Best Luxury Wellness Retreats Around the World

The most memorable luxury wellness retreats don’t just “help you relax”. They change your rhythm. Sleep comes easier. Your shoulders drop without you asking them to. You leave with habits that fit real life, not a fantasy schedule.

This guide is for travellers who want wellness that feels beautifully supported — the kind where everything is handled quietly in the background, and you can focus on feeling better. We’ve chosen retreats that combine world-class clinicians or holistic experts, inspiring settings, and the sort of discreet luxury that makes you exhale the second you arrive.



One question before we begin: do you want your reset to feel clinical and structured, or soft and soulful? That answer alone can narrow your perfect retreat down to one or two.

And if this sparks a friend’s “we need this” message, please share it with them — wellness is better when you plan it together. According to the Global Wellness Institute, wellness travel continues to grow as travellers prioritise preventative health and meaningful rest.

How we chose these luxury wellness retreats

You’ll see a balance of:

• Medical-led wellness (testing, longevity, evidence-based programmes)
• Traditional healing (Ayurveda, Thai therapies, mind-body work)
• Nature immersion (where the landscape does half the healing)
• Exceptional hospitality (because details matter when you’re depleted)

We’re also keeping this list to five destinations in total across the full article, so each one can be properly explained — not skimmed.

For readers drawn to structured rejuvenation, you may also enjoy our in-depth guide to Top 5 Luxury Wellness Retreats for the Ultimate Rejuvenation, which explores transformative programmes in greater detail.

Destination 1: Spain (Costa Blanca) — structured reset with Mediterranean light

SHA Wellness Clinic (near Alicante)

If your idea of a holiday includes numbers — better blood markers, better sleep scores, better energy — SHA has a loyal following for a reason. It’s one of Europe’s most talked-about wellness addresses, blending a clinic-style approach with a calm, design-led hotel feel, and that bright Mediterranean atmosphere that makes mornings easier.

The vibe: Clean-lined, modern, quietly premium. Days feel purposeful but not punishing.

Best for:

• Burnout recovery
• Weight and metabolic support
• Sleep and stress regulation
• Longevity-focused travellers who like a plan

What a stay can look like (in plain English):

You’ll typically start with consultations and assessments, then move into a rhythm of therapies: nutrition support, movement sessions, targeted treatments, and restorative spa time. The “magic” is the consistency — you’re not deciding what to do; you’re simply following a thoughtful programme.

Signature wellness edge:

SHA is often discussed as a wellness “clinic” as much as a resort, which appeals to guests who want expert guidance rather than a menu of massages. It’s a strong choice if you want your retreat to have structure and measurable direction.

Rooms & spaces:

Expect serene suites with terraces and an abundance of natural light — ideal for when you’re rebuilding your sleep routine. Interiors are designed to feel calming rather than showy.

Food (a big deal here):

Wellness dining can be joyless in the wrong hands. SHA leans into nutrient-dense, lighter dishes designed to support your programme — the kind of food that leaves you satisfied, not sleepy.

How to do it well:

• Consider a minimum of 5–7 nights if you want real momentum.
• Add a few “buffer days” at either end if you’re coming off a demanding period at work.

Awake & Wander tip: Pair SHA with a short, slow-paced coastal add-on — think sea-view downtime and gentle sightseeing — so you return to the UK feeling restored, not rushed.

Explore this with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel:
If SHA is calling your name, we can tailor the right programme length, room category, and flights/transfers so the trip feels smooth from door to door — and we’ll suggest a pacing plan that makes the results last. Browse our latest offers and ideas with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, Where every journey begins with you.

Destination 2: Thailand (Phuket) — tropical calm with next-level service

Amanpuri (Phuket) — refined wellness in a legendary setting

Thailand does wellbeing with an ease that’s hard to copy: warm hospitality, incredible therapists, and that soft tropical air that makes even a short walk feel like meditation. If you want wellness wrapped in iconic luxury, Amanpuri is the sort of place that makes everything feel quieter — from your thoughts to the way you move through the day.

The vibe:

Understated, elegant, deeply private. It’s not a “scene”. It’s sanctuary.

Best for:

• Couples who want wellness without a “bootcamp” feel
• Travellers who value privacy and calm service
• Anyone who wants spa time plus beach time, done properly

What makes it special:

Aman properties are known for detail and restraint — nothing tries too hard. That matters on a wellness break, because overstimulation is often the problem you’re trying to escape. Here, you can keep things simple: mindful movement, deeply skilled treatments, nourishing meals, early nights, and long, unhurried mornings.

Wellness focus to build around:

• Restorative spa therapies and bodywork
• Mindfulness and gentle movement
• Stress reset through routine, sleep, and calm

Rooms & stay experience:

You’ll typically find pavilion-style accommodation with a sense of space and privacy. This is the kind of place where your room becomes part of the therapy — a cool, peaceful retreat between sessions.

Dining:

Thailand is brilliant for lighter, fresher flavours — and in a setting like this, wellness dining doesn’t feel like restriction. It feels like care.

How to do it well:

• Aim for 7 nights if you want that “new nervous system” feeling.
• If you’re sensitive to heat, choose the season carefully and build in slower afternoons.

Awake & Wander tip: Combine Phuket with a second Thai stop that matches your energy — either a quieter island for decompression, or a cultural city break if you find meaning in exploration.

Explore this with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel:

We’ll shape the itinerary so your trip flows — the right flight times, smooth transfers, and a pace that protects your sleep. If you’d like to compare options across luxury wellness retreats in Thailand (including more medical-led programmes), explore more with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel — Where every journey begins with you.

Destination 3: Switzerland (Lake Lucerne) — precision wellness with Alpine calm

Chenot Palace Weggis

Switzerland approaches wellbeing the way it approaches watchmaking: carefully, intelligently, and with absolute respect for detail. Chenot Palace Weggis sits on the edge of Lake Lucerne, framed by mountains, and is widely regarded as one of the most scientifically rigorous luxury wellness retreats in Europe.

The vibe:

Clinical excellence softened by Alpine beauty. Calm, immaculate, reassuring.

Best for:

• Detox and metabolic reset
• Longevity and preventative health
• Guests who want measurable results
• High-performers who struggle to switch off alone

What defines the Chenot Method:

This retreat is built around a structured approach combining diagnostics, targeted treatments, nutrition, and movement. The goal isn’t quick fixes — it’s recalibration. You’re supported every step of the way, which is why many guests return annually.

A typical rhythm:

Days are guided rather than freeform. Expect assessments early on, followed by therapies that may include hydro-aromatherapy, energetic treatments, cryotherapy, and guided movement. The schedule removes decision fatigue — something many guests didn’t realise they were craving.

Rooms & setting:

Rooms and suites feel restful rather than indulgent. Lake views add a quiet drama, especially in the early morning when mist sits low over the water.

Dining:

This is where expectations often need resetting. The cuisine is intentionally light and therapeutic, but beautifully presented. Guests often report a surprising sense of clarity and sustained energy after just a few days.

How to do it well:

• 7 nights minimum for meaningful impact
• Arrive a day early nearby if you’ve had a demanding work period
• Avoid planning anything intense immediately after — the effects deepen with rest

Awake & Wander tip: Switzerland is ideal if you want wellness without long-haul travel. We often suggest Chenot for clients who want one of the most effective luxury wellness retreats in Europe, with the reassurance of medical-grade expertise.

Explore this with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel:
We’ll advise on programme choice, room category, and travel pacing so the experience feels supportive, not overwhelming. Explore curated European wellness ideas with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel — Where every journey begins with you.

If Alpine wellness appeals, our feature on Bürgenstock Resort & Alpine Spa highlights another serene European option overlooking Lake Lucerne.

Destination 4: Bali (Ubud) — spiritual grounding in lush surroundings

COMO Shambhala Estate

Bali has become shorthand for wellness — but not all retreats deliver depth. COMO Shambhala Estate, tucked into the jungle near Ubud, is one of the originals that still gets it right. It’s a place where wellness feels personal, spiritual, and deeply human, without drifting into the vague.

The vibe:

Earthy luxury. Open-air spaces, flowing water, and a sense of quiet intention.

Best for:

• Emotional reset and mental clarity
• Yoga, meditation, and mindful movement
• Solo travellers or couples seeking reconnection
• Guests who want nature to lead the experience

Wellness philosophy:

Rather than a single rigid programme, COMO Shambhala allows you to shape your days with guidance from resident practitioners. This flexibility suits travellers who want support without feeling controlled.

What a stay feels like:

Mornings begin gently — yoga, breathwork, or a jungle walk. Treatments are intuitive rather than prescriptive, and afternoons invite reflection. Many guests describe a sense of grounding that lingers long after they leave.

Accommodation:

Suites and private residences are designed to blur the boundary between inside and out. This isn’t about polished perfection; it’s about comfort, space, and connection to the landscape.

Food:

Clean, nourishing, and flavourful — designed to support wellbeing without removing pleasure. Dining feels social but unforced.

How to do it well:

• Minimum 5 nights, ideally 7–10
• Avoid over-scheduling excursions — stillness is part of the therapy
• Combine with a quieter coastal stay if you want contrast

Awake & Wander tip: Bali works best when carefully paced. We’ll help you avoid the common mistake of doing too much, too fast — especially if this is your first wellness-focused trip to Asia. Travellers seeking deeper emotional and spiritual grounding may also be inspired by Why a Luxury Stay in Bhutan is the Ultimate Wellness Escape.

Explore this with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel:
We’ll match you with the right room, the right practitioners, and the right length of stay so your experience feels intentional from day one. Discover more soul-led luxury wellness retreats with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel — Where every journey begins with you.

Destination 5: Austria (Tyrol) — nature-led wellbeing with Alpine elegance

For travellers who want a gentler entry into medical wellness — without sacrificing results — VIVAMAYR Altaussee offers a compelling balance. Set beside a lake and surrounded by mountains, it’s one of the most quietly effective luxury wellness retreats in Europe.

The vibe:

Minimalist, serene, and deeply calming. Less “clinic”, more contemplative retreat.

Best for:

• Digestive health and gut reset
• Stress-related fatigue
• Guests new to medical wellness
• Travellers who want nature to be part of the healing

What sets VIVAMAYR apart:

The approach is medical, but humane. Programmes focus on restoring the body’s natural balance, particularly digestion and inflammation — often areas that suffer first under stress.

A typical day:

Mornings are unhurried, often beginning with gentle movement or breathwork, followed by treatments and consultations. Afternoons invite lakeside walks or quiet rest. It’s wellness that unfolds naturally, rather than demanding discipline.

Accommodation:

Rooms are simple yet refined, designed to encourage rest and clarity. Lake and mountain views play a powerful role in calming the nervous system.

Food philosophy:

Nutrition here is central — meals are tailored and intentionally uncomplicated. Guests often leave with a renewed relationship with food, not fear of it.

How to do it well:

• 7 nights for digestive and energy benefits
• Ideal as a standalone retreat or paired with light cultural exploration
• Best suited to travellers who value subtlety over spectacle

Awake & Wander tip: This is a wonderful alternative if Swiss clinics feel too intense. We often recommend VIVAMAYR to clients seeking effective, nature-led luxury wellness retreats with a softer edge.

Explore this with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel:
We’ll help you choose the right programme and travel flow so the experience feels nurturing from start to finish. Discover carefully matched wellness journeys with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel — Where every journey begins with you.

Our Take:

"Austria’s luxury ski resorts succeed because they don’t try to impress — they simply excel. The best experiences here are quietly confident, deeply comfortable, and shaped around how you want to travel, not the other way around."

Booking with confidence: your protection matters

When booking luxury wellness retreats, peace of mind is part of the experience — not an optional extra.

When you book through Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, your holiday is protected with:



• ATOL protection on flight-inclusive trips
• Supplier Failure Insurance for added reassurance
• Carefully vetted wellness partners and hotels
• Human support before, during, and after travel

This means you can focus fully on your wellbeing, knowing the practicalities are taken care of.

Why book your luxury wellness retreat with Awake & Wander?

Wellness travel is personal. The right retreat can feel transformative — the wrong one can feel restrictive or mismatched. That’s why we take time to understand you before suggesting anything.

We help you:

• Choose the right type of wellness (medical, holistic, spiritual, restorative)
• Match retreats to your energy levels, health goals, and travel style
• Build seamless itineraries with thoughtful pacing
• Access trusted resorts and the best room and programme options

Whether you’re seeking deep restoration or gentle recalibration, our team will design a journey that supports you long after you return home.

To begin planning, call us on 01495 400011, explore our website’s powerful search tool, or submit an enquiry form to create a bespoke holiday as unique as you are.

Awake & Wander Luxury Travel — Where every journey begins with you.

Frequently Asked Questions