Wellness vacations are an all-time favorite. You don’t really need a reason to take time for yourself, do you? From a rejuvenating yoga program to hiking, cycling into the countryside or eating local, wholesome and healthy 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 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 massages or therapy 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 onsite 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 even 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.
Have a relaxing meal at FabCafé by the Lake in Sunder Nursery, a park dating back to the 16th century. The café offers a perfect mix of all things Delhi is known for — history and good food — served in a tranquil garden setting. Classic Indian eats like samosas and chaat are recreated sans any sugar, oil or wheat, without compromising on taste.
Brisbane
With 100 local 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.
Shanghai
Amid the brisk pace of Shanghai, change things up with a meal at Pure and Whole, an eatery that serves up all plant-based dishes. The focus here is on food that’s good for you and that will leave you feeling lighter, both physically and mentally. With vegetarian, vegan and Buddhist options, there’s something for everyone.
Feel your stress and strain melt away as you sit with your eyes closed listening to the sound of therapeutic gongs at the Wholistic Therapies center. Book a personalized reiki session to restore balance and unblock your chakras.
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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