Looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Here are four unique wellness havens where modern treatments merge with millennia-old traditions and where you can indulge in true regeneration of body and mind. From Namibia to the Indonesian archipelago of Anambas and the Seychelles to the Mediterranean, each of these destinations offers a completely different but unforgettable approach to relaxation.
In The Heart Of The World’s Oldest Desert
Where: andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
An open-air massage in the middle of the Namibian desert at the &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge overlooking the vast plains is a truly extraordinary experience. The soothing treatments draw on the wisdom of traditional African healers and celebrate the rich heritage, communities and unique flora of the African continent. In addition, &Beyond has partnered with Healing Earth, a leading organic brand that specializes in holistic therapies and skincare, using only natural ingredients and essential oils.
A Natural Oasis Of Balance
Where: Bawah Reserve
In the middle of Indonesia’s Anambas archipelago lies the exclusive Bawah Reserve, which has two wellness centres in its own right. On the main island of the resort, Aura Spa & Wellbeing is in perfect symbiosis with the surrounding jungle. In addition to traditional massages and sea salt scrubs to restore the body’s energy, daily yoga and meditation classes are also on offer. The resort’s greatest asset, however, is the private Elang residence on a separate island, which can be rented out in its entirety for yourself and 18 other family members or friends. Each day of your stay, body rituals, superfood facials overlooking the endless ocean, restorative scrubs and soothing massages designed to respect and harness the healing power of local trees and herbs can be enjoyed at Kayu Spa & Wellbeing, accessible only to you and the residence’s guests.
Yoga At Sea
Where: Emerald Kaia
Next April sees the ocean-going yacht Emerald Kaia, the latest addition to Scenic Group’s Emerald Cruises fleet. Designed for 128 guests, the yacht will offer spacious staterooms and suites, the new Sky Deck with its indoor Sky Lounge will provide panoramic views of the sea, while the much-anticipated Elements Spa, connected to an outdoor fitness centre, will focus on aromatherapy treatments, saunas, massage studios and al fresco workouts to the pleasant sounds of the lapping waves. The yacht also includes a private marina with paddleboarding, kayaking and snorkelling. Emerald Kaia will spend the first six months of the year navigating the waters of the Mediterranean before moving across the Middle East to the Indian Ocean to explore the enchanting shores of the Seychelles.
Personalized Dream Island Care
Where: Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island
On tropical Platte Island, just a twenty-minute flight south of Mahé, you’ll find Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island, one of the Seychelles’ finest resorts. The spa here builds on a unique screening process that non-invasively analyses over thirty key physiological biomarkers, from cardiovascular fitness to sleep quality to hormone balance and stress levels. Based on this data, experts will create a completely personalized wellness plan that will guide you through your entire stay. In the Restore program, available in three, five and seven-day options, you’ll immerse yourself in Ayurvedic massages, sound therapies, breathing exercises and guided meditations. Those looking to detoxify will appreciate Purify, which combines marine mineral body wraps, herbal compresses and yogic cleansing techniques during carefully designed rituals.
