The eggnog, the pies, the champagne! If post-holiday guilt has sent you into 2012 with a New Year's resolution list as long as the Nile, then take a time out with a detox holiday (with or without the kiddies). Little Steps has sussed out the coolest detox holiday spots in Southeast Asia from the hills of the Himalayas to the beaches of Thailand and coffee plantations of Java and beyond. Om, yes!
Nestled in the verdant foothills of the Himalayas, Ananda is an award-winning luxury spa and resort on the stunning grounds of a former palace that once welcomed Viceroys and now welcomes those seeking to slow down, relax, and be healthy. Yoga, golf, spa treatments, cultural programs, nature walks, white water rafting, ayurveda workshops, and so much more are available.
Ananda in the Himalayas, The Palace Estate, Narendra Nagar, Tehri - Garhwal, Uttaranchal, 249175, India, +91 1378 227500, reservation@anandaspa.com, anandaspa.com. Children under 14 years old are not allowed.
Go green with this charming and environmentally friendly resort situated in a rustic village (a complete escape!). Vedana Spa is packed full of goodies including detox massages, Indochinese wraps, face acupuncture, baby massage, and traditional belly wraps. Activities include yoga (including kids yoga), Tai Chi, and healthy cooking classes.
Pilgrimage Village, 130 Minh Mang Road, Hue, Vietnam, www.pilgrimagevillage.com
The exclusive Kamalaya wellness sanctuary and holistic spa resort is centered around a former monk's cave with a private beach. The programs include detox, yoga, stress and burnout, fitness and weight control. Book the beachfront pool villa if you want some romantic R&R - or a two-bedroom villa if you're bringing the kids.
Kamalaya, Koh Samui, Thailand, +66 (0) 77 429 800, www.kamalaya.com. Children are allowed, but special provisions are not provided, and those under 16 are not allowed in the wellness sanctuary.
Absolute Sanctuary is the place to go for a personal time out to get healthy. The all-inclusive resort offers tailor-made detox programs for the new and experienced, top notch yoga classes throughout the day, a "bar" serving fresh squeezed juices and young coconuts, and great spa treatments (the al fresco Thai massage is a must!). Yoga teacher training courses are available year round.
Absolute Sanctuary, Koh Samui, Thailand, +6677 601 190, bookings@absolutesanctuary.com, www.absolutesanctuary.com. Children are not allowed.
The Farm at San Benito, located an easy 90 minute drive south of Manila, features an award-winning spa and integrative medical center, gorgeous pools overlooking the lush green jungle and majestic mountains, an organic farm for the kids to explore, healthy veggie restaurant (meat eaters will love it - we promise!), beautiful accommodations, activities for kids, and so much more!
The Farm at San Benito, 119 Barangay Tipakan, 4217 Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines, +63 2 884 8074, wellness@thefarm.com.ph, www.thefarm.com.ph
Formerly known as Losari Spa Retreat & Coffee Plantation, MesaStila is nestled in a coffee plantation and promotes healthy eating, fitness, and spa rejuvenation. Get fit with bootcamp training, power yoga and Javanese martial art or chill out in the spa that houses South East Asia’s only authentic Hammam. Traveling with the fam? Book a 1 to 5 bedroom villa and send the kiddie to play in the Kids Club while you hit the spa.
MesaStila, Po.Box 108 Magelang 56100, Central Java, Indonesia, +62 298 596 333, info@losaricoffeeplantation.com, www.losaricoffeeplantation.com
No time to take a detox holiday? DIY at home! I-detox is a detox center in Hong Kong that also ships their full range of products to your door. At the center, get an assessment, set personal goals with a coach, and then proceed with virtual tools and ongoing wellness support. They also offer family nutrition education and detox programs for those gearing up to conceive.
i-Detox, Suite 12A, Carfield Commercial Building, 77, Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 3904 1072, office@i-detox.com, integrative-living.com
Located in a remote spot on the north east tip of Bali, The Golden Rock Retreat offers programs with an emphasis on Feng Shui, nutrition, fasting, yoga, and meditation, and specialise in programs that combine modern equipment with ancient and traditional therapies using yoga, meditation and chi gung to integrate the entire process. We love that you can see the volcanoes of Lombok from the retreat.
Golden Rock Retreat, +62 828 9700 8592, info@theretreatbali.com, www.theretreatbali.com
Slip into a Six Senses Spa and it is hard to leave! An easy trip from Bangkok, Evason Hua Hin offers spa programs that can be tailored to mom, dad, and kids 12 and over. Check out their Just Kids program for young vacationers. Closely supervised "sleepovers" are arranged nightly to give parents the Resort to themselves. Genius!
Evason Hua Hin, 9 Moo 5 Paknampran Beach, Pranburi, Prachuap Khirikhan, Thailand, reso-huahin@evasonresorts.com, www.sixsenses.com
The 10-suite boutique resort with splendid mountain views in Chiang Mai is a great quiet getaway. Bring the kids and book the Sanctuary Family Suite with two bedrooms, private balcony, and kitchen. Babysitting is available for mom and dad to enjoy the spa or yoga. Want to leave the kids at home? Gather your girlfriends and book a 3 or 4 day retreat or enjoy a getaway on your own.
Jirung Health Village, 99 Moo 7, T. Rim Tai, A. Mae Rim, Chiang Mai, Thailand, +66 5386 15113, info@jirunghealthvillage.com, www.jirunghealthvillage.com
Located just outside Ubud, Como Shambhala Estate offers world class facilities, holistic spa, organic cuisine, and activities like yoga, nature walks, and more that will melt away your worries in no time at all. If the kids are in tow, book the 2-bedroom suite with all the amenities, including cots for wee ones. It's also great for babymoons and post-natal holidays!
Como Shambhala Estate, Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia, +62 361 978 888, info@cse.comoshambhala.bz, www.cse.como.bz
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