Taking care of your body and state of mind is just as (if not more) important than achieving a long list of goals you’ve promised yourself you would achieve this year. With all that scrumptious feasting and drinking over the December festive season and upcoming Chinese New Year break, you need to take time to yourself and focus on your mental health. With wellness retreats being very popular these days, you should definitely treat yourself to one.
You do not have to travel far either, as Asia is known to be a paradise of zen. A lot of resorts, especially those in Southeast Asia, offer a variety of wellness programmes. It is not surprising, as the beginnings of yoga have been traced back to Northern India over 5,000 years ago. We can now all thank the Indus-Sarasvati civilisation for inventing the genius that is yoga – #blessed.
From the majestic foreign land of India to neighbouring and quaint Malaysia, here are 5 places you can go for a wellness retreat. We’ve even curated a list of resorts that offer wellness programmes you can take part in – to rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit.
(Main image credit: COMO Shambala Estate; Featured image credit: Banyan Tree Bintan)
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1 /5
Located just an hour boat ride away from Singapore, Bintan is a quick getaway if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Singapore. Banyan Tree Bintan offers an array of wellness, adventure and exclusive holiday experiences – including a crafted wellness journey which includes signature spa treatments and lessons and daily morning wellness activity. All packages are valid through 31st December 2017.
Banyan Tree Bintan, Sebong Lagoi, Tlk. Sebong, Kabupaten Bintan, Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia
2 /5
When it comes to wellness retreats, of course we’ll have to include one near Ubud, Bali. Besides, there has to be a reason Elizabeth Gilbert escaped from the overwhelming New York rush to find herself and flocked to Ubud.
COMO Shambhala Estate provides an immersive, 360-degree wellbeing experience. The luxury spa resort offers wellness programmes, retreats and workshops, and massage therapy – so you will be truly rejuvenated after your vacation. Retreat programs focus on intensive yoga, Pilates and other wellness practices.
COMO Shambala Estate, Banjar Begawan, Desa Melinggih Kelod, Payangan, Melinggih Kelod, Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
3 /5
The majestic and spiritual Kingdom of Bhutan is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Amankora Bhutan focuses on Himalayan plant and herb-based therapies, with treatments spread across five lodges – offering a wholly Bhutanese experience. You can choose to go for a Bhutanese Oil Massage that is based on ancient Tibetan medical treatments, a hot stone bath with the healing Khempa herb, or a holistic facial.
Amankora Bhutan, Paro, Thimphu
4 /5
Set alongside a tropical jungle, limestone hills and the brilliant cliffs of Malaysia, is The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat – a luxury 5-star resort famed for its spa cuisine, holistic wellness therapies and treatments. From boot camp sessions to yoga classes, there are a variety of activities to choose from.
You can indulge in one of The Banjaran’s wellness programs – including Detoxification, Longevity, Rejuvenation and Weight Management.
The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, 1 Persiaran Lagun Sunway 3, 31150 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
5 /5
Guests at Alila Diwa Goa can restore their balance in mind, body and spirit with a new Ayurvedic detox programme specially designed by the hotel’s in-house expert. Guests will receive an in-depth consultation, after which they will enjoy panic healing, hypnotherapy, daily yoga, meditation and exercise sessions.
Alila Diwa Goa, 48/10, Adao Waddo, Salcette, Majorda, Goa 403713, India
Dewi Nurjuwita
Senior Writer
Dewi Nurjuwita is a travel and design writer who can be found exploring the streets of foreign cities with passport in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other.
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