Craving a getaway to get back to yourself? Here are 15 of our favourite boutique spa hotels and wellness retreats for body, mind and soul.
The term ‘wellness retreat’ once conjured up visions of cucumber circles, broth-based menus and strict treatment itineraries. Now, wellness tourism has outgrown the confines of the humble spa to encompass a more holistic and mindful approach to wellbeing.
Along with a physical reset, today’s travellers are increasingly seeking out mental, emotional, spiritual and social rejuvenation – a complete and utter escape. While a good spa may be at the centre of it all, forest bathing, digital detox, ancient therapies, farm-to-table fare, and meditation have joined yoga and massage as standard.
When we choose wellness retreats for our handpicked collection, we look for all of the above and more: hidden havens with artful spaces, a sustainable ethos, and uncompromising luxury. A place to fit whatever break you need, whether that’s an indulgent lover’s weekend, a solo trip of self-discovery, a country hotel break, or a restorative family getaway.
Here’s a roundup of our favourite spa hotels around the world that have something for everyone.
JUMP TO: THE UK | EUROPE | FURTHER AFIELD
The UK
Middleton Lodge Estate, Yorkshire
Few could find fault with Middleton Lodge Estate, a grand Georgian manor with 200 acres of lush woodland. There’s a fragrant kitchen garden, luxurious rooms with deep roll-top tubs, two atmospheric restaurants and a large, heated outdoor pool – all surrounded by lush scenery. You’ll happily lose hours in Forest Spa, with a spring water hot tub, saunas and plunge pool, plus a range of treatments using organic botanical products.
Best for: epicureans, ramblers, nature lovers, aesthetes
Lime Wood, Hampshire
Chances are, you’ve heard of this regency-style country house in the heart of the New Forest. Lime Wood‘s Herb House spa is a palazzo in and of itself, with 10 treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, a mud house, a Caldarium, a steam room and a rooftop sun deck. And though it’s terribly romantic, kids and families (and even dogs in some rooms) are very well catered for.
Best for: Families, couples, forest bathers, dog lovers
Monachyle Mhor, Scotland
Escape into the wild at this relaxed, family-run gourmet retreat at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands with a range of rooms and a couple of romantic eco-cabins set into the lush, green landscape. At Monachyle Mhor, they take holistic wellness to the next level with unique, nature-based activities such as bee therapy, mushroom foraging, a lochside sauna and swim experience and more.
Best for: Nature lovers, ramblers, adventurers, foodies
No.15 by GuestHouse, Bath
If you’re after a quick weekend getaway, No. 15 by GuestHouse is the perfect haven of serenity dab-smack in the middle of beautiful and historic Bath. Wander out for some sightseeing, then slink back to their intimate spa for a steam, a soak or a massage. If you want the spa experience without leaving your room, book the garden-level Hideout, half of which is a private marble mini-spa, with a 3-foot-deep hot tub and a glassed-in steam room.
Best for: Culture vultures, weekenders, history buffs, townies
Europe
Ecohotel El Agua, Tenerife
If you’re looking for a little more privacy and independence with all the benefits of a boutique spa retreat, this sun-baked 1-bed villa in Tenerife is the dream. At Ecohotel El Agua, there’s a cave restaurant serving up organic vegan and vegetarian food, an underground spa and al fresco yoga areas tucked into the olive grove. Not to mention a range of holistic wellbeing offerings such as meditation, detoxing, personal training and breathwork.
Best for: Couples, yogis, sun worshippers, vegetarians
Son Brull Hotel and Spa, Mallorca
Once a Jesuit monastery, Son Brull has held onto its slow, meditative appeal. But now, a shimmering heated infinity pool overlooks the valley, and double daybeds with wafting muslin drapes line the decking. It’s a splurge, to be sure, but well worth it. There’s a well-equipped spa, homegrown food, luxe rooms, a daily complimentary yoga class and lots of spoiling extras. Perfect for a romantic getaway.
Best for: Special occasions, foodies, loungers, pleasure-seekers
Quinta da Casa Branca, Madeira
There are no gimmicks and flashy tricks at Quinta da Casa Branca, just contemporary refinement, old-world glamour, and the Madeira sun shining down. There are two heated pools, a fine-dining restaurant, a casual bistro, and the beautiful Frangipani Spa; all surrounded by tropical gardens and just a 15-minute walk from fun Funchal. Sure, it’s romantic – but it’s also a great splurge for friends looking to treat themselves.
Best for: Romantics, VIPs, foodies, silence seekers
Instants d’Absolu, Auvergne
The Auvergne region is wild and mountainous, serving as a majestic backdrop to the back-to-nature getaway of your dreams. While it’s not entirely off-grid, wifi is limited at Instants d’Absolu, making it the perfect spot to escape your screens. Go on bracing rambles, fill up on farm-to-table food, and be wrapped in local volcanic clay until you emerge renewed.
Best for: Explorers, epicureans, walkers, recluses
Hotel Miramonte, Austria
With glorious mountain views, plenty of crisp, Alpine air, and a spacious spa perfect for a post-ski soak, Hotel Miramonte is sure to put the colour back in your cheeks. Start the morning with a yoga class (twice daily; included in your rate), fill up on healthy, delicious food and soak in Bad Gastein’s famous hot spring bubbling right into the hotel. Need more inspiration? Read all about our Digital Marketing Executive’s wellness break in the Austrian Alps.
Best for: Old romantics, foodies, ski lovers, art enthusiasts
Further afield
Villa des Orangers, Marrakech
A serene and luxurious haven in the midst of colourful, chaotic Marrakech, Villa des Orangers goes all out with sumptuous spa treatments, a large hammam and two pools – one of them on the roof. It’s the perfect spot for some retail therapy in the souks followed by some much needed pampering in the spa.
Best for: Couples, culture vultures, pleasure mongers, snake charmers
Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman
Health and well-being is front of mind in this luxurious beach resort, from the variety of food sourced from the organic farm and garden to the sensational spa and its team of wellness consultants. Sustainability is considered in every detail too, with a ban on single-use plastics and a commitment to the local community.
Best for: Families, sun worshippers, high-fliers, beach bums
Our Habitas Bacalar, Mexico
Tucked into the Lagoon of the Seven Colours in southeast Mexico, Our Habitas Bacalar is a high-end, adults-only wellness centre, and a paean to all things holistic. There are daily mindful activities like yoga and breathing workshops, a plethora of spa treatments, ancient wellness techniques and therapies including Janzu and Tamazcal ceremonies, plus the lagoon activities such as swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding. Their on-site five-star restaurant specialises in plant-based meals and the entire complex is built and run on a sustainability ethos.
Best for: Explorers, bohemians, nature lovers, yogis
Kamalaya, Koh Samui
You may not expect to find a ‘wellness sanctuary’ on the party island of Koh Samui, but the beautifully secluded Kamalaya combines wellness, luxury and spirituality for the ultimate cleanse. With steam rooms, rock pools, massage beds, yoga pavilions, tai chi classes and even a monk’s cave for meditation, it’s a complete and total reset.
Best for: Spiritual seekers, sun worshippers, loungers, recovering hedonists
Desa Seni Baturiti, Bali
It may be lacking the sauna and thermal baths, but Desa Seni is a serene spa in and of itself. A budget friendly escape in the Balinese countryside, this cluster of reclaimed teakwood eco-cottages offers spa treatments, yoga classes, garden-fresh food, and refined, homespun design that inspires meditation and utter relaxation.
Best for: Budget travellers, solo explorers, spiritual seekers, yogis
Avana Retreat, Vietnam
Set beside a waterfall in Vietnam’s mountainous north, this stunning nature retreat is the perfect place to let go. Immerse yourself in local hill tribe culture, trek in the flower-strewn valleys, and then let your worries float away in the tiered Cloud Pool or the hidden spring-fed lagoon surrounded by jungle. Then traipse over wooden walkways to Orchid Spa, where they offer holistic treatments using natural and local organic herbs and oils.
Best for: Culture vultures, families, eco-warriors, nature lovers