With the pandemic’s relentless assaults on our well-being—physical and mental—a healthy holiday wouldn’t go amiss whenever travel is safe for you. Here is our selection of 20 properties—in India and overseas—for a rejuvenating future wellness getaway. By Shrimayee Thakur
INDIA
The Tamara Coorg, KARNATAKA
The Tamara Coorg helps you escape the humdrum of everyday life. Its spacious luxury cottages, located on a cliff, offer east-facing sun decks and gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape. The Elevation Spa provides an array of treatments ranging from massages to body scrubs. Forest Therapy takes inspiration from the Japanese concept of shinrin-yoku, which involves taking in all of the forest’s sights, sounds, and smells as a form of therapy. thetamara.com
Aahana Resort, UTTARAKHAND (Wellness Getaway)
Standing between the thick reserve forest of the Jim Corbett National Park and a village, Aahana Resort is a luxurious getaway in the heart of the wilderness. It is spread across 11 acres and exists in harmony with its bountiful natural surroundings. Myriad species of fauna flock around the resort. The property’s 10 residential blocks offer plush interiors and Victorian-style architecture. Go for a safari in Jim Corbett National Park to catch a glimpse of the wildlife, including the elusive tiger, leopard, gharial, and over 450 species of birds. Unwind at the Aahana Naturopathy Centre, which combines yoga, Ayurveda, and Western spa treatments. Dhikala, the property’s restaurant, offers scrumptious meals cooked with ingredients sourced locally from farmers or the resort’s organic garden. aahanaresort.com
Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace, Hampi, KARNATAKA
This property is an ode to the grand history of Hampi, once the capital of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire. Epitomising luxury in its regal chambers and entrances, the resort has villas built in the Vijayanagara architectural style, for instance, the Jai Mahal and Zenana, a luxurious suite inspired by the queen’s quarters. The Vaidyasala Ayurveda Centre has trained physicians and masseurs, who can prescribe a customised regimen that employs remedies once favoured by kings and queens. In your spare time, familiarise yourself with the region’s rich history through one of the walks designed by the resort, relax at the softly lit Deep Mahal, sip on the resort’s signature Sidapur coffee, or indulge in a meal at one of the restaurants that offer historic dishes. evolveback.com
Glasshouse On The Ganges, UTTARAKHAND
Set inside a forest, by the water of River Ganga, Neemrana’s Glasshouse on the Ganges offers 10 treetop rooms, made of natural stone and dedicated to the birds of the Himalayas. Cobbled pathways lead to a garden with tropical plants, rare birds, and butterflies. Adventure seekers can try white-water rafting or trek through the breathtaking surroundings. End the day with a delicious meal at the Glasshouse, where you can try an array of cuisines from Tehri Garhwal, Himachal Pradesh and Nepal, barbeques, and rustic hunter-style curries. glasshouseontheganges.neemranahotels.com
Vana, UTTARAKHAND (Wellness Getaway)
Set in Dehradun, Vana, which translates to ‘forest’, brims with natural beauty. Its tranquil air is complemented by an all-encompassing programme meant to help you improve your well-being. Apart from Ayurveda and yoga, Vana offers Tibetan medicine in the form of the rare practice of Sowa Rigpa, which combines Indian, Chinese, and Greco-Arab medical systems. The practice is governed by Men-Tsee-Khang, the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute of the Tibetan government in exile in Dharamsala, from where Vana sources its specialists and all of their preparations. vana.co.in
Svatma, TAMIL NADU
Once the capital of the Chola Empire, Thanjavur has always been an important centre of art, culture, architecture, and spirituality. Svatma proudly upholds this regional legacy. Besides wellness offerings, the resort offers eight Svatma experience modules, including Carnatic concerts, Thanjavur painting, bronze sculpting, Vedic chanting, culinary trips, and tours with regional experts. Svatma also has two spas: Soukyam offers traditional treatments influenced by Siddha, and Swaram is a sound spa where massage tables have 50 strings tuned and stretched underneath for therapy through vibration. svatma.in
The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa, RAJASTHAN (Wellness Getaway)
Three hours away from Jaipur, The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa is a quiet haven where you can take lungfuls of fresh air while staying nestled in the rocky, green embrace of the Aravallis. Spread over 15 acres, the resort boasts 98 luxurious rooms, including villas with plunge pools. Treat yourself to a relaxing massage or rejuvenating body scrub at the Heavenly Spa, which blends ancient philosophies with modern techniques. The spa also offers in-suite massages, if you prefer the comfort of your own room. Fitness buffs can head to the WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio to maintain their routines with state-of-the-art equipment. For recreation, visit the resort’s indoor theatre, Recharge, or partake in activities like cycling, archery, and body zorbing. marriott.com
Ananda In The Himalayas, UTTARAKHAND
Located on a 100-acre Maharaja’s Palace Estate, 40 minutes away from Dehradun, Ananda in the Himalayas is loved by its patrons for its luxurious setting as well as holistic wellness experiences. The resort offers a multitude of programmes, all of which can be tailored to suit your specific needs. These include an Ayurvedic programme, which aims to revitalise the body’s immune system through Panchakarma, and the Dhyana programme, which uses meditation to harmonise the mind and body. In keeping with COVID-19 safety protocols, guests can ask for individual sessions in these programmes. anandaspa.com
Purity At Lake Vembanad, KERALA
Overlooking Lake Vembanad at its widest point, Purity is a lakefront hotel that blends heritage, art, and luxury to offer a singular experience. Take in the local culture through artworks, antique sculptures, and furniture housed in the resort, or partake in one of the excursions organised by the hotel, such as one into Mannar town, the home of Kerala’s metal casting craft, or take a cruise on the resort’s houseboat. Visit Purespa to choose one of the many effective Ayurvedic massages, including Udwarthanam—a deep tissue massage that employs herbal powders. malabarayurvedaretreats.com
Naad Wellness, HARYANA (Wellness Getaway)
Located just outside Delhi, Naad Wellness combines ancient Indian healing practices to alleviate medical issues such as hypertension, migraine, and arthritis; and experiential treatments such as Nikhaar to rejuvenate your skin, and Punarnava to aid metabolism. Naad also offers you the opportunity to try treatments from other parts of the world. Feel the tension melt away from your body in a Turkish hammam, work out painful joints with a Swedish massage, or discover the many benefits of acupuncture. Naad also has multiple facilities to promote physical fitness, such as a fitness centre, tennis court, badminton court, and golf courses. naadwellness.com
INTERNATIONAL
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, MALDIVES
With sparkling water in myriad shades of blue and pristine white beaches, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is a paradise for water babies. Indulge in the various treatments offered by the Heavenly Spa by Westin™, which boasts a jacuzzi and panoramic views of the ocean. Treat yourself to the signature Heavenly Sanctuary Ritual, a 90-minute procedure that aims to treat, soothe, and nourish all types of skin. The resort also has its own watersports centre, with a team of experts for activities such as parasailing and kayaking. Go swimming in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its stunning coral reefs, or snorkel with manta rays at the Hanifaru Bay, 14 kilometres away. marriott.com
Hôtel Le Cep, FRANCE (Wellness Getaway)
Step into the old-world charm of Beaune, an ancient town with medieval architecture, considered the wine capital of Burgundy. Beaune is famous for wine auctions that happen every year at Hospices de Beaune, an iconic 15th-century charitable almshouse built to tend to the sick. Minutes away from the monument, Hôtel Le Cep is a five-star luxury hotel made by joining two private mansions with courtyards dating back to the 16th century. Soak in French culture, wine, and internationally renowned French cuisine at Loiseau des Vignes, a Michelin-starred restaurant next to the hotel, managed by Bernard Loiseau. Pamper yourself at the Spa Marie de Bourgogne, which offers a vast range of treatments. hotel-cep-beaune.com
Santani Resort And Spa, SRI LANKA
Santani Resort and Spa was built with the belief that humans heal and thrive when surrounded by nature. The resort features sustainable architecture, intended to help in preserving the environment. Santani is built on a 48-acre former tea plantation surrounded by a thick forest, making the property both secluded and accessible. Built as Sri Lanka’s first full-fledged destination spa, with the first-ever
comprehensive hydrotherapy facilities in the country, Santani stresses on the importance of mindfulness and allowing healing to happen at its own pace. For this purpose, the retreat offers fully customisable programmes, which allow you to do as much (or as little) as you want. Explore the surrounding areas, such as Kandy—Sri Lanka’s last kingdom and cultural capital—on one of the resort’s excursions. santani.lk
The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort, MALAYSIA (Wellness Getaway)
Located on the beautiful Redang island, The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort is surrounded by clear blue water, pristine beaches, and a rainforest. Choose one of its 125 suites and rooms or the massive five-bedroom private villa that sits on a cliff overlooking the resort. Dive into the South China Sea from one of over 30 dive locations that feature hard and soft corals, turtles, reef sharks, moray eels, angelfish, and more. Go on the two-kilometre rainforest trek between Pasir Panjang and Teluk Dalam beach, where, if you’re lucky, you might even get a glimpse of the elusive Sang Kancil (mouse deer). At the end of the day, opt for the signature massage at the Taaras Spa, where heated poultices are applied to pressure points to soothe tired muscles. thetaaras.com
Fusion Resort Phu Quoc, VIETNAM
Nestled in a secluded corner of Vietnam’s biggest island, Fusion Resort Phu Quoc offers views of a river and an ocean. Take in gorgeous sunsets from their spacious ocean villas, which also boast private pools. The resort’s ‘anywhere, anytime, breakfast’ menu means you can munch on your favourite food whenever and wherever you want—the poolside, at the beach, or in bed. Visit the Maia Spa to enjoy the benefits of the allspa inclusive policy, which means all treatments, ranging from massages and reflexology experiences to all-natural body scrubs, wraps, and beauty treatments, are offered at no additional charge. If you can wean yourself away from the spa, activities like yoga, tai chi, meditation, and kayaking await you. phuquoc.fusionresorts.com
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, MALDIVES
Perched in the secluded Shaviyani Atoll, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is as luxurious as it is peaceful. Stay in one of the overwater villas to catch a glimpse of the local marine life. Indulge in the delectable offerings of the resort’s restaurants, which plate Japanese, Italian, and global cuisine, along with treetop dining and buffet breakfasts. Adventurous adults can participate in a wide variety of activities, including snorkelling, scuba diving, jetskiing, and sailing, while young explorers have their own island adventures at the Little Griffins kids’ club. To keep up your fitness regimen, visit the 24hour
overwater fitness centre, and if you’re in the mood for some therapy, luxuriate in a rejuvenating treatment at the spa. marriott.com
Regent Phu Quoc, VIETNAM (Wellness Getaway)
Uncover the secrets of the Phu Quoc island, a relatively new tourist destination, at the Regent Phu Quoc. Personalise your experience at the hotel with the assistance of their personal Regent Experience Agent, who will be available throughout the trip to help organise your dream vacation. Amenities include a rooftop yoga pavilion, a unique aerial yoga experience, a state-of-the-art gym, and a spa that offers a range of exclusive treatments from the hotel’s partnerships. Regent also has the Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by renowned podiatrist Bastien Gonzalez, who has used his expertise and experience in France to create unique treatments for the guests. phuquoc.regenthotels.com
Kamalaya Koh Samui, THAILAND
Kamalaya Koh Samui promises to be the light at the end of the long and dark tunnel that the pandemic has been. Situated on the tropical island of Koh Samui, Kamalaya blends Eastern healing traditions with Western medical knowledge to create a unique wellness experience, with several programmes based on personal goals. For instance, their new programme, Immunity & Resilience, works by identifying biochemical imbalances or nutritional deficiencies in the body. Based on the result, guests receive tailored support to strengthen their immune system with nutritional guidance, herbal supplements, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Bountiful gardens, creeks, a private beach, and two pools ensure relaxation outside of the treatments. kamalaya.com
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, MALDIVES
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is located in the gorgeous Raa Atoll. Go on dolphin cruises or snorkelling trips to get up close to the marine life, swim with manta rays in Hanifaru Bay, or adopt and name your very own manta ray through the Manta Trust. Let your little ones immerse themselves in learning through fun activities at Planet Trekkers. Choose from six restaurants and bars to treat your palate to delectable cuisines made of fresh, locally sourced produce. Leave your worries behind at the AVI Spa with treatments ranging from massages with warm bamboo stalks and deep tissue massages to manicures and pedicures with products from luxury brand Margaret Dabbs London. maldives.intercontinental.com
RAKxa, THAILAND (wellness getaway)
Located in Bangkok’s ‘green lung’, where residents of the city go to escape the concrete jungle and breathe fresh air, RAKxa is an oasis surrounded by lush greenery. RAKxa takes an integrative approach to wellness, with a team of doctors and specialists who guide you towards a wellness programme based on your personal goals. The retreat houses VitalLife, a clinic associated with the internationally known Bumrungrad Hospital, a holistic wellness centre, and a medical gym. Unam, an all-day eatery, provides
healthy food while avoiding ingredients that cause inflammation, and RAKxa Cha serves rare, ancient brews to go with your meals. rakxawellness.com
Note: This list has been compiled in no particular order.
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