Next Top 9 Destination Spa Resorts in the World: The Private Traveller’s To-Go List
I have always had a fascination with spas and wellness, and although I’ve had a few short breaks at various Champneys in the UK and the incredible Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa near Lucerne Switzerland, I’ve never had a full week or two week residential spa. There are so many incredible options, and I really started research to find out which I wanted to visit first in 2024. When I started writing about all the ones I already knew of, I thought I would get a Top 9 however I soon realised that they was way more. I therefore posted a first nine in a prior blog, have a second set of 9 here, and still have yet another 9 for a third post.
If you have visited any of them, please reach out and let me know your thoughts, or equally let me know which one you would like to find out about in detail from my review.
Wellness Journeys by The Private Traveller
Embarking on a journey to prioritize well-being amidst opulence and tranquility leads us to the serene sanctuaries of luxury wellness spas around the globe. Nestled in breathtaking locations and designed with meticulous attention to detail, these havens redefine rejuvenation, offering a fusion of indulgence and holistic health experiences. From the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps to the lush tropical paradises of Southeast Asia, join us on an immersive exploration of nine handpicked luxury wellness spas that transcend the ordinary, inviting you to immerse yourself in unparalleled relaxation and revitalization.
(10) The Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Iceland is a country I’ve never been to, even en route to the US as a stopover. The Blue Lagoon has always fascinated me, now designated (since 2012) as one of National Geographic’s 25 wonders of the world. There are two hotels on site, the original Silica Hotel and the newer (Retreat) more upscale property. The Retreat Hotel is all suite, with the premium suite being the Blue Lagoon Suite with its own private lagoon, steam room and sauna. There are various restaurants on site, with a whole array of experiences you can add on outwith (I have always wanted to see the Northern Lights) as well in-water massage, spa treatments, float therapy, and private wellness experiences too.
Blue Lagoon Iceland
“The Retreat Hotel.
Unwind the clock of modern life. Unlock the door to a wonder of the world.”
Fast Facts for the The Retreat Hotel at The Blue Lagoon Iceland
Address - The Retreat - Blue Lagoon Norðurljósavegur 11 240 Grindavík Iceland
Website - https://www.bluelagoon.com/accommodation/retreat-hotel
Group Website - https://www.bluelagoon.com
Contact - https://www.bluelagoon.com/contact
Instagram - @bluelagoonis
Nearest airport - Keflavík International Airport (KEF) 40km
Opened - 1992 for the Blue Lagoon itself, the Retreat Hotel opened in 2018
Number of rooms / suites - 60 suites (Lava Junior, Moss Junior, Lagoon View Junior, Moss Suite, Lagoon Suite & The Blue Lagoon Suite)
Programmes - No specific programmes but Included with your hotel stay unlimited access to the Retreat Spa and the Retreat Lagoon. Gourmet breakfast, Icelandic coffee time, morning yoga, and Blue Lagoon skincare also included.
Indicative Cost - Treaments and therapies variously priced, plus accommodation
(11) Joali Being, The Maldives
This is described as the first wellbeing island of its kind in the Maldives. A sister property to Joali Maldives, just a short boat ride away. There are Four Pillars of JOALI BEING – Mind, Skin, Microbiome and Energy. Various architecturally stunning buildings on the island help your transformational journey - like the Ocean Sala, Areka, Core, Aktar, Kaashi (the hydrotherapy hall), Seda (the sound therapy hall), as well as the Discovery Sound Path.
Joali Being Maldives Overwater Bungalow
“Join us as we script an extraordinary tale together, one where integrity and passion illuminate each word, chapter and verse. Here, wellbeing is so much more than just an expression – it is a way of life, of being. We believe in savouring the joy of here and now. In setting our intention and nurturing with empathy. In co-creating moments of wonder and transcendence.”
Fast Facts for Joali Being
Address - Bodufushi Island, Raa Atoll, Maldives
Website - https://www.joali.com/joali-being/
Group Website - https://www.joali.com
Contact - reservations.being@joali.com
Instagram - @joalibeing @joalimaldives
Nearest airport - Malé International (MLE) 40 minutes by seaplane
Opened - 2021
Number of villas / residences - 68
Programmes - Unwind & Relax, De-Stress, Gut Reset, Weight Rebalance, Reverse Ageing, Preventive Care, Movement, Motion, Mother-To-Be, Women’s Health, or Men’s Health
Indicative Cost - 7 nights $2,303 (£1,820 or €2,100) plus accommodation
(12) The Ranch Italy - Palazzo Fiuggi
Here the Palazzo Fiuggi method fuses the deepest holistic traditions with advanced traditional Western medicine. Their integrative approach elevates therapy beyond the treatment of symptoms to fully rejuvenate body, mind, and soul. Expect a personalized program with precisely tailored treatments that deliver measurable results. There are various programmes that can be offered with everything from longevity to detox, weight loss to re nourish, or an Ayurveda focus.
The Ranch Italy Outside Pool
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
Fast Facts for Palazzo Fiuggi
Address - Via Dei Villini, 34, 03014 Fiuggi Fr, Italy
Website - https://www.palazzofiuggi.com
Group website - https://www.fortevillageresort.com
Contact - reservations@palazzofiuggi.com
Instagram - @palazzofiuggi
Nearest airport - Rome (FCO or CIA) 102km from Ficmicimo or 75km Ciampino
Opened - 2021
Number of rooms / suites - 102
Programmes - Longevity, Detox & Weight, Restore & Balance, Medical & Diagnostic, The Ranch at Palazzo Fiuggi, and various Retreats
Indicative Cost - 7 day programmes (fully inclusive) from €9,450 (£8,000 or $10,000)
(13) Aro Hā Wellness Retreat, New Zealand
The furthest by far from the UK of all wellness resorts featured here, but none the less interesting. In a very dramatic landscape, the philosophy here is designed to regenerate your body and mind, Aro Ha’s wellness programs are based on research that suggests they can fundamentally transform our physical and emotional health through our daily habits. Waking to the beautiful chimes of a Tibetan bowl, you’ll begin your day watching the sunrise over the New Zealand mountains from the yoga studio. After a perfectly balanced and nourishing breakfast, you’ll explore the subalpine trails, immersing yourself in the transformative power of nature. Mindfulness practices will be interweaved throughout your day as you partake in carefully curated activities; from cooking classes to functional strength training. Take time to unwind in the infrared sauna before you are called into your daily massage.
Discover Tranquility: Aro-Ha Wellness Retreat in Breathtaking New Zealand
“Aro Ha is a multi-award-winning health retreat where wellness traditions meet luxury. This is a place to thrive together, and all are welcome here. Salute the rising sun with vinyasa yoga, rewild yourself in nature, and use a variety of practices to elevate your body and mind. After days of nourishing yourself from the inside out on our wellness retreat, you’ll leave rejuvenated and reconnected to the source of wellbeing.”
Fast Facts for Aro Hā Wellness Retreat
Address - 33 Station Valley Rd, Wyuna Rise, Glenorchy 9372, New Zealand
Website - https://aro-ha.com
Contact - retreat@aro-ha.com
Instagram - @aroharetreats
Nearest airport - Queenstown (ZQN) 48km
Opened - 2014
Number of accommodation units - 8
Retreats - Revive & Thrive, Reconnect and Nurture, Reconnet & Reset
Indicative Cost - 6 day/5 night (Revive & Thrive) from $6,950 NZD (£3,600 or $4,500 US) including accommodation
(14) Ananda in the Himalayas, India
I guess for me India has always seen as a place I would go one day ‘to find myself’, and I love the spiritual feelings I’ve had when I’ve been to India twice before already. Both these trips, though extensive, were never particularly wellness focused, nor have I been as far north as to the Himalayas. Ananda is described as the world’s most renowned holistic wellness retreat, a tranquil haven amidst the majestic Himalayan foothills of North India. Residing in the former Palace Estate of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal, it sprawls across the 100-acre grounds, gardens and surrounding forests, boasting world-class wellness facilities and a chance to return to the peaceful solitude of nature.
This spiritual location, the birthplace of Ayurveda, Yoga and meditation, has attracted wellness seekers from around the world to Ananda on an annual pilgrimage. Ananda integrates traditional Ayurveda and holistic wellbeing with yoga and meditation, emotional healing, spiritual awareness, and healthy organic cuisine to restore balance and harmonize energy.
Ananda in the Himalayas
“The world’s most renowned holistic wellness retreat, Ananda is a tranquil haven amidst the majestic Himalayan foothills of North India. Residing in the former Palace Estate of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal, it sprawls across the 100-acre grounds, gardens and surrounding forests, boasting world-class wellness facilities and a chance to return to the peaceful solitude of nature. ”
Fast Facts for Ananda in the Himalayas
Address - Palace Estate Narendra Na, Tehri Garhwal, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India, 249175
Website - https://www.anandaspa.com
Contact - reservations@anandaspa.com
Instagram - @anandainthehimalayas
Nearest airport - Jolly Grant Airport - Dehradun (DED) 24km; Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi Airport - DEL) 270km
Opened - 2000
Number of rooms / suites - 70 guest rooms, 5 suites, and 3 villas
Programmes - Three Foundation Wellness programmes (from 5 nights) or a customised plan; three different Comprehensive Wellness programmes (from 7 nights) under each category - Detox & Cleansing, Rejuvenation & Immunity, and Mental Health & Spiritual Balance
Indicative Cost - 5 night Yoga Foundation Wellness $9,145 (£7,200 or €8,300) Deluxe Garden View (including meals and accommodation too)
(15) MAYRLIFE Resort Altaussee, Austria
The MAYRLIFE Medical Health Resort lies directly on the shores of Lake Altaussee, one of the most beautiful lakes in Austria. Surrounded by breathtaking countryside with a fabulous mountain backdrop, anyone searching for recovery, relaxation and health will find the perfect conditions to activate both body and spirit here in Altaussee.
Outstanding medical expertise, cutting-edge technology and a broad range of therapies bring the traditional treatment approach of Dr. F. X. Mayr to life. At the heart of the regeneration process are detoxification and purification programs that reactivate the body’s self-healing powers and lead to newfound health.
It came onto my radar (used to be known as Vivamayr Altaussee) when apparently Rebel Wilson started her ‘year of health’ here in 2020.
MAYRLIFE Altaussee Deck
“The MAYRLIFE Health Concept focuses on regenerating the gut and in turn improving the immune system. Whether you’re looking to detox, regulate your weight, restore mobility, or strengthen your physical and mental performance – MAYRLIFE makes it possible to achieve your personal health goals. But we don’t stop there. We help maintain your renewed health long-term, supporting you even when you’re no longer staying with us. ”
Fast Facts for MAYRLIFE Resort Altaussee
Address - Fischerndorf 222, Altaussee
Website - http://www.mayrlife.com/en
Contact - reservations@mayrlife.com
Instagram - @mayrlife_official
Nearest airport - Salzburg airport: 1 hr, Linz airport: 1 hr. 45 min, Munich airport: 3 hrs, Vienna airport: 3 hrs
Opened - TBC
Number of rooms / suites - 70 (Rooms, Suites, Penthouse, or Park Residence)
Programmes - Classic, Healthy Aging, Weight Control, Active Detox, Stress Control, Anti-inflammatory Skin, Diabetes, and Sports Performance Boost
Indicative Cost - Classic (one week) from €2,510 / Weight Care (one week) €3,920 ($4,300 or £3,400) plus accommodation from c. €300 pppn
(16) VIVAMAYR Medical Health Resort Maria Wörth
As well as the medical Health Resort Maria Wörth, Austria, there is also a day clinic in London and VIVAMAYR at BIOGENA Plaza Vienna. The VIVAMAYR Medical Health Resort by Lake Wörthersee is the cradle of Modern Mayr Medicine. In this unique location with its own generous lakeside plot and the breathtaking backdrop, relaxation is impossible to resist. You are supported by our doctors and therapists with treatments that are individually adapted to your needs. The invigorating VIVAMAYR Health Concept, based on the diagnostics and therapy of Dr. F. X. Mayr, marks the start of your journey to greater health and well-being.
VIVAMAYR Austria Indoor Pool
“Our facility is located in Austria at a very special place that supports you in achieving your goals. Here, surrounded by the stunning lake Wörthersee and a richly diverse landscape, you can’t help but find tranquility and inspiration. This is where your VIVAMAYR Health Journey begins. In order to maintain your progress, our team of doctors and therapists will continue to support you even after your stay.”
Fast Facts for VIVAMAYR
Address - Seepromenade 11, Maria Wörth, Austria
Website - http://www.vivamayr.com/en/welcome
Contact - office@vivamayr.com
Instagram - @vivamayrmariawoerth @viviamayr
Nearest airport - Klagenfurt Austria (KLU) only 20km, or Ljubljana airport (LJU) in Slovenia 70km
Opened - 2005
Number of rooms / suites - 46 (Comfort Lake/Mountain View, Standard, Deluxe, Junior Suite, Suite, Apartments or Villa)
Programmes - Classic, Weight Care, Body & Mind Detox, Post Covid, Immune Boost, Anti-inflammatory Skin, Diabetes, and Active Breath) 1 to 2 weeks
Indicative Cost - Example, Body & Mind Detox 7 nights $TBC
(17) Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti, Italy
Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti is set in the splendid scenery of the Dolomites, declared by UNESCO a “World Heritage Site”. This is more akin to Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa where it’s a luxury hotel with an incredible spa, and in such an incredible location but you wouldn’t say was perhaps a residential wellness spa only. There are of course lots of treatments and therapies, some packaged together, but with a choice of a couple of restaurants and bars during your stay.
Lefay Wellness Retreat
“Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti is set in the splendid scenery of the Dolomites, declared by UNESCO a “World Heritage Site”.”
Fast Facts for Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti
Address - Via Alpe di Grual 16, 38086 Pinzolo TN, Italy
Website - https://dolomiti.lefayresorts.com/en
Group Website - https://www.lefayresorts.com/en
Contact - res.dolomiti@lefayresorts.com
Instagram - @lefayresorts
Nearest airport - Verona Villafranca (53 miles south)
Opened - 2019
Number of suites - 88
Programmes - Mainly just accommodation and treatments, but some mini beauty & wellness packages are available. Beauty for Men or Women, Purifying, Osteopathy, Ayurveda, The Scents of the Forest, Cardio Fitness, Strength & Sport, Mind & Body, or Intensive Fitness.
Indicative Cost - Purifying €780 plus accommodation
(18) Euphoria Retreat, Greece
Described as “A world first and the vision of Marina Efraimoglou – our warm, vivacious and loving founder – Euphoria Retreat is widely regarded as Europe’s leading wellbeing destination spa hotel. Offering a unique combination of interconnected philosophies, scientific innovation and healing modalities, Euphoria evolved organically from a passion born out of Marina’s personal path. Overcoming cancer in her late 20s, Marina was driven to success but ultimately exhaustion in the world of investment banking. Close to the brink, she sought to bring back some much-needed balance to her life through an exploration and study of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Five Elements and other alternative health methods. Inspired by her own recovery, Marina then decided to create a place of healing where people could be gently guided and motivated to live a more holistic, balanced and spiritually satisfying way of life.”
Euphoria Retreat, Luxury Wellness Experience, Greece
“We invite you to explore Euphoria Retreat, Europe’s leading wellbeing destination spa hotel. Step away from your normal life and discover an unparalleled health and fitness retreat in an exemplar wellness resort where the food, treatments, activities, facilities and setting come together to create one of the world’s ultimate healthy holidays. Both healing and holistic – your ideal Greek spa getaway awaits.”
Fast Facts for Euphoria Retreat
Address - Euphoria Retreat, Mystras, Sparta, Greece
Website - https://www.euphoriaretreat.com
Contact - reservations@euphoriaretreat.com
Instagram - @euphoriaretreat
Nearest airport - Only 2.5hrs from Athens and less than an hour from Kalamata airport
Opened - 2018
Number of rooms / suites - 45
Programmes & Retreats - Various programmes include Emotional Harmony (5/7 days), Wellbeing Detox (3/5/7 days), Weight Metabolic Management (7/10/14/21 days), Yoga & Mindfulness (3/5/7 days), Fitness Boost (5/7 days), Signature Nutrigenomics (7/14/21 days), Relax & De-Stress (3/5/7 days), Balance & Recover (5/7 days), and more
Indicative Cost - Example Relax & De-Stress (7 days) €3,478 (£3,000 or $3,800) plus accommodation
