Excellent wellness escapes

Wondering where to indulge in some pampering? Here’s some inspiration for truly indulgent destinations where you can enjoy ‘me’ time, however you want it to be, from the serious chilling, to the ultimate fitness, via the mind, body and spirit makeover.

© Photo by Pascal Reynaud - Evian SPA.

Spa Evian Resort,

Lake Geneva

A classic, with more than 100 years of history at the heart of the French Alpine spa tradition. Evian’s legacy at the source of the global mineral water brand has generated a reputation as one of the world’s most sought-after spa and wellbeing destinations for hydration, skincare and physical and mental rejuvenation. The 5* Spa, Evian Source at the Hotel Royal provides personalised treatments in everything from Shiatsu to Shirodhara, as well as wellness packages, which draw on ancient ancestral rituals and beauty secrets from around the world, including a Himalayan salt pouch, Evian Source massage, crystal therapy, an abhyanga massage and a Hydromassage bath with chromatherapy.

hotel-royal-evian.com

Vakkaru, Maldives

Those seeking to balance their overall wellbeing can practice their downward dog and develop their breathwork at the brand-new, sunset-facing yoga pavilion on Vakku beach. There’s also an organic farm with a lush tropical island garden and farm-to-table concept, so one can pick herbs and vegetables for salads whilst the chef prepares freshly caught seafood from the Indian Ocean. At the overwater Merana Spa, the team have a new Maldivian Touch treatment that uses ingredients sourced from the island, including sea salt, sand, and homemade coconut oil. Bliss!

vakkarumaldives.com

Atzaró Agroturismo Hotel,

Ibiza, Spain

Taking their world-famous spa to another level, the hotel is inaugurating a new ‘spa garden’, including a jacuzzi deck amongst the orange trees, an outdoor fire-pit lounge for meditation and healing workshops, outdoor sauna pod, sunbathing decks and an additional daybed garden brimming with organic botanicals. Here you can relax on giant outdoor four-poster day beds amongst fragrant herbs and choose whether to pop over to the 43-metre fresh water pool for a refreshing dip or sleep, sunbathe, or enjoy a delicious lunch.

atzaro.com

Vila Vita,

Algarve, Portugal

Recently awarded with two distinctions of excellence: “World’s Best Signature Spa Treatment 2021” for its inimitable Golden Quartz treatment, and “Best Resort Spa in Portugal 2021” both by the World Spa Awards; the Vila Vita Spa by Sisley Paris combines an advanced scientific approach with the most exquisite natural ingredients in an invitation to a wonderful sensory world. Its contemporary design inspired by the region’s extraordinary sea caves and blue tones of the ocean lead to an immediate feeling of connection with nature. In a fabulous 5-star resort in the Algarve, this Spa offers a wide range of services and treatments, spread over 14 elegant treatment rooms, that invite one to deep relaxation and good shape.

vilavitaparc.com

Schloss Elmau, Bavaria Germany

Just 100km south of Munich and 1000m above sea level, Schloss Elmau features two 5* hotels with a total of 162 rooms and suites, six separate spas for adults and families, a TCM Health Spa, Yoga Centre and eight restaurants. Yoga and meditation retreats for mindfulness include lessons and meditation workshops interspersed with yoga classes. Guests will also have the opportunity to experience the spas and weekly sport activities.

schloss-elmau.de/en

Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som,

Qatar

Rosa Alpina, Dolomites, Italy

With cosy bedrooms, log-burning fires and mountain-facing balconies, it’s the ideal mountain hideaway. The glass spa is eco luxury at its best with floor-to-ceiling windows and nine tranquil treatment rooms complemented by two indoor heated swimming pools with garden and forest views. Other facilities include a jacuzzi, yoga studio, fully equipped gym and hydrotherapy areas including a Turkish hammam, a Finnish sauna, a Bio sauna and a cold plunge pool. The spa menu offers treatments incorporating Aman’s allnatural skincare products.

rosalpina.it

Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som is a pioneering destination in the Middle East blending traditional Arabic and Islamic medicine with a holistic health and wellbeing philosophy. Located on the quiet northern tip of Qatar, Zulal offers two distinct yet interconnecting experiences: Zulal Serenity, dedicated to adults looking for an immersive health and lifestyle reset, while Zulal Discovery invites families to connect and embark on a wellness journey together. Its Mangrove Conservation Programme protects local marine life as part of the resort’s overall sustainability commitment.

zulal.com