Refresh and renew with your pick of destinations from all over the globe.

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Photo courtesy of Atmantan

Between non-stop parties and frantic shopping, the holiday season can feel more like a marathon than a rejuvenating break. Whether you’re reeling from indulgent festivities or simply keen to start 2017 with a blank slate, there’s never been a better time to check into a wellness retreat.

Not to worry: you won’t have to tuck into a Downward-Facing Dog at dawn — unless you want to. The best wellness retreats tailor their programmes around you, which means you’ll have the freedom and flexibility to try a nutritional detox, lace up your kicks, or spend an entire week at the spa — whatever helps you relax and recharge.

To jumpstart your journey, we’ve rounded up the quintessential list of next-level retreats from around the world. Each may have its own distinct character, but they all have a few things in common: show-stopping views, isolated locales, world-class spa facilities, and superfood-driven menus.


Lanserhof Tegernsee, Germany2014_01_07_5453.jpg

Photo courtesy of Lanserhof Tegernsee 

Nestled in the mountains of Bavaria, this 21,000-square-meter address is part medical institution, part luxurious hotel. State-of-the-art science is at the heart of the Lanserhof Tegernsee’s approach to wellness, and each journey begins with an in-depth consultation. From there, the hotel’s specialists organise bespoke one- and two-week journeys—most of which revolve around the award-winning medi-spa, customised meal plans, relaxation training, and exercise.


Chiva-Som, ThailandChiva-Som Thai Massage.jpg

Photo courtesy of Chiva-Som 

Sprawling across a tranquil sandy beach in Hua Hin, Chiva-Som is one of the most prestigious wellness resorts in Asia. If the photogenic surroundings don’t immediately soothe your soul, the genuine Thai hospitality and delicious detox  cuisine certainly will. The comprehensive journeys target personal goals—be they specific health issues, emotional balance, stress relief, sustainable weight loss, or a total lifestyle overhaul.


Karkloof Safari Spa, South AfricaCouples Massage.jpg

Photo courtesy of Karkloof Safari Spa 

About five hours southeast of Johannesburg towards the coast, Karkloof Safari Spa offers a mix of experiences. Not only will guests partake in private safari outings and enjoy an intimate experience in a private villa, but they can also take part in one of the retreat’s signature wellness packages. Get ready for unlimited spa treatments, a consultation with a personal chef, stress management support, lifestyle consultations, detox options, and adventurous fitness activities.


Six Senses Douro Valley, PortugalSix Senses_Tea Before Bed.jpg

Photo courtesy of Six Senses Douro Valley 

If you’ve been looking for an excuse to visit Portugal, Six Senses Douro Valley might be just the ticket. Situated in a renovated 19th-century manor house and surrounded by lush scenery, the retreat designs ‘rebalancing’ journeys, where guests work with wellness specialists to manage stress and assess lifestyle habits—all while enjoying the usual Six Senses wellness services, such as yoga, daily massages, meditation, educational workshops and organic meals.


COMO Shambhala Estate, Indonesia44165945-H1-yoga_pavilion.jpg

Photo courtesy of COMO Shambhala Estate

You can’t go wrong with a luxurious stay at a COMO hotel, but there’s nothing like this wellness getaway. To see where it all started, head to the brand’s flagship COMO Shambhala Estate. Tucked away in the secluded jungle location about 20 minutes outside of Ubud, Bali, this oasis of relaxation takes a 360-degree approach to wellness. The three- to seven-day organized programmes cover everything from yoga to Ayurvedic healing treatments, detoxes, stress management, oriental medicine, nutrition consultations, sports therapy, and meditation.


Amangani, United StatesSena Home Private Pool_High Res_7754.jpg

Photo courtesy of Amangani 

A haven for outdoorsy types and ski enthusiasts, Amangani in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, showcases panoramic views of snow-capped peaks at every turn. The soothing experience starts with the thoughtful design—picture clean lines, minimalist aesthetics, and cosy redwood panelling all around. And if the interiors aren’t cathartic enough, there’s no shortage of relaxing therapies and energizing activities to erase any residual stress. A typical visit could include a sampling of morning yoga and Pilates sessions, horseback riding through national parks, skiing, farm-to-table meals, holistic hot-stone spa treatments and Himalayan salt scrubs.


Capri Palace Hotel & Spa, ItalySpa-pool-kneipp.jpg

Photo courtesy of Capri Palace Hotel & Spa

A luxurious seaside oasis bathed in fresh white paint, the Capri Palace Hotel & Spa draws a following from local and international celebrities alike for its signature Capri Beauty Farm. The sophisticated medi-spa offers state-of-the-art therapies—such as its “Leg School,” a treatment that targets vascular diseases in the lower limbs—as well as nutritional programmes, posture analysis, results-oriented massages, and cosmetic treatments.


Atmantan Wellness Resort, IndiaInfinity Pool at Mango Tree Villa (2).jpg

Photo courtesy of Atmantan

Crafting completely bespoke wellness journeys, Atmantan looks after every detail in its three- to seven-day retreats. About a three-hour drive from Mumbai, the 42-acre resort in Pune, India has plenty of honours and awards to prove its dedication for going above and beyond. Atmantan’s individualised wellness experiences emphasise traditional Indian healing practices and modern fitness techniques for a holistic experience. A typical retreat will include meditation, yoga, aqua therapies, nutrition workshops, personal fitness training, and several trips to the spa.


This article first appeared on hk.asiatatler.com