Prioritize Self-Care

at These 9 Luxury

Wellness Resorts 

 

 

 

 

 

Four Seasons Sensei Lanai, Hawaii  

“The setting of this resort sets the tone for the experience on property,” says Tammy An, F1S’s Director of Marketing and Partnerships of the adults-only resort. “In a destination like Hawaii, where you expect beaches and palm trees, Four Seasons Sensei, which is on the island of Lanai, is surrounded by towering pine trees, lush gardens, and peaceful lakes. The planning and layout of the resort is so thoughtfully designed. It feels expansive yet not overwhelming and you feel a sense of privacy and serenity on the grounds.” When it comes to wellness, there’s something for everyone—from the food (they partner with Nobu) to the activities, which range from forest bathing and meditation to data-driven services, like thermal body mapping and programming curated through your Sensei Guide. “I could start the day with a yoga class, then do a guided hike or bike ride to enjoy being in nature and learning more about the island, and then come back to the resort and take a soak in one of the many hidden hot springs on the property,” says Tammy. Bonus: When you do want beach time, guests have access to their sister resort, Four Seasons Resort Lanai, and can be taken there via the hotel’s Tesla.

Miraval, Tucson, AZ, Lenox, MA, and Austin, TX

With three locations throughout the U.S., Miraval has become synonymous with wellness, and for good reason. At each property, where all meals and most activities are included, there are a plethora of experiences to take part in— from spa treatments to fitness classes and culinary lessons to outdoor activities and adventure options, like hiking and archery. “There was a takeaway with every activity I participated in,” says Wonnie Baik, F1S’s VP of Sales and Partnerships, of her most recent visit to Miraval Berkshires in Lenox, MA. “Something as simple as the ‘Blend’ N Balance Smoothie’ class opened my eyes to how much nutrition we can absorb straight from the source instead of relying on medicine or processed foods.” In particular, visitors have called the equine experience, which can help you tap into your own emotions and learn more about yourself, life-changing. Baik has visited all three properties and says, “I often get asked what the differences are between the Miraval’s and I have to say each is so unique and shouldn’t be compared to one another. But the consistency lies in the people who make the experience. They bring so much knowledge and passion, that it’s really they who make it so special.”

Chablé Yucatan, Yucatán, Mexico

The spa at this stunning resort is in a cenote, with treatment rooms looking onto the clear waters below. “Spiritually, it was believed that pieces broken off from meteors sent by the gods crashed into the Yucatan peninsula to create the thousands of cenotes that can be found all over the area. This made—and in some communities still makes—the cenote the center of life, whether in the form of freshwater or as a place to take refuge. It’s telling that Chable’s spa is built into one,” says Asan Askin, Director of F1S’s LA office. And self-care, in all its forms, takes center stage. “Whether you want to do a juice cleanse and detox, or do a tequila and chocolate pairing, or have great wine and hit the cigar vault after your yoga session outdoors, it is all up to you. You can bike around the property, partake in yoga and meditation, indulge in various spa treatments (including the sweat lodge), take a day trip to Merida, and explore the sights and tastes the city offers.” One cool feature? “A delivery awaits you on your villa’s deck every morning, based on your selections at check-in. It could be green juice and fruit or coffee and homemade pastries, but the purpose is to focus you on your vacation and your time away from your day-to-day life.”

Palmaïa, The House of AïA, Riviera Maya, Mexico

This sustainably designed all-inclusive oceanfront resort in Mexico centers on the concept of progressive wellness. “We built AïA’s house to promote a philosophy based on holistic principles that still includes the best things in life. A place to eat delicious food, have a great drink, dance until your heart is full, and enjoy life completely,” they say. To that end, you’ll find everything from innovative plant-based meals to sessions in art, tai chi, and sound healing to immersive spa treatments—and, of course, plenty of time to relax on the beach as well. Depending on who you’re traveling with, there’s an adults-only building as well as family suites for those with kids in tow (and plenty of kid-centered activities, too.) F1S CEO and Co-Founder Fernando Gonzalez recently visited with his family and was blown away by the resort and its offerings. “Our experience was so fulfilling and just so meaningful,” he says. “We were able to try new and amazing foods, take part in a variety of workshops that underlined the importance of self-care, and simply disconnect and spend time together.”

SHA Wellness Clinic, Alicante, Spain

Looking to step away from hustle culture and experience a total lifestyle overhaul? SHA Wellness Clinic, which overlooks the Mediterranean Sea on the eastern coast of Spain, can offer just that. Their signature “SHA Method” which is based on eight disciplines, takes a whole-health approach to wellness and includes nutrition, emotional health, and physical fitness, with a variety of classes, treatments, and activities. (Think: cooking classes, stress management, water therapies) F1S President and Co-Founder Erika Reategui says it’s one of the best wellness centers she’s ever visited, describing the stay as restorative and soothing to both the mind and body. Choose from specific programs, such as ‘healthy aging’ and ‘advanced detox’, most of which require at least a week-long stay. Though, as F1S advisor Pierre Francin—who himself calls it a “life-changing experience”—explains, many people opt to stay for two or even three weeks to reap the full benefits.

Silversea, Silver Dawn, various locations

If the spa is your first stop once you board a cruise, take note: This spring, Silversea introduced their elevated spa offering, Otium, on board their newest ship, the Silver Dawn. Find a variety of services—including their signature 100-minute massages—in the 8,500-square-foot-spa, as well as a chance to relax in the steam room or sauna and enjoy fun delicacies, ranging from fruit to chocolate, Champagne, and cocktails. But what makes it unique is that the focus on wellness continues with four “in-suite experiences” in your room. Two examples: The Otium Sleeping Experience, which can include their “signature sleeping scent” and a pillow chosen directly from the pillow menu or The Otium Balcony Experience, where, if you’re in a cold-weather spot, for instance, you can order cashmere blankets and a drink from their exclusive hot chocolate menu.