Best wellness retreats in the world: 2024

Travel Tips Best wellness retreats in the world: 2024 Alexis Konovodoff 17.09.24 7 minute read Wellness retreats are a chance to reset, recharge, and rediscover your best self. Many people want to escape the daily grind and disconnect from the world in a spectacular setting. But where should you go? Here are the best wellness retreats in the world, from luxurious hotels to rigorous health programs for a much-needed wellness boost. Table of contents What is a wellness retreat?Top 10 wellness retreats in the world1. COMO Shambhala Estate, Bali2. Lake Austin Spa Resort, Texas3. Ananda in the Himalayas, India4. Kamalaya, Thailand5. SHA Wellness Clinic, Spain6. The Ranch Malibu, California7. Aro Ha Wellness Retreat, New Zealand8. Canyon Ranch, US9. Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort, Hawaii10. Six Senses Douro Valley, PortugalGoing abroad? Make sure to take a Wise card with youHow do I choose a wellness retreat?Wellness retreat FAQs What is a wellness retreat? A wellness retreat is a purposeful, health-focused getaway. Unlike a regular vacation, wellness resorts offer structured programs to improve your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Traditionally, wellness retreats are associated with activities like yoga classes and meditation. But there are many other ways to improve your health, from spa treatments and fitness classes to stress management and gut health techniques. There are wellness retreats that help you eat healthier, think better, and even reverse aging. Use these 10 wellness retreat ideas to plan your ultimate escape. Top 10 wellness retreats in the world 1. COMO Shambhala Estate, Bali Location: Ubud, Bali Average cost: 600-3,000 USD per night¹ Programs: Ayurvedic treatments, yoga, meditation, hydrotherapy Unique feature: Jungle setting with natural rivers Perfect for: Luxury seekers who want to relax in a tropical paradise COMO Shambhala Estate is an award-winning wellness resort in a lush Balinese jungle between two rivers. You can choose a room-only accommodation or indulge in a full suite of holistic healing with the targeted Wellness Paths. These Paths guide you through a dynamic journey of diagnostics, Ayurvedic treatments, nutritious food, outdoor activities, and more. 2. Lake Austin Spa Resort, Texas Location: Austin, Texas Average cost: 500-1,500 USD per night² Programs: Water-based activities, fitness classes, cooking, spa treatments Unique feature: Lakeside setting with a wide range of water-based wellness activities Perfect for: Water enthusiasts looking for a blend of active and relaxing experiences One of the best all-inclusive wellness resorts in the world, Lake Austin Spa Resort blends quaint charm with luxury to help you improve your health with the healing power of water. There are 40 charming cottages to choose from, and your stay includes all meals, refreshments, spa treatments, wellness events, and complimentary use of paddle boards, kayaks, and hydrobikes. 3. Ananda in the Himalayas, India Location: Himalayan foothills of North India Average cost: Programs start at 1,550 USD per night³ Programs: Detox, rejuvenation, immunity, stress management, sleep enhancement, weight management, hormonal imbalance, chronic pain management, meditation Unique feature: Former Maharaja’s palace setting Perfect for: Spiritual seekers and yogis looking for an authentic Indian wellness experience Ananda in the Himalayas is a destination spa that sprawls across the 100-acre grounds, gardens, and forests with world-class wellness facilities. The staff consists of Ayurvedic doctors with multigenerational lineage, yoga and meditation gurus from the traditional Bihar School of Yoga, and chefs trained in Ayurvedic principles of healthy eating. 4. Kamalaya, Thailand Location: Koh Samui, Thailand Average cost: Wellness programs start at 1,550 USD for a 3-day experience (accommodations not included)⁴ Programs: Healthy lifestyle, detox, stress, burnout, women’s health, immunity, yoga Unique feature: Built around a sacred monk’s cave Perfect for: Stressed-out professionals and spiritual enthusiasts looking for a blend of luxury and authentic Eastern wellness practices Kamalaya is a place where you can reconnect with your inner self by following one of the center’s targeted programs. From Introduction to Detox to Structural Revival, 15+ functional programs extend over 3, 5, 7, 9, 14, or 21 nights to help you address health concerns and improve your emotional balance. You can also choose a tailor-made wellness program after booking your accommodations. 5. SHA Wellness Clinic, Spain Location: Alicante, Spain Average cost: 5,000-8,000 USD per week⁵ Programs: Medical spa treatments, nutrition plans, fitness classes Unique feature: Cutting-edge medical diagnostics Perfect for: People who want a science-based approach to wellness If you’re looking for the best health and wellness retreats, you can’t go wrong with the SHA Wellness Clinic in Alicante, Spain. A leader in integrative health, prevention, and longevity, this clinic combines the latest medical advances with natural therapies to improve your health. Popular programs include Leader’s Performance, Well-Ageing and Prevention, and Intensive Detox. 6. The Ranch Malibu, California Location: Malibu, California Average cost: Starting at 9,200 USD for one week⁶ Programs: Intense fitness regime, plant-based diet, massage therapy Unique feature: No-nonsense approach to fitness and weight loss Perfect for: Fitness enthusiasts and those who want to achieve a dramatic physical transformation The Ranch Malibu is famous for its rigorous, results-driven approach to wellness. It’s not a retreat for those looking for pampering – it’s a boot camp-style program that pushes you to your physical limit and beyond. The Ranch’s signature program includes hours of daily hiking in the stunning mountains, yoga, daily massages, and a strict plant-based diet for fast detoxification. 7. Aro Ha Wellness Retreat, New Zealand Location: Southern Alps, New Zealand Average cost: Retreats start at ~4,278 USD for 6 days/5 nights⁷ Programs: Adventure sports, yoga, meditation, spa treatments Unique feature: Eco-friendly retreat Perfect for: Adventure lovers and eco-conscious travelers With over 40 global awards and 10 years of excellence, Aro Ha is one of the best health and wellness retreats. Aro Ha’s retreats stick to small groups and last 6 days, focusing on increasing lifespan and managing the four horsemen of chronic disease: metabolic dysregulation, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegeneration. Their test has found that participants reduced their biological age by 2+ years on average as a result of the program.⁸ 8. Canyon Ranch, US Location: Multiple locations (Arizona, Massachusetts, California, and Nevada) Average cost: 1,000-2,000+ USD per night depending on the program⁹ Programs: Medical consultations, fitness classes, outdoor activities, nutrition counseling, spa treatments, and more Unique feature: A wide range of holistic treatments in different locations across the US Perfect for: Health-conscious people interested in an all-encompassing approach to wellness Canyon Ranch pursued wellness before wellness was a household word. There are three ways to stay at any of the four Canyon Ranch locations: Stay Your Way, Designed Experiences for specific wellness goals, and Camps & Retreats for an intensive deep dive. You can take Canyon Ranch’s Interactive Wellness Quiz to figure out what the best option is for you. 9. Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort, Hawaii Location: Lanai, Hawaii Average cost: 1,000-2,000 USD per night for accommodation, wellness experiences are extra¹⁰ Programs: Spa treatments, nutritional cuisine, island activities, fitness center, yoga studio Unique feature: High-tech wellness facilities in a luxurious Hawaiian setting Perfect for: Luxury travelers looking for an island experience If you’re looking for luxury wellness retreats, look no further than Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort. Secluded on a Hawaiian island, this adults-only resort offers stunning accommodation options and a wide range of wellness activities, such as functional movement, hiking, sleep consultations, and more. 10. Six Senses Douro Valley, Portugal Location: Lamego, Portugal Average cost: Accommodation costs start at ~1,760 USD per night¹¹ (use of wellness facilities is included, but spa treatments and experiences are extra) Programs: Spa treatments, yoga, color therapy, smart tech, alchemy bar Unique feature: 19th-century manor house in wine country Perfect for: Wine enthusiasts who want to combine wellness with activities in a beautiful setting A true labor of love, Six Senses Douro Valley offers luxurious treatments in its spa and immersive experiences. Try tile painting, wine experiences, the “Pickles, Yogurts and Sprouts” workshop, or even tree climbing to relive your favorite childhood memories. Going abroad? Make sure to take a Wise card with you Explore the world with your handy Wise card! Spend money in over 150+ countries at the mid-market rate — and avoid hidden fees while you’re at it. 🚀 With Wise, you can: Send money to 160 countries Receive money in 9 currencies with local account details Hold money in over 40 currencies Spend like a local in 150+ countries Heading abroad? Bring Wise along for the journey! Get a Wise Account Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information How do I choose a wellness retreat? There are a few things to keep in mind as you’re choosing a wellness resort or retreat experience: Goals: If you have specific wellness goals, such as stress relief or weight loss, look for retreats that offer targeted programs Budget: Weigh the pros and cons of all-inclusive wellness resorts (typically more expensive) vs. regular resorts (might come with costly extras) Setting: Do you prefer a tropical, mountain, or lake setting? Domestic or international? Programs: Look for activities that match your interests and goals Reviews: Read reviews from people who have already attended that particular retreat or program Duration: Wellness programs can be as short as a weekend and as long as a month or more Food: If you have any specific dietary needs, make sure the retreat can accommodate them. Keep in mind that many wellness resorts focus on plant-based diets It shouldn’t feel like you’ll need a vacation from your retreat, so make sure to evaluate all important factors. Wellness retreat FAQs What is the best fitness retreat in the world? The term “best” is subjective, but there are several renowned wellness retreats with a strong physical component. The Ranch Malibu is often recognized for its fitness focus. You can expect daily hikes, strength training, yoga, and a plant-based diet. What is the most expensive wellness retreat in the world? Luxurious wellness retreats can be costly, and they come in many different forms. For example, you can rent Musha Cay, a private archipelago of 11 islands in the Bahamas, for 57,000 USD per night for up to 12 guests, with a minimum 5-night stay.¹² How long is a retreat usually? It varies. Most wellness retreats range from long weekends (3-4 days) to one or two weeks. Some, like the Aro Ha wellness retreat, offer standard programs for everyone. Other destinations are more flexible and you can stay as long as you want. Are wellness retreats worth it? Wellness retreats give you an opportunity to focus entirely on your personal health and well-being, but whether or not it’s worth it for you depends on who you are as a person. Many people feel refreshed and motivated after a retreat. But it’s important to have realistic expectations. A retreat isn’t a quick fix, it’s a starting point for long-term change. Wellness retreats cater to different preferences, goals, and budgets, but the best wellness retreats in the world are quite costly. Many of them can charge well over 1,000 USD per night. That said, they can be a fantastic way to reset your mind, challenge your body, and escape daily stress. And if you’re heading abroad, save on exchange rate markups and high transaction fees with the most international debit card on the planet — the Wise card. It’s safe, fast, and secure, even for large amounts. Get started with Wise Sources COMO Shambhala Estate – Reservations Lake Austin Spa Resort Ananda in the Himalayas Kamalaya – Introduction to detox SHA Wellness Clinic – Health Programmes The Ranch – FAQs Aro Ha – Choose a retreat Aro Ha Canyon Ranch – Plan a stay Sensei Lanai- Accommodations Six Senses Dour Valley – Accommodation Musha Cay – Reservations Sources checked 09.13.2024 *Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date. Money without borders Find out more Travel Tips How much does a wellness retreat cost? Want to take a trip focused on wellness and health? Find out how much a wellness retreat really costs and what these programs include. 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