Wellness vacations are an all-time favorite. You don’t really need a reason to take time for yourself, do you? Whether you’re interested in a rejuvenating yoga program, hiking or cycling into the countryside, or eating local, wholesome food, there are many paths to wellness on the road.
Choose from more active breaks to those that let you unwind and slow down. The options to pamper yourself are both endless and exciting.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Koh Samui
Wellness comes easy on this idyllic Thai island, a perennial favorite. Get a boutique resort experience at Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa, which is well situated for guests to enjoy Lamai Beach, Chaweng Beach, and Bophut Fisherman’s Village. Swimmers will appreciate the resort’s 50-meter lap pool — but if lounging with a book is more your thing, kick back on the beach or by the infinity pool overlooking the ocean.
Just down the road from the resort, get your adrenaline pumping by signing up for an intense high-performance training regime at Lamai Fitness. Their offerings are a mix of jungle running, swimming, yoga, muay thai, cross running, and more.
If eating your way to wellness is your thing, Samui won’t disappoint. Tuck into delicious dishes with gorgeous views of the lush forests and the azure ocean at the Vikasa Life Café. If you are tempted to enjoy the good vibes beyond your meal, choose from a host of yoga classes and healing sessions also on offer.
At the family-run Samui Health Shop, savor a variety of traditional dishes and fresh juices guilt-free. Food that is both tasty and healthy is the focus here. At the on-site shop, stock up on a variety of locally made organic and natural products sourced from across Thailand.
New Delhi
The home of yoga and ayurveda, India was into wellness long before it became a trend. At one of the country’s foremost ayurveda centers — the Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal — in the buzzing capital city of New Delhi, avail yourself of a whole host of ayurvedic offerings. Walk in for treatments for specific ailments or sign up for reinvigorating massages.
Grab a snack in a tranquil garden setting at Carnatic Cafe in Sunder Nursery, a park dating back to the 16th century. Or enjoy a relaxing meal at FabCafé, which recreates classic Indian eats like samosas and chaat sans any sugar, oil, or wheat, without compromising on taste.
A stay at the five-star Le Méridien New Delhi puts you at the heart of the city, which means you’ll find it easier to get around to different areas and landmarks. To get a better feel for the city, book the hotel’s curated, guided Sunday Experience Tour, where you’ll see and learn about local culture and historic sites.
Brisbane
With thousands of parks in its midst, Brisbane makes it easy to stay active while outdoors. Whether you are an ambler or a serious walker, there are many options for walks and hikes in and around the city.
Mount Coot-tha’s summit circuit is a lovely 5-kilometer (3-mile) trail of easy, paved walking. At the summit enjoy sweeping views of the city and suburbs. Catch your breath and grab a drink at The Summit Café, originally built as a tea room dating back to the 1920s.
Head to the Brisbane River for a canoeing or kayaking adventure amid towering gum trees with plenty of birds for company. The 14-kilometer (8.5-mile) scenic stretch from Colleges Crossing to Joseph Brady Park is a great way to spend time outdoors. Relax later at the Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve, which has playgrounds, bike/scooter paths, a picnic area, barbecue pits, and a café.
See the Brisbane River from another angle at The Westin Brisbane, located in the city center. Visit the concierge desk to check out the hotel’s runWESTIN Maps, which recommend a variety of curated running and walking routes throughout the city, many of which hug the river. When you’re in the mood for a leisurely stroll, head to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, located just down the street.
Shanghai
Amid the brisk pace of Shanghai, change things up with a stay at Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre. Visit the on-site spa for a traditional Chinese massage or other spa treatment, or spend time in the sauna, Jacuzzi, or steam room.
Plan a visit to the Longhua Temple, a Buddhist temple that dates back to the third century. It is the oldest temple in the city, though it has been reconstructed at various points in its history. The temple also serves vegan food, including noodle dishes, with a suggested donation. If you’re in need of a pick-me-up, you can find coffee drinks with plant-based milks for purchase here as well.
Another way to feel your stress and strain melt away in Shanghai is to visit a local wellness center, which might offer sound therapy with therapeutic gongs or personalized reiki sessions.
Langkawi
After exploring Langkawi, have a leisurely meal at The Fat Frog and enjoy magnificent golf course and ocean views. Eating healthy certainly isn’t boring here. Though most of the dishes are vegetarian, you can ask for chicken or meat to be added. Their daily specials and cake of the day keep it interesting for regulars.
Hike to the top of Gunung Raya, Langkawi’s highest peak, for mesmerizing views of forest-covered islands dotting the ocean.
At the Heavenly Spa by Westin, part of The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa, treat yourself to an abundant range of spa and beauty services unmatched across the island. Whatever your choice of massage style, whether Malay, ayurveda, Swedish, Indonesian, or Turkish, you’ll find it all here. Relax at the end with a dip in the pool with gorgeous sea views for company.
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