Are you caught up in the trappings of the daily rat race and succumbing to a hectic job that robs you of valuable ‘me’ time? Sounds familiar? Then give yourself some much-deserved time out to recharge on a regular basis and to face life’s challenges again with renewed vitality and wellbeing. Vivienne Tang lists Asia’s most-loved transformational retreats around the region
1. Comprehensive Detox at Kamalaya Koh Samui, Koh Samui, Thailand
7 to 14 Nights
The most popular program at Kamalaya is without a doubt its seven-night Comprehensive Detox & Rejuvenation Program. Being the most effective retreat, it is also the most intensive one and is only recommended for experienced detoxers, rather than first-timers. The programme includes daily therapies, such as colonics, massages and fitness activities, and comes with nutritional supplements and healthy meals. It is an integrated approach, fusing Eastern and Western medical traditions, to create a foundation for optimum health and to experience the ‘lightness of being’. Kamalaya also offers a popular Sleep Retreat to improve your sleep cycle and get that much needed shut-eye.
See also: Top 8 Wellness Retreats in Hong Kong
2. Game – Into the Wild at Woods At Sasan, Gujarat, India
3 Nights
With Game Into the Wild at Woods At Sasan, a modern retreat in Sasan Gir forest in Gujarat, guests can observe the ‘Life of the Land’ through carefully curated experiences. Known to be among the finest destinations for birding, safaris (Sasan Gir is the only place to see the Asiatic Lions) and transformative game drives, Sasan Gir also draws from its sumptuous local cuisine and cultural traditions. This retreat offers a chance to explore these unique nature immersive escapades like never before. From luxury ‘Escorted Safaris’ with Naturalists in a private open gypsy, to BBQ dinners by the pit, one can go on a beaded journey for a stimulating yet restful stay in the Mango Orchard. Mornings may often begin with a breakfast under the open sky, as guests listen to the tales of the land together with its head naturalist. With its thoughtfully designed luxury escapes, guests will witness the rare wildlife of the Gir forest. Guests can journey inwards with artfully created meals and relieve themselves of the daily drain through personalized therapies and wellbeing treatments, supplementing their journey of adventure with holistic wellbeing.
See also: Top 10 Luxury Wellness Retreats in the World
3. Authentic Eastern Program at RAKxa Wellness, Bangkok, Thailand
3 Nights
Located on Bangkok’s preserved ‘Green Lung’, RAKxa is a beautiful oasis nestled along the Chao Phraya River, a mere 20 minutes from Bangkok. RAKxa’s 3-Night Authentic Eastern program aims to restore and rebalance your health to ensure your physical and mental wellbeing are at their optimum level. A comprehensive blend of Eastern remedies, therapeutic massages, and physiotherapy in its medical gym, this program purposely removes toxins from your body and resets your immune system. RAKxa’s wellness programs are designed by world-class medical doctors from VitalLife (a subsidiary of Bumrungrad International Hospital) and traditional healing experts from the fields of Traditional Thai Medicine (TTM), Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Ayurveda.
4. Refresh, Rejuvenate, Revive at Song Saa Private Island, Aun Island, Cambodia
5 or 7 Nights
Song Saa’s wellness retreats are already proving to be a much-loved addition to the private island’s spectacular offerings. Currently the resort offers three programmes, Refresh, Revive and Rejuventae, with the latter being the most popular one. It is cleansing and empowering, allowing you to take control of your health, creating a base for well-being and happiness. The retreat includes diet, physical activities (paddle boarding, yoga, Buddhist blessing, Khmer cooking class), as well as indulgent massages and baths to purify and detoxify. Song Saa is the perfect place to detach from the outer world and give yourself some much-needed time out.
See also: Best Wellness Retreats in Bali
5. Bespoke Retreat at COMO Shambhala Estate, Bali, Indonesia
3 to 8 Nights
Being COMO’s flagship as well as a wellness oasis with a number of luxurious villas, the COMO Shambhala Estate’s unique location adds a magical healing touch to any retreat you decide to book yourself in for. However, the Bespoke Retreat is ideal if you want to relieve stress, restore optimal well-being or simply prevent and treat a range of illnesses. During the programme the resident Ayurvedic doctor helps you to create a comprehensive healing itinerary based on your needs to restore well-being by balancing your physical and emotional energy systems. The individual diagnosis-based protocol includes three spa treatments, nutritional therapy, hydrotherapy, Pilates, meditation and rice-paddy treks. You will also get to eat from the award-winning COMO Shambhala Cuisine menu.
See also: Voyemo Raises the Bar for LGBTQ Travel
6. Signature Rejuvenation Retreat, Panca Mahabhuta at Fivelements, Puri Ahimsa, Bali, Indonesia
3 to 14 Nights
No matter which retreat at Fivelements you decide to go for, be prepared for a transformation. However, its signature retreat, which you definitely need to experience at least once, is the Panca Mahabhuta (five elements), a life-altering programme for rejuvenation, replenishment and alignment. The programme includes Balinese-inspired healing therapies, such as rituals for purification, balancing and regeneration, as well as an array of scrumptious living foods and sacred arts, all designed to allow your highest potential and an organic healing to unfold on physical, emotional and spiritual levels. The retreat is available for individuals, couples and small groups and can take three to 21 nights, depending on the guest’s needs. For a more intense cleansing programme, which takes transformation to the next level, opt for the Signature Detox Retreat, Tri Kaya Parisudha.
See also: Top 12 Wellness Getaways in the Philippines
7. Weight Management at The Farm at San Benito, Batangas, Philippines
6 Nights
The Farm cleverly fuses detoxes and holistic treatments with integrated medical services. Therefore, this makeover retreat works its magic from the inside out. During this six-night detox you can experience The Farm’s award-winning raw, vegan and super delicious cuisine. Start the programme with a blood analysis, followed by a number of treatments, including acupuncture, reflexology, colonics, massages, body salt baths, a fitness evaluation, cardio classes, yoga, meditation and much more. All treatments are scheduled carefully to break down fat and support weight loss, and detoxification occurs naturally during this programme, due to the fresh, organic meals and juices. Leave with an improved sense of well-being, clearer and smoother skin, newly gained nutritional advice and several pounds lighter.
See also: 5 Online Retreats to Sign Up for Now
8. Wellbeing Holidays at MesaStila, Java, Indonesia
2 Nights
MesaStila is a hidden gem tucked away in the forests of Java. Located on a coffee plantation with colonial buildings, the estate is a luxurious haven that also boasts its very own Hammam Spa. The property offers year-round wellness programmes and also invites visiting practitioners to host special retreats. Reconnect with body and mind during this two-night stay, while taking in the stunning environment at MesaStila. The retreat includes spa treatments, daily yoga, afternoon tea and a coffee plantation tour.
See also: 12 Luxury Wellness Retreats in Europe
9. Gwinganna Detox at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, Queensland, Australia
7 Nights
Located on a plateau, surrounded by ocean and valley views, with over 200 hectares to explore, Gwinganna creates the perfect environment for a retreat. Guests can choose from a number of retreats that incorporate morning hikes, organic meals, including seafood and chicken, wellness seminars, spa treatments and a vast range of holistic sessions, such as reiki, kinesiology, qigong, naturopathy and much more. Dubbed the Rolls Royce of retreats, the Gwinganna Detox is the property’s most-loved programme. It cleanses, regenerates and renews, allowing your body to ‘catch up’, leaving you with a clearer understanding of your body’s needs.
See also: A Wellness Retreat in Siem Reap – The Seven Ways of Enlightenment
10. Yoga Holiday at Absolute Sanctuary, Koh Samui, Thailand
5 to 10 Nights
Absolute Sanctuary offers a number of retreats, such as its Anti Stress & Burnout Packages, Detox Programs and newly launched Pilates Reformer Bootcamp Holidays, but the core of the brand still remains its dedication to yoga. Enjoy their signature Yoga Holiday package and indulge in various yoga styles, including their very own Hot Yoga and Absolute Fit sequences, which are uniquely designed to burn fat and tone the body. During the retreat, yoga classes are unlimited and guests can also enjoy à la carte vegetarian meals, Thai massage and colon hydrotherapy sessions.
See also: Koh Samui Wellness Guide
