1 Ananda in the Himalayas, India
The Himalayas are the perfect place to experience peace. Ananda is a haven if you seek a truly transformative experience.
This retreat seamlessly integrates traditional Ayurvedic practices with modern wellness therapies. Here you can join daily yoga and meditation sessions guided by experts.
The Ayurvedic spa offers traditional dosha consultations, full body massages, emotional wellness sessions, physiotherapy and personalised nutrition plans. The spa is the ideal place to find rest and relaxation, balancing your body and mind.
A typical day at Ananda begins with movement. Enjoy morning yoga on the lawn or opt for a hike up to the temples – this was truly my favourite part of the whole experience.
Spend the rest of the day stretching, attending motivational talks and enjoying spa treatments before ending in the fitness centre. Fill your evenings with cooking classes, meditation sessions and learning about Vedanta, one of the six orthodox traditions of Hindu philosophy.
Beyond these structured activities, the natural beauty surrounding Ananda is crucial to the rejuvenation process.
Walking through the lush gardens and soaking in the panoramic mountain views instils peace. If you need a restorative experience, the physical treatments and quiet environment will provide just that.
2 Sha Wellness Clinic, Spain
What better place to experience peace than the Mediterranean? Spain gets approximately 3,000 hours of sunshine each year, making it one of the best places for a health retreat.
As someone who thrives on sunlight, I completely understand why the Sha Wellness Clinic in Sierra Helada Natural Park near Alicante is one of the world’s best health and wellness retreats.
It’s renowned for its advanced medical therapies from experts. The holistic experience combines detox programs with state-of-the-art treatments focusing on nutrition, fitness, stress management and sexual health. The tranquil surroundings and attentive staff ensure a restorative stay.
A highlight at Sha is the personalised attention from the medical team. Comprehensive health assessments provide insights into your general well-being, allowing the experts to create personal treatments for each guest.
3 Aro Ha, New Zealand
Located amid New Zealand’s Southern Alps, Aro Ha in Glenorchy offers a transformative wellness adventure.
The retreat’s programs emphasise mindfulness, movement and plant-based nutrition. Plant-based foods are not just good for you, but they’re packed with flavour when prepared the right way.
Delicious grilled veggies take on the wood-fired grill’s smoky and savory flavours, as well as the tasty seasonings.
Partake in hikes, yoga classes and strength training, all while enjoying nutrient-dense meals. The combination of daily exercise and mindfulness can rejuvenate your body and sharpen your mind.
Aro Ha has a deep commitment to sustainability. Its eco-friendly practices – from energy-efficient buildings to organic gardens – demonstrate the connection between personal wellness and environmental health.
4 Cederberg Mountain Retreat, South Africa
A few nights spent in mountains formed as long as 300 million years ago is the ideal setting for a deep physical and mental reset.
This retreat focuses on reconnecting with nature through guided mountain hikes, mindfulness practices, outdoor yoga sessions and relaxing in a hammock.
We began each day with tea or coffee, followed by a wholesome breakfast of fresh fruit and granola bowls.
Meals incorporate locally sourced, organic ingredients designed to nourish your body. Sign up for healthy living and stress management workshops to learn about living your best life.
5 The Ranch, Malibu, USA
Wake up on the beachfront at the Ranch retreat in Malibu. As a fitness lover, this one stands out for me. Known for its rigorous boot camp-style programs, this retreat challenges you to push your physical limits.
A week at The Ranch is filled with intense hikes, strength and conditioning workouts, and organic, plant-based meals.
You can see noticeable improvements in your fitness levels through the structured – but demanding – regimen. A nap is scheduled each day, so don’t stress about not getting enough rest.
The socialisation and bonding among the participants is another aspect adding to The Ranch experience. Sharing the challenges and triumphs of the intense schedule creates strong bonds and mutual support.
The sense of community, coupled with the memorable natural surroundings, makes the physical intensity of the program much more manageable and enjoyable.
My journey through these health and wellness retreats was nothing short of transformative. Each venue offered a distinct approach to well-being, rooted in its cultural and natural context.
Regardless of where you choose to experience one of the best health and wellness retreats, there’s beauty to discover in every corner of the world.
