Photo by Ananda

Wellness travel is having a moment.

Whether that involves yoga sessions punctuated by silent meditation and fresh fruit smoothies, or hikes in the wilderness, travelling as a means of feeling more connected to ourselves and the world around us is on the uptick. The Global Wellness Institute predicts the wellness tourism sector will reach close to $1 trillion U.S. on a global level by 2020.

Make travel a healing experience

So what does wellness travel look like and where can you go to experience it? That depends on what you’re looking for. It might be a digital detox surrounded by nature, or a series of surfing lessons sans technology somewhere in Mexico.

There are myriad ways to turn travel into a healing moment, whether physical, mental or emotional. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the best spots around the world–from rustic retreats to healing-focused hotels–that make it easy to prioritize wellness when you travel.

Kamalaya Koh Samui – Thailand

Kamalaya in Thailand. Photo by Johnny McGeorge

Located on the scenic southern coastline of Koh Samui, Thailand, Kamalaya puts the focus firmly on wellness of all kinds, from physical fitness to programs addressing stress and burnout.

Treatments at the luxury retreat pull from both eastern and western traditions and incorporate various forms of holistic medicine. When you’re not attending a yoga or fitness class, you can enjoy two ocean-view swimming pools, an herbal steam cave with tiered plunge pools, weekly cooking classes and the retreat’s secluded beach.

Anamaya Resort – Costa Rica

If sunrise yoga combined with epic ocean views is something that piques your interest, Anamaya Resort might be the place you’re looking for.

Tucked away in the jungle, Anamaya (which means “good health” in Sanskrit), runs weekly yoga retreats. They can be customized based on your interests. The most basic plan includes 10 yoga sessions (with the option of adding workshops, excursions or spa treatments on an á-la-carte basis). Or, opt for a retreat that includes surfing lessons, adventure excursions (zip lining, waterfall hikes), or massage sessions.

Ananda – India

Yoga at Ananda in India. Photo by Ananda.

Choose from a wide variety of wellness programs at Ananda, a luxury wellness destination located at the Himalayan foothills in Northern India.

The award-winning resort overlooks the spiritual town of Rishikesh and the Ganges river valley. It integrates traditional Ayurveda, yoga and meditation into programs tailored to individual health and fitness goals. That could mean tackling stress management, weight loss, detoxing or emotional balance.

Ananda also offers yoga and meditation retreats, workshops led by world-renowned experts in holistic healing and over 80 body and beauty treatments at the property’s 24,000 square foot spa.

Miraval Austin – United States

Miraval serenity pool. Photo by James Baigrie

Anyone who associates wellness with getting active in the great outdoors will appreciate Miraval Austin’s many experiences that put the focus on fitness.

That could mean hiking the property’s 220-acre nature preserve, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, horseback riding or even fly fishing. But that’s not all. Miraval’s extensive offerings also include yoga and meditation, wellness counselling, nutrition workshops and sustainable living (including farm visits and beekeeping). In addition, there are two resort pools to enjoy and an award-winning spa.

Six Senses Krabey Island – Cambodia

Six Senses on Krabey Island in Cambodia. Photo by Six Senses Krabey Island

Newly opened Six Senses Krabey Island located in southern Cambodia, is comprised of 40 sustainably designed pool villas (each with green living roofs) on a 30-acre private island off the coast of beautiful Ream National Park.

Wellness here takes many forms. Bliss out by your private pool in between classes at the rooftop yoga pavilion. Or, work up a sweat on the jungle fitness circuit. Guests can also take advantage of boat trips to neighbouring islands, cooking classes and a variety of watersports.

The spa, inspired by the sacred Khmer Kbal Spean River, offers an extensive menu of personal wellness programs and treatments. Guests can even blend their own natural skin care products using local ingredients at the Alchemy Bar.

Aqua Wellness Resort – Nicaragua

Aqua Wellness in Nicaragua. Photo by Aqua Wellness

It won’t be hard slipping into wellness mode at Aqua Wellness Resort. This luxury eco-lodge is located on a private beach cove along Nicaragua’s gorgeous Emerald Coast.

Accommodations here take the form of treehouses overlooking the ocean. Perfectly situated for epic sunsets. Activities range from yoga and meditation, to kayaking, surfing and hiking.

Guests also have the option to go further afield. Day trips take you to colonial Granada, charming San Juan del Sur, or the twin volcanos of Ometepe Island. The resort also offers yoga retreats and a variety of wellness programs aimed at rejuvenating mind and body.

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Jessica Padykula

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