As I get older, the urge for a pampering session—whether a facial or a massage—grows stronger by the day. One of the perks of being a travel journalist is discovering and experiencing the most unique wellness treatments hotels have to offer. Depending on where you go, wellness menus vary widely, from a chakra cleanse designed to open your third eye to an enchanting Roman-inspired bathhouse. It’s enough to make you ask your masseuse to add a little extra pressure to finally release that stubborn knot in your shoulder. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the most rejuvenating wellness treatments from around the world.
Ananda (India)
Abhyanga is a signature Ayurvedic massage performed with four hands and is considered a cornerstone of Ayurvedic therapy. Warm, herb-infused oil is applied to the entire body, promoting physical balance, better sleep, and improved eyesight. For a more intense experience, Ananda Spa offers Marma Abhyanga, a treatment that targets marma points—key energy centers where flesh, veins, arteries, tendons, bones, and joints converge, channeling prana (life force).
Les Sources de Caudalie (France)
The Vinothérapie Spa isn’t just an hour session, for the best experience save at least half a day to visit. Grapes and wine take center stage, featuring in the Crushed Cabernet Scrub or a purifying Merlot wrap. Vinothérapie blends natural active ingredients derived from vines and grapes with exceptional treatment rituals, offering unique facial and body care experiences. Beauty enthusiasts may recognize Caudalie, renowned for its skincare range celebrated for antioxidant and anti-aging properties.
Hotel Sacher Spa (Austria)
Can there ever be too much chocolate? Not at the Hotel Sacher Spa. This indulgent beauty treatment is all about chocolate from start to finish. Enjoy a deep-cleansing cocoa peel massage or a luxurious chocolate wrap, followed by a sweet and soothing chocolate-infused body care experience.
Chablé Yucatán (Mexico)
Nestled amid lush greenery, Chablé Yucatán’s wellness experience revolves around a sacred cenote, revered for its restorative energy. This luxurious retreat seamlessly combines ancient Mayan healing traditions with contemporary well-being. Guests can indulge in bespoke treatments infused with local herbs and embrace holistic therapies designed to revitalize the mind, body, and spirit.
Euphoria Retreat (Greece)
If you’re headed to Euphoria Retreat, you know you’re in for a healing getaway. This spa hotel wants guests to rid the roles and expectations of society and simply ‘be’. One of the many signature treatments, the 5 Element Balancing treatment, inspired by the Five Elements Theory from ancient Greek and Chinese medicine, aligns nature’s five categories with human health and behavior. While you’re at the Euphoria Retreat take advantage of the dramatically conceived and highly original spa facilities centered around water and heat. Dip into the Sphere Pool for an ethereal, cleansing experience symbolic of a spiritual rebirth or the Watsu Pool for a personalised aquatic bodywork therapy.
Tierra Atacama (Chile)
Uma Spa at Tierra Atacama offers a rejuvenating wellness experience inspired by the raw beauty of the Atacama Desert. Designed to harmonize body and mind, the spa features breathtaking views, natural therapies, and locally sourced ingredients. Their immersive treatment, combined with the spa’s serene ambiance and holistic ingredients, makes for a truly restorative escape in one of the world’s most jaw-dropping landscapes.
SHA Wellness Clinic (Spain)
SHA Wellness Clinic in Spain is a world-renowned health and wellness retreat located in Alicante, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. SHA offers a variety of treatment programs tailored to individual health goals, including detox and weight loss, stress management, sleep recovery, anti-aging, and optimal well-being. Their comprehensive approach integrates cutting-edge medical treatments, natural therapies, nutrition, and fitness, all led by expert practitioners. Guests can benefit from state-of-the-art therapies such as genetic testing, regenerative medicine, and detox treatments, alongside traditional practices like acupuncture, meditation, and hydrotherapy.
Estelle Manor (England)
Eynsham Baths at Estelle Manor is a luxurious Roman-inspired bathhouse nestled in Oxfordshire, UK. The bathhouse features a series of thermal experiences, including warm and cold plunge pools, heated marble bathing areas, and saunas, all set within a grand space adorned with intricate stonework and ambient lighting. Guests can immerse themselves in a holistic wellness journey, enjoying treatments such as aromatherapy massages, deep tissue therapy, and bespoke facials, all delivered by expert therapists. And when you find yourself looking for a break, head over to the Tea Lounge for a refreshment. The tea menu offers a vast tea program supporting everything from digestion to immunity, alongside light bites and more comforting choices.
