New Year New You: 10 Wellness Retreats for 2020
December 28, 2019 by Allison Reiber DiLiegro
Six Senses Bhutan
As we ring in a new year – and a new decade – many of us have wellness on the mind. Whether you’re looking to jumpstart a New Year’s resolution or treat yourself to a holiday gift, January is an ideal time to book a rejuvenating, restorative getaway. We’re proud to represent a range of world-class wellness destinations to suit seekers of all sorts. Here are ten properties worthy of your consideration in 2020 (plus a bonus).
Himalayas, India
Set in the scenic foothills of the Himalayas, Ananda in the Himalayas is an award-winning destination spa rooted in the teachings of Ayurveda, Yoga and Vedanta, the ancient Indian philosophy of life. Guests are welcome for a short spa getaway or an extended wellness program (some stay for as long as 21 days). Programs are designed by a team of Ayurvedic doctors, nutritionists, yoga instructors, chefs and more, and can be as rigorous or relaxing as you choose. In between spa treatments and yoga classes, guests can hike in the hills to nearby temples, attend lectures or sunbathe by the pool in peace.
Santorini, Greece
Set in stunning Santorini, Andronis Concept perfectly blends rejuvenation and romance. On a quiet hiking road between Oia and Fira, this serene setting offers an escape from Santorini’s crowds, even at high season. All suites and villas have their own balconies and infinity pools for total privacy. The Kallos Spa offers massages, facials, therapeutic relaxation programs and scrubs in the hammam. Days are filled with outdoor yoga classes, guided meditations, sailing, sunbathing and watching the sunset over healthy and delicious Greek cuisine.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Set on the beautiful Riviera Maya, Chablé Maroma is a wellness destination for beach lovers. As a plush beach resort and acclaimed wellness destination, guests are welcome to relax by the pool with a margarita in hand or delve into the Mayan-inspired spa program. There are yoga classes on the beach deck, a variety of fitness classes and an inspiring list of spa journeys rooted in ancient Mayan traditions such as the temazcal ceremony. The culinary program was designed by chef Jorge Vallejo, whose Mexico City restaurant is 11th on the list of Best Restaurants in the World.
Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
Surrounded by jungle on the Yucatán Peninsula, Chablé Resort’s integrated wellness program is based on Mayan mysticism. The property is set in a beautifully restored hacienda from the 17th century. The spa is built around a cenote, or a natural cave that’s filled with mineral-rich waters. Guests can immerse themselves in traditional Mayan rituals, sweat sessions in the traditional temazcal saunas, and yoga classes.
Hampshire, UK
Just outside of London, Heckfield Place is a dreamy escape from the city or a destination all its own. Housed in a beautifully restored Georgian home, Heckfield Place offers countryside idyll with contemporary style. While a few days in the countryside is restorative in itself, Heckfield Place has the power to transform. There are treatments in the Little Bothy Spa, bespoke fitness recommendations from Bodyism and healthy, local cuisine. Heckfield Place features its own Home Farm, where guests can meet the gardeners and horticulturists and learn about the importance of biodynamic growing.
Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica
If the wilderness calls, Kasiiya is the answer. The newly-opened property is set on 123 acres of forest and private beach on Costa Rica’s lush Papagayo Peninsula. With only five eco-friendly suites, Kasiiya offers a wonderfully private experience. Guests are invited to create their own experience, with the help of dedicated team members. In addition to yoga, water sports and spa treatments, there are movement sessions with the Movement Specialist in the “Jungle Gym.” These sessions offer an opportunity for guests to reconnect with nature using their bodies.
Suzhou, China
Set just outside of Shanghai, SANGHA Retreat offers transformative wellness programs designed by a team of experts in Eastern wisdom and Western science. That includes physicians, physiotherapists, life coaches, nutritionists, mindfulness practitioners and more. Days are spent with meditations and treatments in the 65,000-square-foot spa, lectures, yoga and Qiqong classes and meals designed by a Michelin-starred chef. One of the most special offerings is the Ancient Chinese Wisdom program, which combines Huangdi Neijing with Western medicine.
Water Mill, New York
Just 90 minutes from New York City (maybe less without the summer traffic), Shou Sugi Ban House is a peaceful oasis in the Hamptons. The grounds are ideal for strolling and reflecting, with Japanese gardens, reflective pools, fountains, and sculptures. They offer personalized wellness retreats, including their Custom Escape. In this program, guests work with the skilled team to craft an experience that blends disciplines to suit each individual’s needs, whether that’s a restful retreat or a transformative experience.
Bodrum, Turkey
Just across the bay from Bodrum, Six Senses Kaplankaya offers Turkish Riviera glamour alongside the award-winning Six Senses wellness program. Whether you’re seeking a massage before dinner or a full-fledged detox, the team can make it happen. There are anti-aging programs, hydrothermal treatments, high-tech wellness screenings and Ayurvedic programs. It’s worth getting off property, too. Two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, are a day trip away.
10: Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas
Worldwide
Is the destination your heart desires not on this list? Six Senses Worldwide offers wellness programs in their 18 properties around the globe. For those in need of rest, the Sleep with Six Senses program was developed in collaboration with a respected Sleep Doctor. In addition to the best bedding, guests can work with a trained Six Senses Sleep Ambassador, who assess the quality of their sleep using monitors and gives personalized recommendations. The Eat with Six Senses program, implemented across Six Senses properties, ensures that food is both nutritious and delicious and uses local ingredients whenever possible.
There’s more wellness where this came from. Contact Hidden Doorways at mail@hiddendoorwaystravel.com to book your wellness retreat and reset for 2020.
