Here at Exsus we’re all feeling a little sorry for ourselves after the indulgence of the Christmas holidays; now the only thing those countless mince pies and glasses of mulled wine have left us with is guilt in our bellies – and a few extra pounds on top. So we are, like most, planning retreats in 2015 to bring us the health kick we so desperately crave. In the annual tradition of New Year resolutions, we promise to treat ourselves to a spa and wellness holiday this year: here’s a selection of some of our favourites.
Leave stress behind and escape to the luxurious Aman resorts in Sri Lanka, where serenity, style and wellness reign supreme. Amangalla in Galle, the Dutch colonial peninsula, is where to treat yourself to yoga and meditation sessions, cinnamon scrubs and acupressure, before weaving through Galle’s somnolent streets and rice-paddies beyond on a cycle ride. Then there’s Amanwella, right on the calming shores of Tangalle in the east, with private plunge pools on the terraces of its slick and stylish suites. Bring out your inner zen with yoga on the beach, or crank up the adrenalin with surfing lessons: Amanwella boasts some of the best instructors around.
Nestled in swathes of jungle in Ubud, Bali, this holistic sanctuary peers oveer the Ayung River and paddy fields, with private villas designed in traditional Balinese style. As well as the facilities on offer, such as lap and hydrotherapy pools, tennis courts and studios for Pilates and yoga, Como Shambala Estate has healthy eating at the forefront of its dining policy: you can even get a nutrition analysis to guide you. When you’re not luxuriating at the estate, you might be out unearthing hidden temples in the depths of the jungle, or whirling down Ayung River on a tube ride, spotting monkeys along the way.
Set on the sandy enclave at Koh Samui in Thailand, Kamalaya is a spa hotel with a difference. Holistic therapists will tailor-make a programme for you, depending on your needs, like if you want to stop smoking or lose weight, and advise the best diet and activities. As well as the usual rejuvenating treatments, there’s tai chi, qi gong and ayurveda, plus you get complimentary super-juices and detox conscious cuisine. A few days in Kamalaya will have you utterly revitalised.
What better way to reinvigorate and recharge than with a little walking therapy? Leave the world behind and reconnect with nature: witness the majesty of New Zealand’s dramatic landscape with a scenic walk, whether you want to base your entire holiday around a trek or incorporate a smaller one into your luxury holiday in New Zealand. From rugged, snow-capped mountains to dreamy, golden beaches; passing cascading waterfalls and pristine lakes; and spotting all sorts of wildlife on the way, there’s so much choice when it comes to New Zealand walking trails.
Relax and recharge on this holiday to Costa Rica, staying in the atmospheric Central Volcanic Valley at El Silencio lodge. Surrounded by 500 acres of tropical forest, this eco-conscious hideaway utilises the healing minerals from the volcanic rock for reinvigorating treatments – made all the more stress-busting by the calming sounds of the rainforest. Then, on the Nicoya Peninsula, Flor Blanca’s activities range from the zen-boosting yoga classes facing the ocean to the adrenalin packed adventures like zip-lining or surfing. Your body will thank you.
Feeling inspired? Why not take a look at more of our luxury wellness holidays here or spa breaks here.
Exsus can tailor-make your perfect holiday to any of these destinations and pretty much anywhere else in the world. Just call +44 207 337 9010 or Enquire Now.
