WHAT’S Christmas without a bit of indulgence? These wellness retreats are places specifically designed to nurture your body and spirit. Forget about hectic last-minute trips to the mall – why not check yourself into one of these resorts for some optimum you-time this Christmas?
Shanti Maurice Resort, Mauritius
Who needs a white Christmas when you can spend the holidays in a tropical paradise with guaranteed sunshine every day? Five-star luxury resort Shanti Maurice offers a sleep programme that includes bespoke therapies aimed to remedy any stress-related sleep problems you could be having.
If you’re sleeping fine, simply unwind with Pranayama, Yoga Nidra and Reiki sessions alongside an extensive massage menu that will give your soul a much-need timeout after a long year. A great option for when you’re totally over the cold weather.
Prices: From £387 (£292) per night
Located in the Himalayan foothills, Ananda is the home of Ayurveda medicine, yoga, and meditation. It’s the epitome of wellness destination travel – guests can embrace the stillness of the natural world and release endorphins that have been pent up during a stressful year.
The environment Ananda is surrounded by provides more than enough activities to enjoy during your stay. Nature walks, trekking and water-rafting are excellent options, and can be supplemented with Hatha yoga, morning stretches and meditation.
Prices: $865 (£650) per night
If you’re looking for somewhere to spend a truly magical festive period, there’s no need to look further than Amanpuri in Phuket. It has long been a sanctuary for those seeking a positive shift in their life, and they help guests achieve this through a wide range of holistic treatments and therapeutic practices that enhance the body and enrich the spirit.
Amanpuri offers Muay Thai training, Traditional Chinese Medicine healing techniques, and wellness immersions that are designed to increase fitness and performance, and address hormonal imbalances.
Prices: From $1,250 (£943) per night
Sagrada Wellness, California, USA
Putting yoga at its core, Sagrada offer their trademark four-day yoga and writing retreat in the Santa Margarita mountains just a short drive from the central coast of California. The retreat is a mindful way to relax in the slower pace of nature and rejuvenate the soul with yoga, meditation, and nourishing meals.
Most days of the retreat start by waking up to beautiful birdsong and a light breakfast, followed by yoga, meditation, and tranquil walks through the pristine countryside. At the end of yoga classes, instructors encourage guests to explore writing as a way to inspire expression.
Prices: Four-day retreat in a private queen bedroom is $1,795 (£1,354)
BodyHoliday Optimal Wellness, St. Lucia
A week of wellness at BodyHoliday in St. Lucia will transport your soul into a realm of total relaxation. Courses on personal training, sleep therapy and deep tissue massages are all available, as are activities like Tai Chi, sailing, scuba diving, Pilates and many more.
If you want to venture away from the resort, unspoilt rainforests and waterfalls are just around the corner and will unburden you from any stress that followed you on the journey over, as will the white sandy beaches that are synonymous with the tropical West Indies.
Prices: From $510 (£385) per night