Destinations
Eight amazing yoga and spa destinations
We all need a break from everyday life once in a while. Maybe a journey that's just for you is exactly what you need? Here are eight magical yoga and spa destinations.
Gita Simonsen
Meditation, exercise, healthy food, and a break from screens in beautiful surroundings can brighten up your everyday life and clear your mind. A yoga or wellness journey may be just what the doctor ordered.
It's trendy to take care of yourself.
Wellness and yoga tourism has really taken off in the last ten years and the trend is expected to continue to grow at a tremendous pace. Many people are now spending their holidays finding peace and realising themselves. There are a number of different package tours and retreats you can go on. Regardless of your level, there is truly something for everyone.
We've done the research and can now share our tips for luxurious retreats around the world, no matter what time of year you need to get away.
EXCLUSIVE HOT SPRINGS
Just an hour away from Zürich, in Bad Ragaz, you'll find the 5-star resort Grand Resort Bad Ragaz. The resort is built around a hot spring that was discovered way back in 1242.
Switzerland, Bad Ragaz - long spa traditions and Michelin-starred restaurants
Switzerland is one of Europe's most exclusive countries, with expensive watches, excellent cheeses, and majestic Alps. Just an hour away from Zürich, in Bad Ragaz, you'll find the 5-star resort Grand Resort Bad Ragaz. The resort is built around a hot spring that was discovered way back in 1242. The hotel has a complete focus on health and wellness and is beautifully situated amidst mountains and beautiful nature. The hotel and treatments are tailor-made for healing, preventive medicine, and self-discovery.
The Grand Resort Bad Ragaz has developed its very own form of treatment called the New You Method, which focuses on providing balance to the body and mind. The thermal spa offers a variety of different pools, all of which use thermal water at body temperature. In addition to the treatment, there are also as many as seven restaurants on site, with no less than six Michelin stars between them. There are also three bars, a sushi takeaway, a bistro and a café. If you feel the need for more activities, there are also two golf courses on site and a separate casino.
MIAMI WELLNESS
If you want to explore one of the liveliest cities in the United States, but at the same time want peace and well-being, Carillon Miami Wellness Resort is a great option.
USA, Miami - big city and relaxation
The United States has become a major destination for wellness retreats. There are a number of yoga and wellness centres scattered throughout the country, with a variety of different approaches and price ranges. If you want to explore one of the liveliest cities in the United States, but at the same time want peace and well-being, Carillon Miami Wellness Resort is a great option.
The resort offers 4-star luxury apartments. The apartments have one or two bedrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, and fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Miami's world-renowned skyline. Carillon offers package solutions with a variety of treatments and access to spas and fitness facilities. The resort offers a mix of Western, Eastern, alternative and aesthetic medicine. Here, you pay for the destination itself, as well as its excellent modern facilities and extensive experience in treatments.
EMPIRE OF THE SAMURAI
Samurai came here in the 1200s for healing after battle and war. Today, we can enjoy exactly the same hot springs as the samurai did, but in a somewhat more exclusive setting.
Japan, Beppu - natural hot springs
In the southern island of Kyushu in Japan, you will find Beppu. This is one of Japan's most famous areas for hot springs, the properties of which have been known for many centuries. Samurai came here in the 1200s for healing after battle and war. Today, we can enjoy exactly the same hot springs as the samurai did, but in a somewhat more exclusive setting. The ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort and Spa offers 5-star luxury in natural surroundings overlooking Beppu. The hotel offers 89 rooms as well as suites for those who want a little extra luxury. The hotel has three restaurants and three lounges/cafés serving snacks, light meals, and drinks.
In addition to fitness facilities, an infinity pool, and spa treatments ,the hotel also offers two traditional onsen, which are natural hot springs: one for women and one for men. It also has private onsens for whole families.
PURA VIDA
Pura Vida is a well-established concept in Costa Rica's everyday language. Directly translated, it means "pure life", but in practice it's a lifestyle.
Costa Rica - Pura vida - pure life in beautiful surroundings
Pura Vida is a well-established concept in Costa Rica's everyday language. Directly translated, it means "pure life", but in practice it's a lifestyle. The phrase means that one should find peace and enjoy the simple aspects of life - be grateful for what one has and not dwell on negativity. The lifestyle seems to work in Costa Rica, which is consistently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world.
Pura Vida Adventures embraces this and has created programmes that people from all over the world can sign up for. The retreat is located on the beach in beautiful surroundings. The programmes last for one week and focus mainly on surfing. The surf course is suitable for all levels, so you can participate whether you are a landlubber or an experienced surfer. In addition, yoga classes are offered every single day, and the whole package includes three meals a day that are adapted to your diet. Some of Pura Vida Adventures programmes are exclusively for women, but it also hosts Co-ed programmes.
FIVE ELEMENTS
The Fivelements Retreat Bali is a five-star resort and a lovely place to spend a few weeks seeking balance and tranquillity.
Indonesia, Bali - an island paradise
Bali has long been a top destination for surfers, backpackers and yoga lovers, and not without reason. On the coast, beautiful beaches stretch around the entire island, while further into the mainland lies the jungle and large rice fields. Ubud is a popular destination for visitors who want to experience more of nature and local culture. Most of the resorts that offer wellness and yoga are located in the city.
The Fivelements Retreat Bali is a five-star resort and a lovely place to spend a few weeks seeking balance and tranquillity. Fivelements has a focus and expertise on a variety of treatments and wellness offers. Here, you can tailor your stay to what suits you best or choose one of its packages - whether it is holistic treatment, detox and a focus on diet, or yoga. Fivelements Bali has a plant based menu, with lots of exciting options. At the resort, you get good value for money, and Bali is generally an affordable place to holiday.
KOH SAMUI
Kamalaya is a luxurious wellness and spa hotel that offers a range of treatments related to stress relief, detox, dieting, fitness, and yoga. Owner Karina Stewart is a specialist in Chinese medicine.
Thailand, Koh Samui – ready for a detox?
Thailand has something for everyone. Whether you go on a trip with friends, partner or family, or to find peace and meditate on your own. There are many amazing places in Thailand that each have their own charm. Koh Samui is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, in the province of Surat Thani in southern Thailand. Tucked away in a lush valley, overlooking southern Koh Samui, lies Kamalaya.
Kamalaya is a luxurious wellness and spa hotel that offers a range of treatments related to stress relief, detox, dieting, fitness, and yoga. Owner Karina Stewart is a specialist in Chinese medicine, and several of the therapists are former monks. Here, they also focus on vegetarian and vegan food.
ARO HA
Aro Ha is an award-winning resort where wellness and luxury go hand in hand – all included.
New Zealand, Queenstown - a different kind of destination
New Zealand is an exciting destination that may not be on everyone's radar. The country is well known for its spectacular scenery, and it's perhaps no wonder that The Lord of the Rings chose New Zealand as its filming location. The South Island is reminiscent of Scandinavian nature - only more tropical.
New Zealand has several exciting cities, including Queenstown, located on the Southern Island. A 40 minute drive from the city will take you to Aro Ha, an award-winning resort where wellness and luxury go hand in hand. Here, you can sign up for a programme that lasts about a week, where everything is included: food, activities, and treatments.
YOGAENS HJEMLAND
Luksusspaet Ananda i Himalaya kan smykke seg med fem stjerner og tilbyr behandlingsformer med prinsipper fra Østen og Vesten.
India, the Himalayas – the homeland of yoga
It is impossible not to highlight India as a destination for well-being and health. India is the homeland of yoga, which is a central part of the philosophy of Hinduism and Buddhism. Yoga has been practised here for almost 5,000 years. There are very many retreats in India. One of the most beautiful is Ananda, located in the Himalayas, the birthplace of yoga.
The luxury spa boasts five stars and offers treatments with principles from the East and West. Here, there is a special focus on Ayurveda and yoga, along with modern spa treatments. The resort is located outside New Delhi and has a great view of the Ganges River and the mountainside. Ananda's wellness programmes include detox, Ayurvedic rejuvenation, weight management, stress management, Yogic Detox, Ananda Yoga, Ananda Renew, and Ananda Active.
Enjoy your YOGA DESTINATION
Gita Simonsen