8 Top Health and Wellness Retreats Around The World

Get away and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a unique opportunity to unplug and focus on yourself at a health and wellness retreat. 

From the lush jungles of Bali to the pristine beaches of the Caribbean, wellness retreats are sanctuaries that focus on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness. 

Get ready to undertake a journey of self-discovery and transformation as we explore these incredible wellness destinations to nurture your mind, body, and soul.

There are so many benefits to attending a wellness retreat, from supporting personal and physical growth. Many offer an Ayurvedic or holistic approach, including herbal medicines, diet, exercise, meditation, breathing, physical therapy, massage, yoga, acupuncture and panchakarma. Here are a few reasons why wellness retreats are so important:

• Mindfulness – practice mindfulness and meditation to help with focus.

• Personal growth – gain new perspectives and insights through self-reflection and guided workshops.

• Skill development – learn new practices like yoga or meditation that you can incorporate into your daily life.

• Digital detox – disconnect from technology and reconnect with yourself and nature.

• Community – meet like-minded individuals and form meaningful connections.

• Rejuvenation – return home feeling refreshed, energized and motivated.

Ananda in the Himalayas, India

Nestled in the serene foothills of the Himalayas, Ananda is a wellness retreat that offers a perfect blend of tranquility and rejuvenation. Situated in Uttarakhand, India, this world-renowned destination is just a short drive from the spiritual town of Rishikesh, known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayan range and the Ganges River Valley, lush green forests, snow-capped mountain peaks, and serene walking trails for nature immersion.

At Ananda, you'll experience ancient Ayurvedic wisdom combined with modern wellness techniques. The retreat offers a wide range of treatments tailored to your individual needs:

Ulaman Eco Luxury Retreat, Bali

Set in the lush forests of Tabanan, Bali, Ulaman Eco Luxury Retreat offers a tranquil escape from everyday life. This world-renowned wellness retreat is situated just 20 a minutes’ drive from the Canggu coast and a 45 minutes’ drive from the cultural heart of Ubud, providing easy access to local attractions while maintaining a serene atmosphere. Immerse yourself in Balinese culture while experiencing restoration through adventure, relaxation, healing, and wellness.

Unique features of Ulaman Eco Luxury Retreat include:

• Natural jungle setting surrounded by tropical forests, cascading waterfalls, and the soothing sounds of nature.

• Private floating villas with stunning jungle views.

• Open-air yoga and meditation pavilions.

• Ayurvedic treatments, massage therapies, acupuncture, and hydrotherapy.

• Nutrient-rich cuisine.

• Yoga, reiki, meditation, and sound healing.

• Fitness center, tennis courts, Riverside Spa, infinity pools.

CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, Arizona

Tucked away in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, CIVANA Wellness in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cutting-edge wellness amenities. The retreat's location provides a serene backdrop for your transformative journey, with stunning mountain views and desert landscapes. With diverse offerings, CIVANA offers a comprehensive approach to health and wellness tailored to your individual needs and goals that include outdoor adventures, total wellbeing and personal growth.

Unique features of CIVANA include: 

• 10+ wellness classes daily.

• Customized wellness plans.

• Sound and energy healing.

• Guided desert hikes, mountain biking, and walks.

• Cutting-edge fitness facilities.

• Relaxation programs including meditation, yoga, tai chi, and sleep workshops

• Desert-inspired spa treatments including hot stone massage, cactus flower facials, and marine superfood body wraps.

• Sauna, steam room, hot tubs, and pools.

• Aqua therapy.

Preidlhof Luxury Dolce Vita Resort, Italy

Nestled in the heart of South Tyrol, Italy, Preidlhof Luxury Dolce Vita Resort offers a breathtaking backdrop for your wellness journey. Surrounded by the majestic Dolomite mountains and lush Mediterranean landscapes, this idyllic retreat provides the perfect setting for rejuvenation and self-discovery. The resort's strategic location allows you to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the amenities of a world-class wellness destination.

At Preidlhof, you'll experience a unique blend of Eastern-inspired practices and European techniques that transcends physical treatments, but also for emotional wellbeing. The resort offers a wide range of treatments tailored and amenities including: 

• Spa treatments, massage, facials, sauna.

• Ayurveda therapy.

• State of the art fitness center.

• Guided meditation sessions, yoga classes, and mindfulness workshops.

• Seven swimming pools.

• Sleep clinic.

• Med spa.

• Macrobiotic nutrition.

• Couples retreat.

Mangosteen Ayurveda & Wellness Resort - SHA Plus, Thailand

Nestled in the heart of Phuket, Thailand, the Mangosteen Ayurveda & Wellness Resort - SHA Plus offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This adult-only hidden gem is strategically positioned to provide you with breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea while receiving a comprehensive range of services designed to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. The resort offers accommodations that seamlessly blend Thai hospitality with modern comforts.

Ayurvedic treatments and services in at Mangosteen include:

• Thai massage, body wraps, acupuncture, reiki.

• Emotional, spiritual healing and meditation classes.

• Nutrition and healthy dining.

• Yoga and fitness classes.

• Detoxification programs.

• Ayurveda Panchakarma program.

• Resort activities.

Santé Wellness Retreat & Spa, South Africa

Nestled in the heart of South Africa's picturesque Western Cape, Santé Wellness Retreat & Spa offers a tranquil escape in the charming town of Paarl. This world-class wellness destination is perfectly situated amidst rolling vineyards and majestic mountains, providing a serene backdrop for your health and wellness journey.

Just a 45 minutes’ drive from Cape Town, Santé seamlessly blends accessibility with seclusion. As you arrive, you'll be greeted by breathtaking views of the Simonsberg Mountains, setting the tone for a truly rejuvenating experience.

At Santé Wellness Retreat & Spa, you’ll find:

• Personalized wellness programs.

• Farm-to-table dining experiences.

• Extensive fitness classes.

• Traditional African healing massages.

• Guided meditation sessions, sound healing therapies, and mindfulness workshops.

• Organic spa treatments.

• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, cryotherapy, and infrared sauna sessions.

• Outdoor adventures like hiking and biking.

Six Senses Douro Valley, Portugal

Nestled in the heart of Portugal's stunning Douro Valley, Six Senses Douro Valley offers a unique blend of elegance and wellness. This 19th-century manor house, set amidst rolling hills and terraced vineyards, provides a serene backdrop for your rejuvenation journey.Indulge in a wellness retreat that harmoniously combines the region's wine heritage with holistic health practices at Six Senses Douro Valley that include:

• Wine-inspired spa treatments

• Grape-based antioxidant therapies

• Yoga sessions overlooking vineyards

• Mindful wine-tasting experiences

• Sleep improvement programs

• Organic garden and forest bathing

Hacienda Altagracia, Costa Rica

Located in the lush Talamanca Mountains of Costa Rica, Hacienda AltaGracia offers a breathtaking setting for your wellness retreat. This grand destination combines Costa Rica's natural beauty with world-class health and wellness facilities. With its unique blend of  nature and cutting-edge wellness practices, THE WELL spa at Hacienda provides a transformative experience. Whether you're seeking relaxation, fitness improvement, or spiritual growth, this Costa Rican retreat offers tailored programs to meet your wellness goals.

At THE WELL, you'll find a wide array of treatments designed to rejuvenate your body and mind, including:

• Hydrotherapy circuits

• Customized facials

• Therapeutic massages

• Energy healing sessions

• Ayurvedic treatments

• Fitness classes

• Nutrition classes

• Health assessments

• Meditation and sound healing

How much do wellness retreats cost?

Wellness retreats vary significantly in price depending on location, duration, and included amenities. Generally, expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $5,000 daily. These prices often include accommodation, transportation, meals, and activities. Some retreats even offer personalized services, increasing the cost further.

What are wellness retreats?

Wellness retreats are immersive experiences that promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. They typically offer a combination of yoga and meditation sessions, fitness classes, spa treatments, healthy meals, educational workshops on health and wellness, outdoor activities, and nature experiences.

Who should go on a wellness retreat?

Wellness retreats can benefit a wide range of individuals looking to recharge, including professionals seeking stress relief, those looking to kickstart a healthier lifestyle, fitness enthusiasts, individuals recovering from burnout or injuries, and people exploring personal growth and self-discovery. 

How long are wellness retreats?

The duration of wellness retreats vary. Weekend retreats last 2–3 days, short retreats 4–7 days, extended retreats 1–2 weeks, and long-term programs 3–4 weeks or more. Consider booking a stay at one of these world-class retreats to kickstart your journey of focusing on yourself.