THE JOURNAL
Hiking in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Photograph courtesy of Aro Ha
The idea of working out while on vacation may chill some to the core – isn’t the idea of a holiday to swim, eat, drink, and repeat? But what if we told you that it’s possible to indulge in the best of both worlds and leave knowing you’re fitter, healthier and more energised than before.
Notions around holidaying are changing – and these six hotels are offering the new-wave traveller the ultimate souvenir: health and wellness. Don’t mistake us, these hotels aren’t your average boot camp, but rather luxurious sanctuaries in which to gather your thoughts, nourish your body and revitalise your wellbeing.
01. Soma, Byron Bay
Photograph courtesy of Soma
Perched amid Byron Bay’s idyllic hinterlands is Soma, one of Australia’s leading health retreats. You might recognise it as the backdrop to the Ms Nicole Kidman TV series Nine Perfect Strangers. But rest assured, there’s no psychedelic immersion programmes here. Rather, Soma is “passionate about empowering people with techniques that enable them to reengineer their lives inside and out”.
No, eye-rolling isn’t one of the exercises on offer. In fact, it pays to leave all cynicism at the door. Once you complete one of the dedicated treatments – be it a yoga, meditation or rounding retreat – you’ll notice a difference, however large or small.
For those feeling the burnout of everyday life, the Immersion programme comes highly recommended: a three-day transformative reset retreat designed to achieve cognitive and physical equilibrium.
What to pack
02. Six Senses, Rome
Six Senses Rome in the 15th-century Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini. Photograph courtesy of Six Senses Rome
The Six Senses spa.Photograph courtesy of Six Senses Rome
If your ideal holiday is to embrace the Italian dolce far niente while engaging in a sensory journey of wellness and health in the heart of the Eternal City, then look no further than Six Senses Rome. Offering a combination of ancient traditions with contemporary practices, this outpost invites guests to curate their own health and wellness journey.
The heart of its longevity and wellness programme lies within its technical spa facility. A visit to the ancient Roman bath house is a great way to relax the mind and body – it also includes a modern take on the ancient rituals of caldarium, tepidarium and frigidarium.
Go a step further with personalised, high-tech and high-touch therapies guided by in-house experts, which will include anything from biohacking to your very own non-invasive sleep and skin analysis.
And for those preferring to unwind purely with ultra-luxe amenities and a beautifully appointed suite, then a Six Senses is undoubtedly the place to do it.
What to pack
03. The Ranch, Malibu
The Ranch, Malibu, in the Santa Monica mountains. Photograph courtesy of The Ranch, Malibu
The Ranch’s gym. Photograph courtesy of The Ranch, Malibu
For those seeking a bit more rigour and adventure, The Ranch Malibu is well worth a look. Reminiscent of the classic American summer camp, it promises a total reset of the body and mind for guests. Marketed as a “decision-free” sanctuary, each day will be tailored specifically towards your needs.
Within the confines of a luxury retreat in the heart of Malibu, each guest will be guided through a seven-day, nine-day or multi-week fitness and wellness programme. These include dedicated meal plans incorporating nutrient-dense, plant-based cuisine from local suppliers.
Incorporating the natural environment of its restorative setting and the importance of human connection to guide the experiences, the aim is to provide a full immersion into each individual’s health and wellbeing.
What to pack
04. Lily of the Valley, Saint-Tropez
Photograph courtesy of Lily of the Valley
This exquisite hotel on the French Riviera might scream old-school European luxury. But the good life you seek here centres around three pillars – healthy food, wellness and sport – and the spa, designed by Mr Philippe Starck, is as cutting edge as they come. Located just minutes from Saint-Tropez, the hotel is surrounded by the untouched landscape of the Cap Lardier estate, meaning your morning workouts will never look better.
Aside from its idyllic outpost, the hotel’s methodology is straightforward. Through a tailored gastronomy approach – developed by nutritionist Mr Jacques Fricker – and regimented fitness sessions, guests will receive the tools to achieve their health and fitness goals.
For those that prefer to ease into their holiday, Lily of the Valley caters for that, too, thanks to luxurious in-room amenities, premium facilities and an awe-inspiring location to boot.
What to pack
05. Aro Ha, Queenstown
Photograph courtesy of Aro Ha
Photograph courtesy of Aro Ha
Aro Ha boasts arguably one of the most picturesque settings you’re likely to come across. But it’s not just for the view that thousands of travellers from around the globe flock to the small town of Glenorchy in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Backed by evidence-based wellness initiatives that claim to actually reap benefits – guests with high blood pressure saw an average 8.8 per cent improvement in one week – this hotel has meticulously crafted a health and wellness programme to completely transform your state of wellbeing.
Utilising a multidisciplinary approach that supports a wide range of activities, from biohacking and longevity treatments to yoga and meditation masterclasses, guests will leave feeling revitalised, energised and inspired in just six days (minimum) of completing one of its dedicated activities.