INVEST IN YOUR MIND, BODY, AND SOUL THIS SUMMER AT THESE LUXE WELLNESS RETREATS AROUND THE WORLD

BY AMANDA MCCOY

COMO SHAMBHALA ESTATE Bali, Indonesia
Just north of Bali’s cultural hub of Ubud widely regarded as the wellness capital of the world lies this curative focused residential retreat that connects several areas of health and wholeness, from fitness and mindfulness to holistic treatments and intuitive healing, all in the heart of the rustling jungle. Here, days begin with vinyasa yoga, restorative Pilates, or an immersive village walk followed by a field to table breakfast designed to maximize personal performance, increase concentration and energy, and calibrate blood sugar levels. Afternoon activities span everything from the active to the remedial, including tai chi, hydrotherapy, rice eld biking, and raw dessert making classes. Enjoy a rhythmic Abhyanga massage with warm herbal oils after a thrilling white water adventure down the Ayung River. An experience here is intended to go well beyond relaxation alone; Shambhala takes a deep rooted approach to wellness, tailoring its dynamic menu of itineraries to specific needs.

Accommodations are spread over freestanding multiroom residences, each adorned with a unique theme. A Japanese water garden with a waterfall, hand carved doors, and Chinese antiques underline the Tirta Ening Residence, while 1,200 tonnes of stone were brought in to construct the tribal themed Tejasuara. Guests in any room have access to its residence’s pool, lounge areas, and shaded pavilions. Suite upgrades include private terraces or gardens, and many boast private infinity or plunge pools and Jacuzzis. Each guest is assigned a personal assistant to manage all treatment and activity appointments. Rooms start around $445 per night; $900 for a suite.

comohotels.com/en/comoshambhalaestate

Sha Wellness Clinic Alicante, Spain
The site for this swanky mountaintop medical retreat offers more holistic benefits than what initially meets the eye. Perched high on a forested hilltop overlooking the bay of Altea, SHA Wellness Clinic is located in the heart of Spain’s Sierra Helada Natural Park, recognized by the World Health Organization as having one of the world’s best climates. With pleasant year round temperatures and expansive views of Altea village and the surrounding Mediterranean, guests are immediately placed in the perfect frame of mind to begin their wellness odyssey.

The resort was founded by Alfredo Parietti, an Argentinian businessman who, following a stomach tumor diagnosis, helped cure his body by switching to a macrobiotic diet, meaning no meat, dairy, or processed foods. Since opening in 2009, SHA has become a celebrity hotspot; Gwyneth Paltrow, Barbra Streisand, Donna Karan, and supermodel Elsa Hosk have all completed wellness programs here. is isn’t a daytime mimosa type of vacation it’s a true homeopathic journey, a place where doctors, reflexologists, nutritionists, and naturopaths are all on site to guide guests in achieving their salutary goals. The method blends Eastern and Western approaches to well-being, from centuries old alternative therapies to modern advancements in technology and medicine, particularly in the fields of preventive medicine, genetics, and anti-aging. Guests are put on personalized meal plans that center on organic vegetables, whole grains, and bean varieties with a small allowance of fish and shell fish. Health programs last anywhere from four to 14 days and target a variety of goals, from general wellness to anti insomnia, weight loss to anti stress, anti-tobacco to post COVID well-being, et al.

There’s nearly 65,000 square feet of wellness space on the property, spanning balance rooms, treatment cabins, consultation rooms, and a beauty salon, plus a rooftop infinity pool with daybeds and lounge chairs. Guests have access to the yoga and meditation studio, Pilates studio, fitness area, paddle court, putting green, and Picasso exhibition room.

Prices vary based on the selected program. shawellnessclinic.com

SENSEI LANAI, A FOUR SEASONS RESORT Lanai City, Hawaii
As you enter the 24 acre grounds of Four Season’s first all-inclusive wellness retreat, aromas of Royal Hawaiian pikake waft through the balmy air, and palms sway in the breeze, serenading you as you begin your immersive journey. A first of its kind adults only collaboration between the luxury hospitality group and Sensei, a new wellbeing company launched by Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison and author, physician, and scientist Dr. David Agus, Sensei Lanai is tucked into the tropical foliage of the Hawaiian island of Lanai and offers customized experiences for every guest. Each stay begins with a private wellness consultation followed by a personalized spa itinerary, one on one fitness and mindfulness sessions with a Sensei guide, and island activities like horseback riding, ocean cruises, and rock climbing. At the spa, treatments are tailored to the guest using thermographic technology, which creates a visual map of the body to expose any asymmetries or muscle tightness. There are also outdoor onsen baths to soak under the stars at night.

Nourishing gastronomy is paramount to the wellbeing experience, and the famed Robert De Niro co-founded restaurant concept Nobu is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In the morning, feast on axseed pancakes with fresh fruit sorbet or smoked salmon paired with two eggs and hydroponically farmed vegetables. Dinner standouts include New Zealand lamb chop and roasted Kona lobster. Nutritionists are on site to guide meal choices. $700 per night. fourseasons.com/sensei

EMIRATES ONE & ONLY WOLGAN VALLEY AUSTRALIA
Buried deep in Australia’s World Heritage listed Blue Mountains on 7,000 acres of conservation reserve, this all villa retreat serves outback luxury amid stunning crimson tinted canyons and big starry skies. The resort occupies just one percent of its sprawling reserve, sandwiched between the Wollemi National Park and the Gardens of Stone National Park, and spans steep cliffs, rolling grassland, creeks, and rivers, all brimming with native wildlife. Reconnect with yourself and Mother Nature through horseback riding, mountain biking, bushwalking, and campfires under the night sky. The spa is equally immersive, offering treatments inspired by the flora of the Wolgan Valley. Sip signature herbal tea before being escorted to your treatment room for a mountain or bushman aromatherapy massage or body balance salt glow. Each treatment room is equipped with a Japanese style soaking tub and floor to ceiling windows with views of the Australian wild. There are also indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, steam room, and relaxation lounge.

In addition to offering private and group yoga classes, the resort recently partnered with Sydney based Pilates studio Fluid form. Each villa is equipped with the studio’s at home selection of workouts for personal practice in the rooms or on your private pool terrace. Fluid form memberships are included throughout each stay.

Conservation is ingrained in the ethos here. Traditional windmills are used in lieu of electrical pumps, 70% of the resort’s drinking water comes from rainwater, and solar panels power the hot water system. Most of the materials used to construct the 40 freestanding suites and two homesteads were sourced within a 60 mile radius, and many furniture pieces in the rooms were constructed from fallen eucalyptus trees found on the property. The resort also pours resources into preserving the native flora and regularly monitors the well-being of the wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, possums, and more than 150 bird species. Guests are also invited to take part in the conservation efforts through tree planting, habitat restoration, water testing, and animal observations.

Weekend rates start around $4,550 per two night stay. oneandonlyresorts.com/Wolgan-valley