracks, a special pillow menu and a bathing ritual experience.
A wellness pioneer in Asia, this Four-Star resort has long been considered a mecca for spirituality and holistic healing. Set in the jungles just outside of Ubud in Bali, the hotel offers yoga, Ayurvedic healers, massages, beauty treatments, a gym and a resident dietitian, alongside several programs that are tailored to focus on your preferred area of wellbeing — be it holistic healing, cleansing or fitness.
Bolstering its health-conscious roster, the resort just launched a new program in celebration of its first cookbook, The Pleasures of Eating Well: Nourishing Favourites from the COMO Shambhala Kitchen. Start your journey with a one-on-one nutrition consultation, followed by a personal “digestive therapy plan” and wellness regime.
To keep the healthy habits going at home, the luxury hotel also gives you a copy of the cookbook, which is loaded with nearly 150 nutritious recipes all designed to maintain a healthy balance of calories, nutrients, greens and protein for a diet that’s both effective and enjoyable.
Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai
Located in the countryside outside of Chiang Mai, this rural Thailand treasure recently repositioned itself as the brand’s first dedicated wellness hotel, emphasizing mental and physical balance across the property.
At this photogenic stay, where pavilion-like suites overlook a central pond and terraced rice paddy, you can create your own wellness adventure with new dishes, fitness classes and a Visiting Masters series that invites international experts to host retreats and workshops.
Among the many highlights, the hotel has sunrise yoga classes, a locally inspired spa menu, tennis classes, morning bike tours and much more. Book a multi-day Mini Boot Camp (which includes a detoxing menu and personal training) or simply spend your days unwinding by the picture-perfect swimming pool set in a lush rice paddy field.
This Five-Star stay provides stellar views of the Indian Ocean from its perch on the cliffs of Uluwatu. Its Five-Star spa features traditional Balinese architecture and relaxing water features, not to mention an open-air yoga pavilion and eight regal treatment rooms and villas — two of which include private outdoor gardens and plunge pools.
Another highlight of the hotel’s offerings is its Workshop Gymnasium. This fitness program includes a mix of personal training, Pilates, boxing, yoga and nutritional support. Create a bespoke itinerary or choose a tried-and-true option like the Move & Detox Experience that combines personal training and targeted spa treatments for a full-body reset.
Opened in 2017, this private island paradise in Indonesia’s Anambas Archipelago comprises six islands, three lagoons and 13 beaches. Now part of a marine conservation area, the property not only promises crystal-clear water, coral reefs and overwater villas, but also, thanks to its newly introduced Spa Explorer package, unlimited treatments at Aura Spa during your stay.
When you book this offer, the hotel will arrange an exclusive spa day on either Merubah or Sangah islands — both a quick speed boat ride away — where you will have the entire place to yourself. The journey includes personalized treatments, delicious refreshments and a surprise adventure on the island before you boat back to the resort.
