Gone are the days that health retreats are an exclusive holiday limited to Hollywood A-listers. In fact, they are very in vogue right now, with many people opting for an all-inclusive healthy getaway to escape stressful, work dominated lifestyles. Em Esslemont, Founder of Wellbeing Worldwide, shares her four top health retreats around the world.
The good news is a health retreat out there for everyone. Discover your inner snow bunny at the foot of the French Alps or unlock the fire within at a yoga retreat in the depths of the rainforest. Maybe you are a panoramic ocean views and white sandy beaches kind of person? It doesn’t matter, the only question you need to ask yourself is, what is it YOU need to switch off, reset and recharge?
For me I’m a fitness retreat kinda gal. I live for the early morning sunrise workouts combined of course with a few pampering spa treatments, a little ‘me’ time and a gourmet selection of clean, fresh food. I really just want a holiday where I come back feeling better than when I left.
1.KX Retreat, Bali
If the idea of burpees for breakfast excites you, you should be boarding the first flight to Bali for an exotic tropical adventure with KX Retreat. They offer amazing retreats designed to make you feel fitter, stronger and faster. Don’t be too deterred by the masses of fitness fanatics alongside you, life is about all about balance and holidays should be no different. Your day may start (and end) with exercise but the time between is all about you. You can surf, soak up sunshine, shop or sip on sugarfree cocktails by the infinity pool. All this while socialising with like-minded people who are as passionate about staying fit and healthy as you!
2.Kamalaya, Thailand
If a 7am wakeup call doesn’t scream relaxation then a weeks’ worth of yoga and meditation at Kamalaya in Koh Samui may be a little more you. A spiritual sanctuary designed to nurture and nourish. During you stay you can choose from an extensive menu of holistic therapies including wellness consultations to help gain clarity and direction. Practice a different form of yoga every day, learn to meditate and experience culinary delights based on the traditional belief that food is the best type of medicine. An experience like Kamalaya can give you back a little of what life takes away.
3.Therme Vals, Switzerland
Doesn’t the phrase ‘Swiss Spa’ give you tingles right down into your toes? Therme Vals is a real life winter wonderland perched at the base of the Swiss Alps. It combines a little old fashioned Swiss tradition with modern thoughtful luxury. TV screens are traded for unobstructed views of the surrounding countryside as you immerse yourself in world famous thermal hot springs. Temple like architecture, warm mineral baths and dramatic countryside is a powerful combination, you will have no choice but to relax. If you are in a hurry to slow down, Vals may be where your wellness journey begins.
4. Reethi Ma, Maldives
If celebrity spotting, glitz and glamour are more your thing then Reethi Ma in the Maldives might just be the closest thing to heaven on earth, however it does come with a price tag to match. Each private villa is as exquisite as the next, dotted along the crystal blue shoreline of the Indian Ocean. Unwind, restore and elevate your wellbeing with luxurious spa packages tailored to meet your every desire and expectation. The only foreseeable problem? You may never want to step back to reality.
