5 Best Wellness Retreats

Once the rush of Christmas is over, it often feels like all of your energy is used up. New Years celebrations are always a good pick-me-up, but once this party is over, the reality of a new year of stresses and work pressures sets in. There are still several months of cold and darkness, of rain and snow…

But there’s no need to be pessimistic. There is still sun in the world, and if you can’t quite make it to a tropical location half-way across the world, then there is always saunas, spas, baths and massages. In the following 5 wellness havens you can extend the holiday period with a short health and relaxation vacation. You can recharge the batteries, realign your chi and start the year well-rested and in control.

The pool of the Four Seasons Maldives Landaa Giraavaru Resort

For the diver – Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru, Maldives

Imagine white, sun-kissed beaches, fringed with palm trees, and water the color of fleshly polished turquoise. As the breeze lazily rustles the leaves of the palm trees, you lie on a massage table, under the powerful but soothing hands of one of the resorts masseurs. Or perhaps you are diving in the underwater paradise of the Maldives, swimming slowly between the fish and coral. Maybe you are relaxing after a massage, and allowing the soothing Ayurveda oils to soak into your skin. Reclining in the open air pavilions on the beach, the only thing that you have to think about is whether the lagoon or the ski is a more beautiful shade of blue. For more information on the Four Seasons Resort in the Maldives click here.

The pool of the ‘My Blend by Clarins’ spa center in the luxury Hotel, Le Royal Monceau in Paris

For the Luxury Shopper: Le Royal Monceau, Paris

We all know the power of retail therapy to help unwind from stress, although we suggest that it be used in conjunction with some other wellness program for the best, and most enduring results. The luxury hotel Le Royal Monceau in Paris combines both of these activities to perfection. The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Paris, the most famous shopping city in the world. The hotel boasts an impressive spa temple that was designed by legendary designer, Philippe Starck. True to his style, the spa is pure and almost exclusively decorated in whites, for the optimal relaxing ambience, to shake off any shopping stress. The hotel also has the largest indoor hotel swimming pool in Paris. We recommend the ‘Cell Synergy Complex’, facial for a maximum regeneration factor. For more information click here.

The pool of the mountain retreat ‘Tschuggen Grand Hotel’ in Switzerland

For the Skiier: Tschuggen Grand Hotel, Arosa

Nowhere is more luxurious and relaxing for ski guests than staying at one of the top Swiss hotels. Firstly, cable cars will carry you directly from your hotel door, to the ski field. Secondly, the Tschuggen Mountain oasis is one of the most spectacular spas is Europe. Star architect Mario Botta designed the resort, which has over 5000 square feet of wellness center on three levels. A collection of cathedral-shaped glass towers allow breath-taking views of the mountains, granite walls reflect the shapes of the mountains, and maintain the sober, clean forms. There is a Kneipp pool and a variety of opportunities for swimming and sauna and a huge waterfall in the outdoor pool. For more information on the Tschuggen Grand Hotel click here.

The quiet zone of the spa in the Royal Mansour Hotel in Marrakech

For the Orient-lover: Royal Mansour, Marrakech

In the middle of Marrakech, integrated to a large extent in the old walled section of the city is the luxury hotel, the Royal Mansour. The hotel is decorated with Moroccan riads and has a private pool, a private patio and a private butler. Soft lighting and earthy colors create a sense of softness and serenity, and a beautiful glass dome covers the large indoor pool. There are two separate hammams, one for men and one for women, as well as a variety of treatment rooms. Everything is perfect and clean, that it would not be difficult to think you are the only guest. If you really want to make sure that you don’t run into other guests, you can rent you own spa suite. For further information click here.

A swimming pool with a fireplace – The pool of the Hotel zur Bleiche in Spreewald

For the nature-lover: Hotel zur Bleiche, Spreewald

Berliners will particularly appreciate the Hotel zur Bleiche, as it is situated just one hour away from Berlin. This luxury hotel focuses on sustainable tourism. Without sacrificing any of its luxury and comfort, it tries to minimize it’s carbon footprint and strives to be as close to nature as possible. In the kitchens, only the freshest biodynamic, local produce is used. The restaurant serves the customary ‘slow food’ and uses herbs and vegetables that are picked fresh from the hotel’s gardens. Natural cosmetics are also used in the spa treatments. The Exclusive spa treatment uses an ancient healing method that owes its roots to alchemy. Each of the suits have private saunas and Turkish baths. Breakfast is available all day and during your stay you can relax by the large indoor pool. For more information click here.

Source: worlds-luxury-guide.com