An occasional facial or spa day in the capital is all well and good, but for burnt-out Brits looking for a more transformative relaxation experience, luxury wellness retreats offer an immersive approach. Featuring cosetted spas, well-equipped gyms, hikes, yoga sessions and nourishing meals, an increasing number of wellness-focused hotels are primed to rejuvenate mind, body and soul.
Despite occasional sun sightings in the UK, a full-blown summer still seems distant. It’s lucky then, that plenty of wellness retreats also promise a healthy dose of vitamin D in sunny climes including the Maldives, Qatar and Thailand. And, thanks to Qatar Airways, it has never been easier or more luxurious to get there.
A multi-award winning airline, Qatar Airways boasts an expansive network of flights to more than 170 destinations – meaning, whether you’re heading to Australia for a long stay or hopping to Southeast Asia for a short jaunt, there’s a flight for you.
And, while luxury wellness retreats guarantee to leave you refreshed and rejuvenated, Qatar Airways believes the journey is as much a part of your holiday as the destination. Its luxurious lounges, high-quality in-flight amenities and top-notch service make every flight a breeze, from economy to first-class.
Looking to treat yourself? Enjoy a limited-time offer of up to 12 per cent off fares for the “World’s Best Business Class” with promo code PREMPC. Explore the offer here. Plus, sign up for Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club and earn Avios points with every booking.
So what are you waiting for? Prepare for a clean mind and healthy body this summer with our pick of the best wellness retreats around the world.
Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, Qatar
A tranquil oasis on the northern tip of Qatar, set against picturesque views of the Arabian Gulf, Zulal Wellness Resort is the Middle East’s largest immersive wellness destination. The resort offers two distinct experiences – Zulal Serenity gives adults the chance to escape and decompress in a private sanctuary while Zulal Discovery invites families and guests of all ages to explore outdoor activities and bonding experiences. Alongside dedicated arts and crafts workshops and sporting facilities, the resort boasts exquisite spa areas complete with a Himalayan salt therapy room, snow cave, hammam, indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, steam room and a state-of-the-art gymnasium.
Personalised programmes and expert wellness consultants infuse modern practices with Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM) for a holistic approach to healthy living. With this in mind, wellness is integrated into the resort’s dining experiences; its four restaurants span Middle Eastern and international cuisines and dishes are made with fresh produce and inviting flavours to boost energy and vitality.
Journey there with Qatar Airways and you’ll also have the chance to explore its home hub of Hamad International Airport – recently named the best airport in the world by Skytrax. A relaxing trip from beginning to end, its legendary hospitality is sure to exceed expectations.
From £1,520 per night, visit zulal.com; Return Economy fares from £439, Business class fares from £1,646, visit qatarairways.com
Joali Being, Maldives
The Maldives needs no introduction. The gorgeous island paradise has long been a popular destination to catch some rays and relax, and its tranquil white sands and blue waters also serve as the perfect backdrop for self-improvement. Enter, Joali Being. Located on the northern island of Bodufushi, allow yourself to be whisked away on a secluded wellness journey where ocean and beach villas feature private pools and sweeping views of the intimate island, while natural textures and colours permeate the architecture, seamlessly blending into the landscape.
Influenced by the island’s surroundings, the resort’s approach to wellness is grounded in nature. A team of skilled therapists and naturopaths help curate a treatment plan that focuses on one of four key pillars – mind, skin, microbiome and energy. Tailored programs span spa visits, fitness activities, nutritious meal plans, and activities such as forest sound therapy and meditation sessions on the sandy beach. Between the sea, stars and healing energies, you’ll leave Joali Being feeling rested and refreshed.
From £1,959 per night, visit joali.com; Return Economy fares from £484, Business class fares from £1,997, visit qatarairways.com
Como Shambhala Estate, Bali
Nestled within the lush jungles of Bali, Como Shambhala Estate offers a holistic wellness experience in nature. Natural elements influence the architecture and design throughout multi-suite villas and residences – think local stone and wood elements along with traditional alang alang-roofing. The resort’s immersive wellness experiences span a series of distinct wellness paths. Benefit from traditional practices, including ayurveda consultations, acupuncture, and Balinese healing, or relax in the resort’s sauna, swimming pool, pilates studio, outdoor gym, and yoga pavilion surrounded by trees over the rushing river below. Curated cultural tours and hikes nourish the mind, body and spirit.
Como Shambhala’s wellness philosophy extends to its culinary offering. Nutritious meals are prepared with fresh ingredients, many brought from field to table. The signature restaurant, Kudos, plates up dishes highlighting Indonesian cuisine while the water used throughout the resort is sourced from the natural spring below. Armed with Balinese healing rituals and a dedication to luxury and comfort, Como Shambhala Estate is a great choice for fitness fanatics who wish to reconnect with nature.
From £499 per night, visit comohotels.com; Return Economy fares from £746, Business class fares from £2,822, visit qatarairways.com
Amanpuri, Phuket
Perched on Phuket’s western coast, against the backdrop of the Andaman sea, Amanpuri presides over its own peninsula. The resort’s idyllic villas and pavilions cascade over the hillside and are influenced by Thai temple designs, featuring sloping roofs, wooden accents and lined with bougainvillea (some even have access to private pools). The highlight is the spa which infuses modern therapeutic practices with ancient healing rituals to offer a roster of medical and spa treatments. Indulge in deep R&R at the spa with treatments ranging from signature facials and deep tissue massages to ayurvedic massages and vitamin IV drips.
Amanpuri also offers access to a variety of outdoor activities including a sea-view gym, four tennis courts, pilates and yoga studios, and a Muay Thai boxing ring. A collection of restaurants offers a range of cuisines spanning Thai, Italian, and Japanese.
From £1,200 per night, visit aman.com; Return Economy fares from £623, Business class fares from £2,051, visit qatarairways.com
Siro One Za’abeel, Dubai
The key ethos at Siro One Za’abeel is ‘active living’. Located in Dubai’s thriving One Za’abeel development, 120-square metre suites with private treatment rooms target distinct needs – fitness suites include a cutting-edge workout area while recovery suites include a recovery bath and sleep-enhancing features. Every suite also comes with a stocked recovery cabinet for post-training needs and in-room treatments including assisted stretching and dry needling.
A team of wellbeing experts provides personalised consultations and wellbeing plans which can be implemented in the hotel’s impressive facilities. The fitness lab looks over Dubai’s iconic skyline and has specialised studios offering classes including HIIT, boxing and Pilates, while the recovery lab offers cutting-edge procedures including cryotherapy and IV drips. An in-house nutritionist creates custom meal plans for your stay to help you achieve optimal fitness levels. Enjoy Dubai’s impressive views and luxury hospitality while sculpting the very best version of yourself.
From £406 per night, visit sirohotels.com; Return Economy fares from £341, Business class fares from £1,120, visit qatarairways.com
