Behold, Cosmo’s round-up of travel spots that are all about giving you that extra lovin’ – body, soul and mind. From connecting with nature to taking time to introspect or just to escape to a remote corner of the world where nothing seems to matter, start 2019 right by making these your #TravelGoals for the year…
Bawah Reserve, Anambas Islands, Indonesia
Good for: All-inclusive spa treatments and wellness offerings
Accessible only by private plane and located in the Riau Archipelago, located between Malaysia and Borneo, The Aura Wellness Centre at Bawah Reserve is nestled in the beachfront jungle, featuring four single and one double treatment suites. The spa concept at the resort offers unlimited spa treatments that are included in the nightly rate, encouraging guests to branch out and try new, innovative treatments. And the best part is that treatments are tailored to how you feel both mentally and physically, each day. One of our fave signature body treatments is the ‘Lost Treasure’, a full body oil massage that uses rare, thunder-struck wood to spread energising vibrations into the muscles. The tapping action triggers vibrations at the nerve endings, making you feel less tired and totally rejuvenated. Make the most of the expansive and scenic vistas with daily yoga, meditation and Pilates sessions on the expansive wooden deck of the spa, overlooking the jungle and crystal clear ocean beyond.
Details: From Dhs7,270 per night in a Beach Suite for two people on a full board basis including round-trip transfers from Singapore, spa daily treatments, laundry, in-room minibar and a host of land and water-based activities.
Contact: website
The Legian Seminyak, BaliÂ
Good for: Personalised treatments and healing techniques.
With holistic treatments tailored to suit your individual needs with organic ingredients like Lombok pearls and Riniani basalt stones, this luxurious wellness oasis is just what the doc ordered. Yoga, mindfulness meditation, positive affirmation and visualisation sessions, PT, HIIT, Aquaaerobics and Group Spin sessions are all incorporated in the resort’s wellness offerings. Also, the Legian Seminyak’s close proximity to somwe of Bali’s best beaches means surfing is easily accessible as an additional fitness activity. If you’re looking to detox your diet, there are awesome gluten-free, vegan and raw food options you’ll love!
Details: From Dhs1,828 per night on a B&B basis (excluding taxes).
Contact: website
Nihi Sumba, IndonesiaÂ
Good for: A total off-grid experience
Want to feel like you’re completely cut off from the world? The brand new ‘Villa Rahasia’ experience at Nihi Sumba is everything. Start your journey with a sunrise trek across Sumba’s dramatic west coast and through rice paddies to the secluded Nihi Oka Valley to arrive at the tropical-chic villa. On arrival, guests are shown to their own private bale, which boasts expansive views of the coastline and crashing waves of the Indian Ocean. With unlimited spa treatments, Indonesian ‘Lulur’ body exfoliations, which are regarded as traditional medicine and raw, locally sourced healing ingredients, you’ll feel like a million bucks in no time.
Details: Dhs7,350 per night based on two people sharing on a full board basis including all spa treatments. Sumba is a one-hour flight from Bali and there are daily flights from Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar.
Contact: website
Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa, Champagne, France
Good for: A ‘Detox-Retox’ trip – the perfect balance of health and hedonismÂ
The storied history of Champagne – one of the world’s great grape regions – took on another dimension this summer with the launch of the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa . This world-class destination spa spans 16,000sq.ft and comprises nine treatment rooms; state-of-the-art fitness facilities; a wood-lined yoga studio; eucalyptus-infused sauna; manicure and pedicure stations and a mosaic tiled Hammam. Completing the experience are two temperature-controlled, chaise-longue-lined swimming pools – one indoor, one outdoor – along with dedicated staff who deliver invigorating juice blends and guide guests to multiple relaxation lounges. In partnership with acclaimed French brand Biologique Recherche, the spa and wellness centre are inspired by the original purpose of this former Post House built on the orders of the Empress Josephine – to communicate, to link and to connect.
Details: From approx. Dhs2,000 per night
Contact: website
Finca Cortesin, Andalusia, SpainÂ
Good for: Bespoke beauty, spa and fitness programmes
Spanning an impressive 2,200m2, The Spa at Finca Cortesin is home to thermal baths, a 25-metre heated indoor saltwater pool, three thermal areas, each with their own sauna, Turkish bath and relaxation area – in addition to Spain’s first ‘Snow Cave’. French beauty brand, Biologique Recherche and world-renowned organic skincare brand, Tata Harper provide quick and long-lasting results for all skin types too. The award-winning 67-suite hotel also has Michelin-star dining, a championship golf course and bespoke spa treatments that can be designed based on your needs. There’s a whole lot of wellness planned for 2019 with these packages: The Great Outdoors experience is a new three-night/four-day package includes a selection of daily active activities including yoga, golf, tennis, hiking and kayaking on the river Guadiaro, all with a private instructor or expert guide. End your day in the spa with relaxing Thai or sport massages. The Ayurvedic Voyage Experience is inspired by body healing rituals dating back 5,000 years and includes a one, two or three-night stay in a suite, daily breakfast, four Thai treatments and access to all other hotel facilities
Details: All info on packages and rates on Finca Cortesin’s official website.Â
Contact: website
Villa Stéphanie, Baden-Baden, GermanyÂ
Good for: A medical spa to get well and get healthy!
Villa Stéphanie is a true ‘House of Wellbeing’ covering medical, emotional, detox, fitness and beauty. Located in the historic spa town of Baden Baden in the heart of the Black Forest, it’s a cutting-edge medical spa offering a holistic approach to wellness. With just 12 rooms and three suites, it offers a ‘couture’ service to experience the very best and achieve effective, long-term results with privacy and discretion. This year, Villa Stéphanie, launched a unique detox and weight loss ‘cure’ – The KINGS WAY, created by the esteemed Dr. Harry König. Based on the knowledge of modern University medicine combined with the tradition of naturopathy and Dr. König’s 25 years of highly respected experience, it’s scientifically designed to use over a nine-night / 10-day course and is the ultimate programme of its kind, blending an individually-tailored diet, personalised training programme, daily medical supervision and bespoke spa treatments for dramatic weight loss and detox results. During the programme, you’ll experience 91 treatments, combining medical, relaxing, detoxifying and sportive activities – everything from hydro-colon therapies, vital and mineral infusions and ozone therapy, to twice-daily liver cleanses, lymphatic drainage care and medical body analyses to measure toxin levels.
Details: From approx. Dhs2,076 per night.
Contact: website
Sasaab, Kenya
Good for: Reconnecting with nature and getting fit again!
Go on a four-day Wilderness Wellness Retreat at Sasaab in the Samburu National Reserve with Kenya’s foremost personal trainers and Pilates coaches, Karina Walsh, and therapeutic chef Heather Cuthbert. Imagine this: Pilates classes in the dry riverbed, runs and walks with Samburu warriors, and strength training in the pool which often overlooks herds of elephants… a life-changing experience that will leave you stronger and more deeply connected to the world around you. End the day with Heather’s detoxifying elixirs while breathing in the African sunset. It doesn’t end there; Heather teaches you tricks about mindful nutrition and how to make delish organic, gluten-free food. Wildlife, nature and a healthy feast for the senses… just what you need to start the year on a positive note.
Details: From approx Dhs8,960 per person for two people, May 16-19, 2019. The Safari Collection can also arrange exclusive retreats upon request for a minimum of four people for four nights.
Contact: website