With the new year upon us, many of us will be reflecting and setting intentions to inspire a healthier and happier life. From crystals to reiki, yoga to juicing, one of the best ways to get your wellness a kick start and stick to those resolutions is to head to a retreat.
With some of the most luxurious wellness destinations popping up around the globe, there’s never been a better time to jet off for a health MOT. Here’s our round up of the retreats that will inspire you to recharge your mind and body for the better.
Playa Grande, Dominican Republic
Situated between the two small villages of Rìo San Juan and Cabrera, this immaculate 2,170-acre property overlooks the ocean on one of the island's most picture-perfect sandy beaches. Book for their holistic "Surf + Sun" experience which blows away the average surf retreat by incorporating yoga, complementary energy treatments (including indigenous healing larimar stones for chakra-balancing), nourishing snacks and clarifying meditation. Many guests use the signature Lunar journeys to dictate when they visit. If you’re looking for a fresh beginning, visit in line with the New Moon!
Reclaim Your Self, Japan
Begin your journey in the beautiful forested Chūbu region, staying at a tranquil health farm surrounded by the highest mountains in Japan, including the glorious Mount Fuji. Here you can enjoy dynamic yoga and meditation classes combined with spectacular nature and traditional Japanese customs such as forest bathing, tea ceremonies and hiking. Feeling truly at one with your surroundings, you’ll then travel to a charming mountain village in the Nagano region to explore temples and lakes, eat traditional Japanese food and soak in the local onsen. The perfect blend of adventure and wellness for the Emma Wallace Woman who loves to wander.
Järvisydän Resort, Finland
The family-owned Järvisydän Resort has to be one of the most instagrammable retreats out there, with accommodation ranging from a lodge hotel to glass-roofed huts with stunning views of the northern lights. Once you’ve checked in (and got that content for the gram!), put your phone away and head to the resort’s Lake Spa, which features five different types of saunas, four indoor pools, and two outdoor pools. Top off your stay with a massage, yoga class, fatbike tour, stand-up paddle boarding session, or seal-watching cruise.
Vipassana, Hawaii
Located on 30 acres in the district of beautiful North Kohala at the northern tip of the island, this impressive retreat focuses on achieving total happiness and peace through mindful presence as it relates to your life – a bold promise! With teachings that stem from the Pali Canon of the Theravada Buddhist tradition at its heart, you can indulge in several programs that lean on these teachings including Sunday meditation sittings in North Kohala where all are welcome. Don’t forget to bring a cushion!
Santani, Dumbara, Sri Lanka
Situated on a 120-acre abandoned tea estate overlooking the Knuckles Mountain Range, this stunning 20-room ayurvedic wellness resort has to be experienced. Offering seven- to 21-night wellness packages with focuses like detox, stress, health, yoga and even addiction, this is a destination that seeks to revitalise and reframe both your body and mind. Rooted in ancient Ayurveda, the programs also incorporate modern science and nutrition for a twist on tradition. Discover the mind-blowing design inspired by the concept of "architectural silence" before heading on a four-mile hike to the nearby hanging bridge which takes you through scenic paddy fields before arriving at an ideal river bath location. A destination you’ll instantly fall for.
If you’re in need of some serious relaxation to enter the New Year feeling cool, calm and collected then grab your passport and get ready to say ommmmmmm…
