Healthful Hideaways
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Free yourself from digital screens and gadgets at these getaways that take you into the lap of nature, where you can disconnect to reconnect with yourself.

Vacationing is no longer just about visiting new places and checking off your bucket list. Going on an exclusive wellness-oriented break is a big trend in global tourism now. Think luxury hideaways in secluded mountains or premium wellness resorts on remote islands. From spiritual travel that enriches you internally to wellness programmes lasting from a minimum of three days to an entire month, here are some ideas for a vacation you didn’t know you needed.

Spiritual Travel in South America

Mexican culture is deeply connected with nature, beginning with the Aztecs, who were extremely spiritual. The native people believe that natural sites like caves, sinkholes and mountains are repositories of spiritual energy. The Yucatán peninsula, San Cristobal, Oaxaca, Tulum and Cancun are some of the most famous places for spiritual travel.

Chichen Itza has 26 Mayan ruins, the most prominent of which are the monuments of the Temple of Kukulcán, the Osario pyramids and the Temple of Xtoloc. Tulum is one of the best-preserved coastal Mayan sites featuring the Temple of the Frescoes, El Castillo and the Temple of the Descending God. Teotihuacan, known as ‘The Birthplace of the Gods’, is immersed in creation myths. This stems from the Aztecs’ belief that the Gods created the universe at this site.

No spiritual travel in Mexico is complete without attending an Aztec dance ritual. The natives offer their respects and seek the blessings of Mother Nature before going about their daily activities. So, don’t forget to bring an offering of coffee or bread before meeting the locals.

Brimming with symbols, rituals and a deep connection with nature, Peru is a place to seek inner peace and stillness. Embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery with a guided pilgrimage. The conducted tours take you through ancestral priests’ routes, enclosures and temples, where you can learn about the ancient rituals and initiations of the solar cultures. Allow yourself to be united with Pachamama – the ‘Earth Mother’ in Inca mythology – and feel her unique powers in the Andes.

Machu Picchu is believed to radiate a strong spiritual energy. The largest lake in South America, Lake Titicaca is renowned for its peacefulness, lending a perfect backdrop for meditation and yoga. The lake was considered the spiritual centre of the region. Its waters are believed to have healing powers, so, a purification bath in Titicaca is one of the must-do activities.

Ayurvedic Cleansing Retreats

Known as the birthplace of ayurveda, India attracts an influx of visitors from all around the world seeking wellness. From the Himalayas in the northern tip to the land of ayurveda – Kerala – in the southern end of the country, there are numerous wellness resorts in India. Steeped in the foundation of ayurveda, which is a 5,000-year-old practice of holistic wellness, these resorts offer restorative programmes and therapies that can last from three days to a month. You can access the most suitable programmes based on your consultation with in-house ayurveda specialists.

Benefit from a wide variety of tailored treatments such as Panchakarma Detox and Cleansing, Dhyana Meditation, Ayurvedic Rejuvenation and Immunity Booster programmes, based on your specific needs.

Ananda in the Himalayas is an uber-luxurious retreat for holistic wellness. From mental health to weight management and fitness, the wellness centre has many bespoke treatments. Assimilating nature into its offerings, Six Senses Vana is a sanctuary to renew yourself internally and externally, where world-class specialists administer healing therapies like Tibetan Medicine. Carnoustie Ayurveda & Wellness Resort emphasises integrated methods of healing. It is recognised for its signature wellness programmes focussing on pain and injury, posture correction and detoxification. Atmantan Wellness Resort seeks to unify Atma (Soul), Man (heart) and Tann (body) to alter your life to its healthiest best. This posh resort’s therapies are recommended for an array of concerns — whether you’re suffering from anxiety, seeking improved gut health or boosting cardiovascular fitness. SwaSwara helps you detach from your routine life to a sanctuary of stillness. The upscale wellness resort promotes mindfulness, reinvigorates your senses, and rewards you with the gifts of nature. Programmes are based on ayurvedic concepts, yoga, meditation and healthy cooking.

Wellness and Detox Resorts

Today’s jet-setting lifestyle demands appropriate curative measures to keep you in top shape physically and mentally. Experiencing suitable therapies and healing programmes with specialised experts can be a game changer over regular spa sessions.

From custom-made nutrition plans and advanced assessment of vital organs to relaxing in thermal springs, these detox retreats located in breathtaking spots, are your ultimate wellness getaway. Whether you desire to improve your longevity or seek specialised sports medicine, these healthful oases transform you internally and externally within days.

Nestled amid a forest with its sacred spring, COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali is a laidback haven styled to reflect Indonesia’s rich culture, offering nutritious food and a choice of outdoor activities. An extravagant hideaway in the lap of nature, Grand Resort Bad Ragaz’s wellness regimens place importance on preventative and nutritional science. Experience the healing powers of the natural thermal spring that flows right through the property.

Set upon the scenic Wörthersee Lake in Austria, VIVAMAYR Medical Resort helps reconstitute body and mind. Underlining the significance of cleansing and renewal, the facility links complementary medicine with cuttingedge diagnostics. Designed to improve and increase the quality of your life, experience customised detoxification alongside nutritional and regenerating therapies.

Located on the banks of the pristine Lake Geneva, Evian Resort in France incorporates the acclaimed Evian water in its wellness programmes. The resort’s Evian Spa provides personalised regimens promoting wellness, beauty and weight loss. Tailored body and skin rituals provide highperformance and long-lasting effects.

Euphoria Retreat is a distinguished destination spa resort in Greece. Amend your emotional, mental, physical and spiritual equilibrium with treatments that merge traditional concepts with advanced medical technology. From improving your metabolism to overcoming traumatic experiences through the Emotional Harmony programme, this refuge takes care of you holistically. ✤