We’ve chosen five hotels from around the world for their dedication and unique approach to the vast wealth of ancient and new wisdom that the theme of well-being encompasses.
Clad in timber reclaimed from the decommissioned Tappan Zee Bridge, which once spanned the Hudson River, the Barns at Troutbeck in Hudson Valley, New York, will elevate your spirit beneath a canopy of oaks surrounded by native wildflower meadow. The rich roster of classes, held in a 1,250-square-foot tall barn, include restorative yoga for relaxation, nature meditation, and the dance-based Kinesoma experience, as well as a gym, treatment rooms, sauna, and acupuncture.
An awe-inspiring lakeside setting in southwest Germany, on the border of France, is where you’ll find ancient Celtic healing arts brought back to life. The Seezeit Spa, encircled by pines and oaks with a view of the water, offers a refuge for the senses across 2,700 square meters. The Celtic outdoor sauna complex is laid out according to earth’s energies where stony paths follow energy lines and lead to the sauna houses. Adding to the unique experience are different sauna infusions inspired by the Celtic annual cycle with herbs such as lavender and birch or a sound bowl-infusion as well as yoga of the Celts, Wyda.
Our newest member in the stunning locale of South Tyrol, Hotel Schwarzschmied takes a holistic approach to physical and mental well-being. Here yoga sessions are combined with hikes in the mountains, treatments, and meals at its slow food restaurants La Fucina or Bistro Luce. The spa houses an organic sauna, a Finnish outdoor sauna and steam bath, an indoor pool, and a year-round heated outdoor pool with vitalized "Grander water" to your slow-down cravings. The treatments highlight the power of natural cosmetics by Susanne Kaufmann, while bodywork supports the muscles and musculoskeletal system.
While we think that just being in the Maldives is soul restoring, for those looking for more, the Fehi Spa at Finolhu focuses its program on much-need relaxation in an oceanfront setting. Many of the therapies at the fully immersive and soothing space are specially adapted to the local climate and uses organic products made from foraged and sustainably farmed ingredients. The menu features body wraps, peels, ritual applications, and a range of beneficial massages.
The award-winning Coqoon Spa at the one-of-a-kind Slate resort on Phuket’s northern shore is as singular. Tucked within exquisite tropical gardens, some of the treatment rooms are housed in impressive wicker structures that hang from banyan trees and provide restful retreats. Delight in the ancient Thai folk massage as a balmy breeze caresses your skin and birds serenade you from above. To strengthen its wellness offerings, the spa invites health practitioners, such as Buathon Thiennarom, who boasts a celebrity and royalty following, and draws influences from Taoist practice and Tibetan medicine.