FROM POLYNESIAN TRADITIONS TO MAYAN FOLKLORE, THESE ULTRA-PAMPERING RESORTS TAKE A SPIRITUAL APPROACH TO WELLNESS

BY AMBER GIBSON

An adults-only wellness retreat on the remote Hawaiian island of Lāna‘i, Sensei approaches wellness with a combination of science and intuition, incorporating ancient healing traditions like Hawaiian lomi lomi massage and gong sound baths. With 96 guest rooms and suites spread across 24 acres, you’re waking up to birdsong and entirely immersed in verdant nature. Guests are encouraged to move, nourish, and rest the body, mind, and spirit each day.

A larger-than-life white floating head with gently closed eyes by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa is perched within the lush landscaping, a symbolic guardian angel for your stay. The resort’s impressive sculpture collection includes indoor and outdoor works by Fernando Botero and Jeff Koons. Japanese gyotaku traditional ink fish prints lead to Sensei by Nobu restaurant, where the world-renowned Japanese chef crafts a special menu utilizing local Hawaiian seafood and produce, along with a delectable vegan omakase.

Spa hales (houses) are so lavishly equipped that you won’t want to leave. Luckily, every spa treatment includes time to enjoy the private outdoor plunge pools, infrared sauna, steam shower, and Japanese soaking tub. Whether you opt for a high-tech thermal body mapping massage or gentle watsu aquatic therapy, all tension and stress simply dissipate. Book a guided wellness experience (minimum three-night stay) that includes one-on-one wellness sessions and spa treatments along with a guide to craft the perfect itinerary for your stay.

Some guests elect to stay for 30 days or more on a Sensei Sabbatical for the ultimate restorative retreat. Rates start at $980, including laundry, daily complimentary group wellness classes, and round-trip flight from Honolulu on Lanai Air.

1 Keomoku Highway, Lanai City, Hawaii, fourseasons.com/ sensei

This ski-in, ski-out resort is located in Japan’s most luxurious ski destination, renowned for its dry champagne powder snow with incredible views of Mount Yotei. With just 50 rooms and a dedicated personal host for your stay, service is attentive, thought ful, and discreet. The Spa Chasi La Sothys matches the intimate atmosphere, with three treatment suites, an indoor onsen, saunas, and romantic private onsen ideal for relaxing after a day on the mountain.

Many treatments incorporate Ainu indigenous healing traditions, including a hot stone treatment using black silica stone that can only be found in Kaminokuni, Hokkaido, and is used by the Ainu people in healing amulets. Another precious element is white birch, a tree native to Niseko. The Ainu considered the sap a “gift from the gods” and it’s the secret ingredient in an organic facial treatment designed to brighten the complexion.

Full-size Sothys bath amenities are available in rooms and suites too, and six Yotei suites feature the most breathtaking mountain views from the gray marble shower and concrete and granite cast-in-situ soaking bath. Food here is impressive too, from Sushi Nagi’s nine-seat omakase sushi counter to Yukibana’s sumptuous breakfast buffet and Japanese tasting menu for dinner. Delicacies range from Hokkaido snow crab and sea urchin to mozzarella cheese, ice cream, and vegetables, all farmed and produced locally for the freshest and most vibrant flavors. Even the slow-drip cold brew coffee is locally roasted in Sapporo. Rates start at $506 for the summer season, including breakfast, taxes, and fees.

919-28 Soga, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido, Japan, ritzcarltonreserve.com

GRAND VELAS RIVIERA MAYA Playa del Carmen

With the most elaborate and impressive hydrotherapy circuit in Mexico, Grand Velas Riviera Maya is a spa lover’s dream come true. Spa treatments are one of the few activities not included in the all-inclusive stay, but a worthy indulgence. Mayan traditions and ingredients are used in creative spa treatments that you won’t find anywhere else, such as massages with corn cobs or calabash gourds. The gourds not only releases tension in tired muscles, but are also meant to collect negative energy and renew your spirit. A new nopal massage and wrap utilizes the hydrating properties of the nopal cactus to moisturize and soothe the skin, while an organic honey experience features local honey from the nectar of the Xtabentun f lower, which grows only in the Yucatan, for a facial and body massage, followed by a bath elixir from the medicinal Chaka tree.

Guests are guided through a seven-step hydrotherapy ritual prior to your spa treatment that includes a eucalyptus-scented steam room, aromatherapy sensory shower, clay room, ice room, and more. You’ll even apply a body scrub and hair mask for DIY head-to-toe pampering. Nibble on homemade maca, cacao, and cinnamon energy bites and sip fruit-infused spa water while relaxing on a daybed and listening to the flowing water. All suites at Grand Velas Riviera Maya have Jacuzzi bathtubs, and grand class suites are the most spacious and luxurious of all with a private terrace and plunge pool. When it’s time for dinner, there are eight restaurants to choose from, including Mayan inspired Chaká, flavorful Mexican favorites at Frida, or an avant-garde tasting menu at Cocina de Autor. Rates start at $586 per person per night in double occupancy, inclusive of meals.

Carretera Cancun Tulum Km 62, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Mexico, rivieramaya. grandvelas.com

L’AUBERGE SEDONA Sedona, Arizona

Upon checking in at L’Auberge Sedona, you’re handed a polished purple piece of lepidolite, a soothing stone meant to aid in relaxation, relieve stress, and encourage restful sleep. It’s a fitting welcome for a desert oasis that draws on the power of Sedona’s famous energy vortices, and sits among the majestic Red Rocks, not far from Coconino National Forest and the Grand Canyon. The high desert resort comprises 21 traditional lodge-style rooms and 62 luxurious standalone cottages spread across 11 acres. Most of the cottages include outdoor cedar showers and gas or wood-burning fireplaces for cozy evenings curled up in bed reading a book. There are dozens of nearby hiking trails and the L’Auberge Sedona concierge can recommend the best match for your abilities. Downtown Sedona is just a few minutes away, with plenty of dining options to refuel after a day exploring the outdoors.

L’Apothecary Spa is sure to be a highlight of any stay, drawing on the healing properties of nature and indigenous ingredients prized by Native Americans like wild sage, lavender, and prickly pear to exfoliate and moisturize from head to toe. Guests can even mix their own apothecary concoction with herbs, botanicals, and essential oils to take home. Daily spiritual activities like tarot card readings, sunrise chakra yoga, and sound healing are offered on a complimentary basis to guests as well. Rates start at $549. 301 L’Auberge Lane, Sedona

Arizona, lauberge.com