For your new year resolution, maybe take some time to celebrate your body with a wellness retreat, go with or without the kiddos. Little Steps has sussed out the coolest detox and wellness resorts in Southeast Asia and around the region from the hills of the Himalayas to the beaches of Thailand and coffee plantations of Java and beyond. Start taking care of your body and soul. Here are the best detox retreats, yoga and wellness resorts, and surf camps for women too.
When it comes to your personal wellness, your experience should be, well, personal! Chiva-Som creates customized wellness retreats inspired by your own self-reflection on how you are, what motivates you, and what your goals are. Each resort is crafted by taking elements of Chiva-Som’s six wellness modalities: physiotherapy, holistic health, nutrition, fitness, spa, and aesthetic beauty. It’s all about you and what you need!
Chiva-Som, 73/4 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand, +66 0 3253 6536, reservation@chivasom.com, www.chivasom.com
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.thefarmatsanbenito.com
If you’re really looking to get away from the world, there’s no better place than a private island! Song Saa Private Island is a sustainable luxury getaway with a deep connection to the natural environment. There’s a wide range of activities on the island in the surrounding waters, from yoga and personal training to snorkeling and diving – and even the option for a night spa wellness massage under the stars! Go solo, with your girlfriends for a getaway, or bring the whole family along to reconnect with yourselves and with nature.
Song Saa Private Island, Song Saa, Koh Rong Archipelago, Near Sihanoukville, Cambodia, +855 92 609 488, reservations@songsaa.com, www.songsaa.com
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, www.anandaspa.com
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
Absolute Sanctuary is the place to go for some individual 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 freshly squeezed juices and young coconuts, and great spa treatments (the alfresco 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.
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 boot camp 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, www.mesahotelsandresorts.com
Located in a remote spot on the northeast tip of Bali, The Retreat offers programs with an emphasis on Feng Shui, nutrition, fasting, yoga, and meditation, and specialize 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.
The Retreat Bali, Aas, Bunutan, Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852, Indonesia, +62 828 9700 8592, info@theretreatbali.com, www.theretreatbali.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, www.comohotels.com/comoshambhalaestate
Bali Goddess Retreats offers a boutique holiday for women of all ages combining health, fitness, culture and lots of spa pampering! Created by women to be a safe and fun vacation for women traveling alone or with friends, Bali Goddess Retreats’ health and wellness programs will ignite your spirit and leave you feeling refreshed and renewed!
Bali Goddess Retreats by Surf Goddess Retreats, Jl. Laksamana, Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia, +1 858 977 0808, www.surfgoddessretreats.com
Located in Canggu, Bliss Sanctuary for Women welcomes women traveling from all over the world. At Bliss Sanctuary, Yoga Programs are tailored to suit each guest’s personal needs. Premier yoga instructors from around the world offer group, as well as private yoga sessions. Other packages like CrossFit Bliss or Womens Surf are also available.
Bliss Sanctuary For Women, Berawa, Canggu, Bali, Indonesia, +61 412 131 040 (text only), www.blisssanctuaryforwomen.com
Located in the hills of Ubud, ONEWORLD Retreats Kumara is by definition a yoga retreat center, where famous artists and writers have been known to have found peace and serenity, Elizabeth Gilbert, the famous author of the bestseller Eat, Pray, Love, to name one. This eco-friendly center offers retreats all year around. Treat yourself to one of their beautifully structured classes and enjoy the spiritual journey!
ONEWORLD Retreats Kumara, Jl. Suweta, Banjar Sambahan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, +62 361 289 752, www.oneworldretreats.com
Got kids? Little Steps Asia gives you the scoop on all the things to do and see with babies, toddlers, and kids in Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bali, Jakarta, Macau, and beyond. From family-friendly hotels, kids and baby shops, the best schools and after school activities, pregnancy tips and meet-ups and more – we have you sorted.
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