Spa

Tell us about the resort – what makes Kamalaya so special?

Having heard so many glowing reviews about Kamalaya, I was very excited to experience it myself and understand what makes it such a special place with such a high rate of repeat guests. From the beautiful location to the nurturing spa treatments and nourishing food, it’s impossible to visit Kamalaya and not feel instantly better in yourself.  

What is Ti Sana and who’s it for?

A quiet, rural health retreat just outside Milan, Ti Sana is a tucked away gem that I had the pleasure of visiting for a refreshing long weekend. This healthy hideaway specialises in detox, anti-stress and wellness holidays with a real focus on inspiring their guests with long-term, sustainable lifestyle changes. Ti Sana’s main clientele are those suffering from stress or focusing on weight loss. It is also perfect for those looking for a rejuvenating wellness break complete with delicious vegan cuisine, informative health, fitness and lifestyle advice and a range of classes, all delivered by the genuine, friendly and caring Ti Sana team.

Reflexology is a harmonising therapy that involves the application of pressure to specific points, known as reflexes, to encourage the body to heal from within. The practice is based on the belief that the feet and hands mirror the body and that every organ in the body can be mapped onto areas of the feet called reflex points. By using these 'mini-maps', therapists are trained to stimulate reflex points on the map by using their thumbs and fingers and therefore bring about a positive effect on the corresponding parts of the body. Reflexology aims to facilitate a free flow of energy in the body so that we are balanced and healthy, any obstructions to this may result in illness. With ever increasing levels of stress in everyday life, it is important that people take responsibility for their well-being. Reflexology may mitigate stress, help you sleep better and improve your mood.

Reflexology is a harmonising therapy that involves the application of pressure to specific points, known as reflexes, to encourage the body to heal from within. The practice is based on the belief that the feet and hands mirror the body and that every organ in the body can be mapped onto areas of the feet called reflex points. By using these 'mini-maps', therapists are trained to stimulate reflex points on the map by using their thumbs and fingers and therefore bring about a positive effect on the corresponding parts of the body. Reflexology aims to facilitate a free flow of energy in the body so that we are balanced and healthy, any obstructions to this may result in illness. With ever increasing levels of stress in everyday life, it is important that people take responsibility for their well-being. Reflexology may mitigate stress, help you sleep better and improve your mood.

As we steam full speed into the cooler months it is easy to get into a pattern of comfort eating combined with exercising less as we seek to escape the dreary weather. But unlike bears we do not need to hibernate! A diet based mainly on sugary and fatty foods, coupled with excessive caffeine and alcohol, leaves us feeling run down and sluggish and the body's natural detox system can struggle to deal with the harmful substances. and lack of nutrients. Winter is the perfect time to focus on a healthier lifestyle, which can be kick-started by a luxury detox holiday preferably somewhere lovely and warm!

On route from Melbourne through to London, our Travel Specialist Samantha made a short stopover for an energising three night stay in Milan where she visited Ti Sana, a boutique rural health retreat specialising in detox, weight-loss and holistic wellness holidays with a focus on sustainable lifestyle changes.

The single travel bug is catching, with a new world of healthy holidaymakers realising the freedom this blissfully selfish form of travel affords. No longer the sole reserve of singletons, Health and Fitness Travel, have seen a rise in the diversity of travellers choosing to go it alone on a singles holiday, for the opportunity to focus on their individual wellness goals. Whether on a yoga retreat in Asia or fitness bootcamp in Europe, with solo travel having almost doubled amongst affluent and first-time travellers in 2015, more health retreats are banishing hefty single supplements to welcome this new wave of solo wellness warriors.

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, it’s not too late to book a couples healthy holiday for a romantic wellness getaway. From Lake Garda and New Zealand, to Thailand and the Maldives, we recommend our top five romantic wellness retreats for Valentine’s Day.

What is Aro Ha Wellness Retreat?

Located in New Zealand’s Southern Alps about 40 minutes’ drive from the centre of Queenstown, is first-of-its-kind Aro Ha Wellness Retreat, Opened in January 2014 offering all-inclusive healthy holidays to change the way you think about wellbeing, programs range from 4 to 7 nights, however the signature program Invigorate & Enrich (Winter Wellness during the winter months) runs for 5 days / 4 nights. All programs are run on set dates and speciality retreats are run throughout the year.

Hitting the reset button with a short healthy break in Queensland at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat…

With a constant busy schedule and long hours I found myself in need of a short healthy break. So I booked in for a much needed 2 night wellness weekend escape at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, where I could unwind and focus on my well-being. 

There is a special magic at Kamalaya, an award-winning sanctuary and holistic spa carved into the hillside of the lush Thailand jungle and overlooking the aqua blue sea. It is the perfect setting, a delight for the senses and also the winner of the title of Thailand's best spa. My journey begins at Koh Samui airport where I am greeted with a cool towel and a warm smile, I am glad to arrive after an overnight flight from Melbourne via Bangkok and enjoy being driven from the airport in an air-conditioned 4WD, on approach my driver calls ahead to ensure there is a cool welcome drink and my check in is both efficient and calming, this is to set the scene for the rest of my stay.

What is REVĪVŌ Wellness Resort and who is it for?

A 5-star luxury resort in Bali REVĪVŌ Wellness Resort, this resort is for guests seeking holistic transformation in a beautiful and serene setting, bespoke programs are designed for each individual and can be based on your in-depth pre-arrival questionnaire and even genetics with optional DNA testing available.

I learnt to Scuba Dive almost a decade ago and have been enjoying diving in tropical destinations ever since, I always make sure to check out the best dive spots when I'm on a healthy break and am lucky enough to be staying at Siddhartha Ocean Front Resort & Spa in Bali with some of the best diving spots on my doorstep.

I learnt to Scuba Dive almost a decade ago and have been enjoying diving in tropical destinations ever since, I always make sure to check out the best dive spots when I'm on a healthy break and am lucky enough to be staying at Siddhartha Ocean Front Resort & Spa in Bali with some of the best diving spots on my doorstep.

What is Thanyapura and who’s it for?

Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort is a world-class facility with an extensive offering, ideal for anyone interested in optimising their sports performance, mental health or physical well-being. Perfect for a fitness or sports holiday, they now also offer a full range of health programs including detox, weight-loss and anti-ageing programs. Guests will have plenty of opportunity to meet other guests throughout their stay. However, there is no set meal times or set table for program guests so it would abe best to be a comfortable independent traveller.

What is Absolute Sanctuary and who’s it for?

Celebrating 10 years in 2018, Absolute Sanctuary is a Moroccan inspired boutique retreat in Koh Samui. The hotel is also part of leading health & lifestyle brand, Absolute You, which includes a training academy and from which they draw their expertise in fitness and nutrition. Previously well-known for their detox and yoga programmes, they have successfully evolved their offerings and now also offer an excellent range of fitness, de-stress, weight loss (voted the best value by Conde Nast Spa Traveller UK) and the only dedicated Pilates Reformer bootcamp in Asia Pacific.

What is Amatara Wellness Resort and who’s it for?

Tucked away in the quiet corner of Cape Panwa, you will find Amatara Wellness Resort. This luxury hotel was recently rebranded to focus on developing the resort as a wellness destination and now offers a range of comprehensive programmes. Suited to those wanting to escape and enjoy a destination spa holiday as well as those looking to take a serious approach to improving their overall well-being.

There is something almost magical about Como Shambhala Estate, as I head through the nearby town of Ubud; home to all things creative in Bali, I feel the excitement start to build. Entering the exclusive Como Shambhala Estate, a luxury destination spa holiday, a sense of peace envelopes me like a warm welcoming hug, and in the lobby I am met with big smiles, a flower lei and an effortless check in. I am then off exploring the immaculate grounds that are cared for by hand by a very large and talented ground keeping team. Nine hectares of perfectly manicured gardens surrounded by the Balinese forest and with the River Ayung set the backdrop of this Jungle wonderland. It’s no wonder Como Shambhala were awarded Destination Spa of the Year in 2013 by Conde Nast Traveller.

Only a short drive from both Da Nang International Airport and nearby the historic town of Hoi An, a well preserved 15th century trading town in the South Central Coast of Vietnam, you will find Fusion Maia, this stylish all-inclusive spa holiday provides the perfect refuge to de-stress after a long month of business travel and deliver the healthy kick start I had been looking for.

Golden Door and who’s it for?

Golden Door Health Retreat & Spa Elysia is located in the beautiful NSW Hunter Valley. Featuring 74 villas this exceptional property is the only purpose built destination health retreat in Australia. Offering Healthy Lifestyle Weekend taster and longer stays ranging from three to seven nights all structured to deliver a holistic wellness experience. Healthy delicious meals are taken together ideal for the solo traveller who wishes to connect with others and attendees range from 25 through to 65+ all with their own unique reason for heading to the Golden Door from major life events, kick-starting their well-being, improving fitness or simply to take a healthy spa break, the program and classes are catered to all.