Liv Magazine Wellness Retreats Guide 2020 by Liv Media Limited

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HONG KONG’S WELLNESS MAGAZINE

WELLNESS RETREATS GUIDE 2020

RETREAT FOCUS:

THE YOGA BARN A personalized retreat in Ubud’s best-known yoga school. Opened in 2007, The Yoga Barn was one of Ubud’s first wellness destinations. Today, this beautiful retreat inspired by traditional Balinese architecture - runs more than 15 classes a day across all disciplines.

In addition to yoga, The Yoga Barn also has a Centre of Wellness & Healing, offering TCM therapies, acupuncture, naturopathy, cleanse and detox treatments, and more. You’ll also find the KUSH ayurvedic spa, with organic, natural pampering treatments based on your doshas. Stay onsite in either a single, double or dorm room, and grab a nourishing healthy bite at Garden Kafe, which serves cuisine harvested from the Yoga Barn’s own vegetable garden. Drop in for a class, or opt for the Personalized Yoga Retreat, a seven-day journey that takes you back to your Self, with a personalised schedule that combines yoga, meditation , heart-opening and healing, all facilitated by a Retreat Angel. Whatever you want to get out of your retreat, just let them know and they’ll create a bespoke experience just for you. www.theyogabarn.com

CONTENTS O4 THE HOT LIST New destinations to put on your radar

18 QUICK TRIPS Retreats you can do in a long weekend

10 WELLNESS CRUISES Healthy holidays at sea

22 GO IT ALONE wellness trips for the solo traveler

14 A WHOLE NEW YOU transformative experiences for mind, body and soul

26 DIRECTORY Travel agents, search engines and more 30 INDEX

EDITOR’S LETTER

A RETREAT FOR EVERYONE

n our most recent survey for Liv Magazine, we learned that more than 80 percent of our readers had either been on a wellness retreat in the past year, or plan to do one in the near future. With this in mind, we decided that we just had to create our first-ever Wellness Retreats Guide, to inspire our readers on their wellness journeys. With more than 60 retreats to choose from, ranging from cheap and cheerful weekends away to fully immersive transformational journeys, we've got something to suit every taste, budget and inclination. Need a little help organizing your next adventure? Further towards the back, you'll find our directory, which includes listings of the best travel agents specialising in wellness, eco and adventure holidays. Please keep this guide at home to flip through when you're feeling tired, burned out and ready to reset. We hope it inspires you to make your next holiday all about self-care.

SARAH FUNG

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS Stephanie Shiu With nearly 15 years of editorial experience, including four as editor-inchief of AsiaSpa Magazine, Stephanie's expertise encompasses luxury lifestyle and custom publishing, with a focus on travel and wellness. She has travelled extensively in search of the world's best resorts, retreats and spas. Kate Farr The co-founder of boutique content agency Editors' Ink, Kate has covered travel and lifestyle extensively for publications in Hong Kong and in the region, including for Tatler, Expat Living and Cathay Pacific Discovery, to name a few. On the cover:

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Send invites and info to: Makerhive, 10/F, Cheung Hing Industrial Building, 12P Smithfield, Kennedy Town PUBLISHER SARAH FUNG DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS JO ROBINSON SENIOR SALES MANAGER ANSHU RIJHWANI SOCIAL MEDIA STACEY MARCELO ADMINISTRATOR JASMIN BLUNCK GRAPHIC DESIGN TAMMY TAN CONTRIBUTORS STEPHANIE SHIU, KATE FARR PRINTED BY GEAR PRINTING LIMITED, ROOM B, 3/F, DERRICK INDUSTRIAL BUILDING, 49-51 WONG CHUK HANG ROAD, ABERDEEN ‘‘Liv Magazine’’ Copyright 2020 Liv Media Limited. The content provided here is the property of Liv Media Limited and may not be reproduced in any part without the written permission of the Publisher. The information provided by Liv Media Limited’s contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or the company. The information provided by Liv Media Limited, or its staff, advertisers and contributors is given in good faith; readers should gather more information before making the decision to purchase any goods or services highlighted here. Liv Media Limited will not be held responsible for any action, omission or error resulting from actions taken on the basis of the information provided here. Please seek the approval of a doctor before following any health advice.

Wellness Retreats Guide

DESTINATION:

Wellness

We all know about tried-and-true wellness destinations such as Bali and Thailand, but a raft of up-and-coming hotspots are making a name for themselves as the new frontier of wellness. Here are four regions youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll want to put on your radar. By Sarah Fung

MesaStila

JAVA, INDONESIA Been to Bali one too many times? Try Java instead. This Indonesian island has a burgeoning tourism industry, a rich Buddhist heritage (the Borobudur temple in Yogyakarta, dating back to the 9th century, is the largest Buddhist temple in the world), and a beautiful landscape of rice paddies and jungle to rival Ubud. SPLURGE: The original wellness destination here is the MesaStila (mesahotelsandresorts. com), a luxurious hotel located on a coffee plantation. It offers comprehensive wellness programs, typically 3- to 5-days long, and even has its own Turkish hammam. The spacious villas are dotted along the hillside, while its

Java Green restaurant serves fresh, healthy locavore cuisine. Hiking, trekking and biking tours can also be arranged. SAVE: Alam Kita (alam-kita.com) offers a backto-basics approach to wellness retreats, with plenty of time spent in nature, healthy cuisine, mindful active excursions and passionate coaches to help you nourish body and soul. The comfortable beach-side bungalows are basic but spotless, allowing you to make the most of the natural environment. A weeklong retreat including meals, classes, a massage, workshops, accommodation and excursions starts at around HK$9,000, based on two guests sharing a room. MesaStila

Wellness Retreats Guide

MesaStila

MesaStila 5

Wellness Retreats Guide

Cassia Cottage

TAIWAN Just a stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s throw from Hong Kong, Taiwan has an abundance of natural beauty, excellent vegetarian cuisine and a strong Buddhist culture, making it an ideal destination for a long weekend of wellness. SPLURGE: Volando Urai (volandospringpark.com), located about 30 minutes from Taipei, is a Chateau-Relais-affiliated boutique hotel thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s known for its Zen elegance and private hot springs. Everything here is prepared with ritualistic precision, from the beautifully plated meals to the regular Life Rituals sessions - an intersection of performance art and mindfulness - that take place throughout the day. These could include a meditative session of silent chess, a gong session or crystal singing bowls. SAVE: Located in Baishawan some 90 minutes out of Taipei City, Origin Yoga & Wellness is located right on the beach. This humble studio has room for just eight guests and runs regular retreats, serving up delicious plant-based cuisine, home-brewed kombucha, ayurvedic wellness treatments and excursions to local scenic spots. Origin Yoga 6

Wellness Retreats Guide

PHU QUOC, VIETNAM Easily connected with direct flights from Hong Kong, this jewel-like Vietnamese island, just 500 square kilometres, is a fast-rising resort destination. Think white sand beaches, snorkelling in clear water, and a dense jungle interior ripe for exploring.

Tinh Wellness Centre

SPLURGE: Tinh Wellness Center (tinhwellnesscenter. com) is a standalone spa attached to the MGallery La Veranda Resort (laverandaresorts.com) that offers an immersive wellness programme, from healthy cuisine, to hydrotherapy, a yoga sala, fitness centre, pools, wellness kitchen and more. Pick from six wellness journeys, ranging from burnout recovery, detox and tension relief to beauty and vitality, spa, and Back to Wellness. One-to seven-day packages available. SAVE: For a boutique experience, the eco-retreat Cassia Cottage (cassiacottage.com) hosts periodic yoga retreats throughout the year. This former spice traderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s private residence also offers twice-daily yoga free of charge for all guests six days per week. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the open-air spa pavilions overlooking the sea.

Tinh Wellness Centre

Origin Yoga 7

Wellness Retreats Guide

Blue Lagoon

ICELAND With its rugged landscapes, hot springs, towering glaciers and clean air, Iceland is a very different wellness destination compared to Asia’s warm, sunny beaches. But if you’re looking to reconnect with the natural world, this bracing destination is the place to do it.

Blue Lagoon

SAVE: In partnership with One Yoga Global, Iceland Yoga Retreat (icelandyogaretreat. com) runs retreats throughout the year in the town of Akureyri, Iceland’s secondlargest city with a population of 18,000. In partnership with Akureyri’s only yoga centre, you’ll be taken on outdoor adventures each day in-between classes, including horse riding, whale-watching, treks to hidden glaciers and waterfalls, and in the winter, snowshoeing and dogsledding. At the right time of year, you might even get to see the Northern Lights.

SPLURGE: The famous Blue Lagoon (bluelagoon.com) geothermal springs are home to two Nordic-chic hotels The Retreat Hotel and Silica Rooms - that place wellness firmly front and center. Enjoy the warm, mineral-rich water and explore the nooks and caves as you bathe. Afterwards, book in for a treatment at the spa, which uses minerals and algae to purify your skin, and then try the impeccable spa cuisine for a nourishing feast.

Blue Lagoon

RETREAT FOCUS:

SIX SENSES FIJI The ultimate luxury wellness vacation in idyllic Fiji

Six Senses Integrated Wellness offers a range of programs all tailored to your specific needs. Their in-house practitioner uses smart technology to measure your inner health, movement and sleep patterns before making recommendations on training, diet and lifestyle choices, and whether you should follow a Sleep, Detox or Fitness program. For those who struggle with getting in

Located on the idyllic Malolo Island, with a sandy beach and turquoise lagoon, Six Senses Fiji comprises 24 pool villas with private decks and modern comforts; all complemented by ever-smiling Fijian hosts. Dining options highlight local ingredients and activities include a wide range of experiences such as snorkeling, scuba diving and surfing. The resort also hosts Fijiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest off-grid solar power system.

enough zzzâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, check out the advanced Sleep With Six Senses program: a personal consultation combined with sleep tracking, a variety of snoozefriendly amenities, moisture-wicking linens and specialty bedding will get your sleep back on track. A haven of serenity, the Wellness Village at Six Senses Fiji offers four treatment

www.sixsenses.com/en/resorts/fiji

rooms surrounded by lush vegetation, a treetop yoga pavilion with direct ocean views and a relaxation area with sauna, steam room and plunge pools. A stateof-the-art gym is accessible 24 hours a day, whilst an alchemy bar is the perfect place to create your own body scrubs and soaps using fresh produce grown on the property.

Wellness Retreats Guide

Rascal Voyages

Cruise

CONTROL

Set sail on an ocean voyage with nothing but wellness in mind. By Kate Farr

ith the average cruise ship passenger reputed to gain up to half a kilo in weight for every two weeks of their holiday, it’s no wonder that cruising has typically been regarded as a somewhat gluttonous – if relaxing – vacation choice. But with Lonely Planet recognising wellness trips as the fastest-growing global travel sector, the cruise industry has caught on to the trend towards a more mindful way to see the world. From yoga academies to dive schools; deckside Tai Chi to onboard onsens – it’s never been easier to set sail on a voyage of wellness discovery.

DREAM CRUISES Featuring the world’s largest ocean-going reflexology spa, onboard TCM treatments, and the world’s first at-sea Himalayan Salt massage and Tourmaline Thermal Heal treatments, Dream Cruises’ dedicated Asian and Western spas are leading the way in wellness among the larger-scale cruise providers. With a regular programme of expert-led specialist retreats, including upcoming Tai Chi and Yoga academies, along with on-board personal trainers leading daily TRX, Pilates and Spin classes, rock climbing walls and overhead rope courses, active guests will find themselves spoilt for choice when it comes to letting off steam. dreamcruiseline.com

Wellness Retreats Guide

GUNTÛ What could be more Zen than a boutique Japanese hotel floating serenely on the Seto Inland Sea? Charmingly named for the small blue crabs that often get caught in local fishermen’s nets, the 19-room guntû is modelled on a traditional Japanese ryokan, with blonde wood panelling, neutral upholstery and private terraces helping to set the tone for a pleasingly minimalist cruise experience. With an emphasis on simply unwinding rather than the usual wall-to-wall shore excursions, guests dine on beautifully presented sushi crafted using local ingredients, enjoy spa treatments and saunas, and soak in private onsen tubs as the world gently slips by.

Oceania Cruises

guntu.jp

Oceania Cruises

OCEANIA CRUISES For a more traditional cruise experience that allows you to tailor your own wellness experience, look no further than Oceania. The company’s worldwide cruises offer a comprehensive range of onboard facilities, including the excellent on-board Aquamar Spa, professional fitness centre, personal training and nutrition coaching, medi-spa, juice bar and dedicated wellness menu. Oceania also enables guests to meet their wellness goals via a curated selection of onshore Wellness Discovery Tours, which include such diverse experiences as Tianjin reflexology in Beijing, half-day meditation with a Buddhist monk in Bangkok, and an Ayurveda session in Cochin.

Guntu

oceaniacruises.com

Dream Cruises

Dream Cruises 11

Wellness Retreats Guide

Paradise Cruises

PARADISE CRUISES Explore the towering limestone formations of Vietnam’s Halong Bay on board one of Paradise Cruises’ traditional junks. The three luxurious cruise ships all feature plush cabins, comfortable lounges and spacious sundecks, while the Paradise Peak ups the ante with butler service, a spacious fitness centre and a world-class onboard spa. Arguably the most memorable part of the trip are the daily sunrise Tai Chi sessions, which take place atop the teak deck. A perfectly serene way to start your day, the sessions make the most of Halong’s awe-inspiring scenery as the perfect backdrop to this meditative morning practice. paradisecruise.com

Paradise Cruises

REVĪVŌ

Revīvō

Revīvō 12

Serious diving enthusiasts in need of some downtime should look no further than REVĪVŌ, whose Diving and Mind Training cruises around Indonesia combine underwater adventuring with daily meditation for a challenging, yet restorative retreat. With a holistic approach to wellness, the mindful pampering begins from the moment you step aboard one of REVĪVŌ’s luxury eco-yachts. All guests are treated to delicious bespoke menus throughout their stay, while daily diving, yoga, spa therapies and guided breathing exercises ensure you leave feeling revived, refreshed and ready to take on the world. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with nature on an animal-spotting walk, followed by a desert island beach bonfire and star-gazing in the clearest skies you’ll ever see. revivoresorts.com/cruise

Wellness Guide

Wellness Retreats Guide

RASCAL VOYAGES

Rascal Voyages

Discover the spectacular Indonesian archipelago of Raja Ampat from on board the Rascal – a super-exclusive 30-metre “floating villa”, providing guests with a full five-star experience at sea. Each of the five air-conditioned cabins features hand-crafted designer interiors, luxurious bathrooms and high ceilings, creating a sense of space and light. Although a variety of different options are available, including an upcoming wellness event with renowned international Yoga instructor Mary Tilson, a typical six-night cruise offers the chance to snorkel with turtles and rays, take guided sunset hikes, and enjoy the diverse nocturnal marine life on adventurous night dives before kicking back under the stars with a glass of Rascal’s own-branded rum. rascalvoyages.com

RETREAT FOCUS:

ULPOTHA The best yoga retreat in the world THE OBSERVER MAGAZINE

A unique eco-retreat in Sri Lanka, Ulpotha is a wonderful lake-side Yoga and Ayurveda resort in pristine nature. Twice-daily yoga classes with worldclass teachers are held in the yoga shala or in beautiful spots in and around Ulpotha. Your retreat includes three gourmet vegetarian meals daily, herbal teas and unlimited king coconuts to keep you refreshed. You are also entitled to a complimentary massage with our international therapists.

ulpotha.com | bookings@ulpotha.com +94773017536 1

Between yoga classes, it's a barefoot luxury experience, and you can choose to fill your time with lakeside swims, Ayurveda treatments, bike rides to the neighbouring village and local market, hiking or day trips to nearby cultural landmarks.

Wellness Retreats Guide

Transformative

Journeys

Whether you’re dealing with challenges in life, have reached a crossroads and seek clarity, or simply crave adventure, these out-of-the-box experiences are curated with positive change in mind. By Stephanie Shiu Vana

FOR THAT MUCH-NEEDED SABBATICAL:

VANA If you’re looking for an intense personal transformation, a two-week retreat barely scratches the surface. The Vana Wellness Sabbatical at the Vana retreat in Dehradun, Northern India, is one of the centre’s latest initiatives for those looking to create long-term change. While sabbaticals were originally intended for academics to immerse themselves in projects, essentially cut off from the world, here well-being is the project, and the difference is you’ll have access to techfriendly spaces given that modern lifestyles are realistically accounted for. Think an Ayurvedic treatment between emails, or a conference call after an appointment with your Tibetan healing doctor. It’s all about balance. As with any retreat, it begins with a personal consultation to ensure your goals are set through customised Ayurveda, yoga, nutrition and fitness, providing a blueprint that will last long after your stay. www.vana.co.in 14

Wellness Retreats Guide

FOR A UNIQUE DESTINATION:

COMO UMA PARO A Himalayan Kingdom where nature and Buddhist culture come together, Bhutan is as exotic a destination as they come. Biking through the highest road pass overlooking Mt Jhomolhari, freewheeling through deserted mountain roads, zipping through pine forests, hiking to the Tiger’s Nest perched 3,000 metres above the valley, riding a horse to the iconic Guru Rinpoche Temple, or trying archery —the national sport—ensure you have enough memories to last a lifetime, and won’t return the same. Plus, when you’ve had your fill of monasteries and ancient fortresses, the Himalayan Wellness Discovery awaits back at the resort, an itinerary that will immerse you in yoga, mediation and daily massages at its acclaimed Como Shambhala spa. www.comohotels.com

Wellness Retreats Guide

Hero’s Journey Experience

FOR MEN’S ONLY AYAHUASCA:

Gwinganna

THE HERO’S JOURNEY EXPERIENCE While goddess gatherings in Bali seem to be on the rise, when it comes to wellness, sometimes the men are left out in the cold. Coach and founder Christopher Chiu created The Hero’s Journey Experience for healing, adventure and transformation, with the view to establish a conscious brotherhood of awakened men through Ayahuasca immersions in Ecuador, South America. All packages include preparation a month before and Integration Coaching for a month after the retreat. The base level 12day Warrior Package includes two Ayahuasca ceremonies and four San Pedro ceremonies, along with hikes, yoga, meditation and a sweat lodge ceremony surrounded by pristine nature. Chiu’s hope is that stepping outside comfort zones and getting rid of judgement and limiting beliefs will redefine what it means to be a man today. www.herosjourneyexperience.com

FOR TRANSFORMATION IN A GROUP SETTING:

GWINGANNA LIFESTYLE RETREAT Nestled in Queensland’s Tallebudgera Valley, Gwinganna walks the wellness walk like no other. Leave your phone, unhealthy snacks and bad habits behind at check-in, as this escape offers tranquility at its most authentic, as you soak in the mountain’s magic calming energy. The time-pressed have the option of a weekend programme, but to really reap the benefits of bush walks, fitness sessions, expert talks, innovative spa treatments and nutritious yet delicious fare, five to seven nights is best. Everyone checks in at the same time, so you have immediate access to your new support network in addition to that of experienced programme leaders and plenty of people to share the inspiring journey with. www.gwinganna.com

Wellness Retreats Guide

Back to Nurture

FOR A DESTINATION WITH VERY SPECIAL ENERGY: FOR QUIET IN THE ENGLISH

SEDONA MAGO RETREAT

COUNTRYSIDE:

Could there be a more grounding place than one of the world’s most stunning deserts? Sedona Mago Retreat is situated on a 173-acres stretch of land in Arizona, famed for its striking red rocks and starry night sky. With a focus on Tao healing, which encompasses qigong and meditation, programmes are ideal for guests keen for a spiritual awakening through practices like chakra vibration, tapping and organ detoxification exercises to activate energy along the meridians to optimise healing. With dedicated itineraries such as Finding True Self and Transform Your Relationships, healing takes place on physical, emotional and spiritual levels. The location itself is conducive to healing, Sedona being one of the planet’s strongest gateways for balancing the earth’s energy. Vortexes are spots where there is an unusual amount of electromagnetic energy -which can have a restorative effect - and of the 21 on earth, five are in Sedona!

BACK TO NURTURE One of the most recent offerings from Fiona Arrigo, a biodynamic psychotherapist and intuitive healer, the four-day Back to Nurture offers the opportunity to reconnect with your natural rhythm while enjoying award-winning private sessions with Arrigo. Often the distractions of busy modern lives leave us disconnected from our intuition, so spending a long weekend in the Somerset countryside allows time for rest and self-reflection. Mornings will be filled with movement and breathing, while afternoons have been set aside for crafts, wild cooking, drumming, massages or reflexology—and personal time of course, should you wish to meditate or journal. Sacred ceremonies and fireside gatherings close a day of walking, foraging, weaving, song and dance. www.thearrigoprogramme.com

sedonamagoretreat.org

Wellness Retreats Guide

Amanoi, Nha Trang

Well Weekends Looking for a wellness retreat but short on time? These destinations are less than three hours away by plane, meaning you can maximise your “me” time.

AMANOI, NHA TRANG Set on the dramatic coastline of Vietnam’s Vinh Hy Bay, Amanoi places health and wellness at the forefront. In addition to an 11,000-squarefoot spa, the resort also has two beautiful spa houses that provide guests with their own specialist therapists and wellness experts, as well as private spa facilities in the convenience of their own pavilion. Think a spacious double treatment room, Jacuzzi, steam room, icefountain and cold plunge pool. Amanoi’s extensive wellness menu combines traditional Eastern techniques and principles such as Watsu, Reiki, Acupressure, Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Chi Nei Tsang with the more energetic elements of Western fitness such as pilates, kickboxing and TRX, to create unique wellness programmes that help guests achieve measurable goals over a condensed period of time. It’s easy to get to as well, with four weekly flights to Nha Trang on HK Express. Amanoi.com. 18

Wellness Retreats Guide

PHU CHAISAI, CHIANG RAI

Phu Chaisai, Chiang Rai

HARIHARALAYA, SIEM REAP A short flight from Hong Kong, Hariharalaya is a low-key, rustic retreat that’s all about getting back to yourself and reconnecting with nature. Located near Angkor Wat on two acres of jungle clearing, this retreat includes three vegan meals per day, a full programme that includes yoga, workshops and activities, and accommodation. There are several categories ranging from dormitories to airconditioned private rooms, but for a real return to nature we love the open-air bungalows, where you sleep under a mosquito net, protected from the elements by a thatched roof. Don’t miss the spa and wellness centre, which offers Khmer-style massage treatments.

One of Northern Thailand’s original wellness retreats, a 40-minute drive from Chiang Rai International Airport, Phu Chaisai is tucked away in the Doi Mae Salong Mountains. An eco-retreat before it was trendy, this resort was constructed from bamboo by the founder, one of Thailand’s leading interior designers who fell in love with the area’s gorgeous forest location and fresh air. Stay in a luxurious appointed bamboo cottage with soft furnishings supplied by local hill tribes; dine on simple Thai, Burmese and western dishes using ingredients grown on the resort’s own organic farm; and take time out at the Bamboo spa. The 800-acre site is ripe for exploration, with reservoirs and waterfalls onsite, Mongolian horse trekking, visits to tea plantations, guided or solo hikes, and private yoga classes all available. www.phu-chaisai.com.

Museflower Retreat & Spa

www.hariharalaya.com

MUSEFLOWER RETREAT & SPA, CHIANG RAI

Museflower Retreat & Spa

Tucked away down a bumpy dirt track, Museflower is as laid-back as they come. With just 16 private bungalows, this back-to-basics retreat is all about nature, sustainability and introspecting. With twice-daily yoga classes, activities and a top-notch spa that delivers excellent treatments at the fraction of the price of a high-end hotel spa. Keep an eye out for its regular retreats geared towards writers; this peaceful, introspective spot is the perfect place to get your thoughts down on paper. musefloweretreat.com/ 19

Wellness Retreats Guide

MOVENPICK BDMS RESORT BANGKOK An urban retreat in the Thai capital, Movenpick Resorts has partnered with Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS) to provide an all-in-one destination for wellness tourists. Stay in the urban resort, set within 1.5 hectares of greenery, and get your physical needs attended to at the adjoining full-service medical practice, which treats patients with concerns ranging from musculoskeletal to fertility; cardio to dental and much more. Looking for something a little less intense? It also offers luxury retreats for rejuvenation, relaxation and weight management. Bdmswellness.com Movenpick BDMS Resort Bangkok

BAN SABAI VILLAGE RESORT & SPA, CHIANG MAI A true health spa designed to de-stress and energize, Ban Sabai is located just twenty minutes from the airport and a short journey from the bustling centre of Chiang Mai. Specialising in 4, 7 or 12 day retreat packages in rejuvenation, yoga, detox or meditation, guests also have access to an on-site gym, swimming pool and spa to maximise their wellbeing escape. Not sure which package to take? No problem - there’s always the option to simply book the accommodation and choose a la carte services on arrival if desired. With conveniently timed evening flights direct to and from Chiang Mai with HK Express, this retreat is a great long weekend getaway at very reasonable prices. bansabairesorts.com/ban-sabai-village-chiang-mai/

Navutu Dreams 20

Navutu Dreams

NAVUTU DREAMS Set in 1.5 hectares of tropical gardens, the 28room Navutu Dreams resort offers affordable luxury with a wellness twist. Just a stone’s throw from the historic temples of Angkor Wat and only 15 minutes from the airport, this cosy resort is a great spot for exploring Siem Reap between spa and yoga sessions, made even easier by the hotel’s tuk tuk, which is at your disposal for the duration of your stay. Offering both yoga and treatmentfocused retreats, guests short on time can opt for the three-night Yoga Holiday break that includes accommodation, breakfast, three group yoga classes, two spa treatments at the Honeycomb spa, three organic meals, two holistic healing treatments and your choice of either a private yoga class or bodywork session. navutudreams.com.

RETREAT FOCUS:

MUSEFLOWER RETREAT & SPA CHIANG RAI An affordable retreat in Northern Thailand where simplicity is key This cozy, eco-friendly holistic wellness retreat was created for stressed-out urbanites to escape the crowds and reconnect to nature. Museflower Retreat & Spa Chiang Rai is northern Thailand’s leading holistic wellness center, and since its opening has made many media top lists for its affordable and top-notch Wellness, Spa, and Yoga Packages. The all-inclusive room rate includes three vegetarian meals plus one fitness class per day. Guests rave over the delicious vegetarian meals picked on the same day from the onsite organic farm.

Here you will find Thailand’s first Himalayan crystal salt swimming pool, a floating lake lounge, a meditation labyrinth, hot mineral baths and cozy cottages clustered beside a private lake, set among lush gardens and forests. Wellness offerings include holistic healing, spiritual wellness classes and writing and meditation retreats, in addition to top-notch and affordable spa treatments. Museflower Retreat is also a great base to explore Chiang Rai’s fantastic temples, extraordinary museums, lively night markets filled with hill tribe crafts and artisanal goodies. Looking for adventure? Spend a day up in the misty mountains visiting exotic hill tribe villages and lush tea estates.

MUSEFLOWER RETREAT & SPA CHIANG RAI 159/1 Moo 1 Ban Samanmit, Donsila Sub-District, Wiang Chai District, Chiang Rai 57210, Thailand Office: +66-(0)52-029-823, +66(0)-93-137-0414 E/ retreat@museflower.com W/ www.musefloweretreat.com F/ https://www.facebook.com/musefloweretreat

Wellness Retreats Guide

Solo SEARCHING Holidays are great, but sometimes the best escape is one that encourages you to turn inwards. What better way to reflect than a wellness journey on your own with zero distractions? Stephanie Shiu shares her top picks for self-discovery. FOR AN AYURVEDIC APPROACH:

ANANDA IN THE HIMALAYAS Set on a 100-acre Maharaja’s Palace Estate in the Himalayan foothills of northern India, the awardwinning Ananda in the Himalayan foothills of Dehradun, India, offers a blend of Ayurveda and yoga guided by health experts. While everything from stress and weight management programmes are available, you can’t go wrong with Ayurvedic Rejuvenation, which comprises personal yoga, pranayama, meditation and cleansing therapy. Or if you’d like to take the latter a step further, the 14-21 night Panchakarma offers the ultimate deep clean. Nothing complements the detox process better than views of spiritual Rishikesh and the Ganges River Valley. www.anandaspa.com

FOR MEDI SPA SEEKERS:

SHA SPAIN WELLNESS Don’t be fooled by its slick white interiors and Mediterranean resort vibe, Sha Spain is not only a resort but a wellness clinic. Located in Sierra Helada Natural park, this is the place for a total health overall. The integrative Sha Method combines medicine with natural therapies and nutrition. The streamlined selection of Optimal Weight, Detox, Healthy Ageing and Rebalance programmes range from seven to 21 days and are led by a team of experts in preventative, holistic, dermo aesthetic, regenerative and revitalising medicine, among other specialities. That being said there is nothing clinical about its suites and residences, which are beautifully designed spaces using calming natural materials that bring the outside in for a sense of balance. shawellnessclinic.com

Wellness Retreats Guide

FOR SPECIFIC HEALTH CONCERNS:

PLATINUM HEALING If you’re looking for a reset, Platinum Healing in Sussex is much more than just a detox or yoga retreat. While juice cleanses are an option, programmes have also been tailored to specific health concerns, such as Stop Smoking, Fertility Detox, Menopause and Inner Child Healing. A holistic approach is taken when addressing issues ranging from adrenal fatigue and allergies to hormonal imbalances, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and ME. The focus here goes beyond the physical to address the emotional and psychological aspects of a detox, with therapies that include hypnotherapy, relationship counselling and executive coaching. For those looking for more unique treatments, you’ll also have access to soul plan reading, past-life regression and spiritual coaching, all within lavish accommodation surrounded by lush fields and forests. www.platinum-healing.com

FOR GODDESSES ONLY:

ESCAPE HAVEN If you’re looking to treat yourself, whisk yourself away to luxurious Escape Haven in Bali, where you can expect to be surrounded by like-minded women who prioritise self-care. Whether you opt for the Revive Surf or Bucket List packages, your needs will be tended to by resort butlers as you savour views of rivers, rice paddies and jungle. Twice daily yoga classes are included in all retreats, in addition to extensive spa offerings and healing therapies, which include reiki, theta healing, tarot and bodywork sessions. When you’re not lying prone on a massage table, cool off in one of the property’s four pools, at the nearby surf beach, or be tempted by retail therapy and epicurean delights beyond the sanctuary. escapehaven.com 23

Wellness Retreats Guide

FOR YOGA AND DETOX IN ONE:

THE WALDHOTEL HEALTH & MEDICAL EXCELLENCE Combining two iconic wellness practices of yoga and detox, the Detox Yoga retreat with Sandra Schunck at Lake Lucerne, Switzerland, has been created to improve mental clarity, emotional balance, grounding and peace, while also boosting the skin’s appearance, muscle tone and flexibility while brightening the eyes and helping the joints. Suitable for all levels, yoga styles include vinyasa, hatha, ashtanga and yin, each complemented by pranayama and meditation. This will be supported by the Waldhotel Color Cuisine method designed to ramp up energy and vitality. Expect morning sessions to be dynamic, while evenings classes will be slower paced, with plenty of stretching and meditation. It also includes spa time, where a foot massage, detox oil peeling, detox massage and Deluxe Antioxidant Revitalizing Treatment by SkinCeuticals will leave you glowing inside and out. www.buergenstock.ch

FOR ANIMAL LOVERS:

HEALING WITH HORSES Designed to bring playfulness back into busy lives, Jessica McGregor Johnson combines her coaching methods with the healing equine energy on the Caribbean island of Mustique. Imagine personal coaching while you’re on horseback exploring idyllic trails and beaches… The animals themselves will act as guides, and serve as a mirror to help you identify blocks in your life. You will be asked to set an intention for the retreat to give your experience more focus, whether you have faced trauma or simply feel stuck. You will also be able to spend time with Liz Saint, equine specialist and life coach, who has worked with horses in luxury locations for the last 35 years and has been using them as tools for personal transformation since. jessicamcgregorjohnson.com

RETREAT FOCUS:

NAVUTU DREAMS RESORT An eco-luxury escape in Siem Reap, just minutes from Angkor Wat A tropical, tranquil location just minutes from Siem Reap, Navutu Dreams Resort is Siem Reap’s only destination for wellness and yoga retreats. Committed to its eco credentials, the resort was recently awarded ASEAN’S Green Hotel Award for 2020-2022. With 28 luxurious rooms, organic gardens, three swimming pools, two fully-furnished yoga shalas, spa and healing rooms and fitness centre, Navutu dreams has everything you need to a rejuvenating escape. Looking to nourish your body? Niam Niam restaurant offers an organic farm-to-table dining experience, offering authentic Cambodian favorites as well as Italian and Western cuisine. Be sure to check out the Wellness menu, which uses only locally sourced produce in its deliciously healthy dishes.

Navutu Dreams has an excellent yoga programme, as well as a lineup of healers that will leave you feeling centered and fully revived. On the menu you’ll find Reiki, Shiatsu, Acupressure, Pranayama, Sound Healing, Chakra Balance, Pranic Healing and Kansa Wand Massage, to name just a few. WIth direct flights from Hong Kong, close proximity to Cambodia’s historical and cultural centre, and affordable treatments in luxurious, low-key surrounds, Navutu Dreams Resort is an ideal destination for a quick getaway from Hong Kong. www.navutudreams.com

The Directory on offer, from your standard yoga, spa and fitness holidays to tailormade itineraries for those recovering from illness, or dealing with an ongoing condition such as insomnia, menopause or chronic pain. Whatever type of retreat you are looking for, you’ll find it here. www.healingholidays.com

Book Yoga Retreats

Booking Platforms BOOK RETREATS With more than a thousand centres on its books, Book Retreats offers an easy-to-use interface to book, compare and research yoga and other wellness retreats. Input your dates, desired location and type of retreat, and the system will throw up plenty of options for you to choose from. Stuck for ideas? Browse the various categories, from beginner retreats to detox, affordable retreats, spiritual journey or meditation, to name just a few. bookretreats.com

BOOK YOGA RETREATS An immense yoga retreat aggregator and booking platform, Book Yoga Retreats has thousands of retreats to choose from each month of the year. Filter by date, location, yoga style or category to find the perfect retreat for you. Bookyogaretreats.com

RETREAT KULA Based in Singapore, Retreat Kula allows you to filter by all kinds of 26

categories, from raw retreats to vegetarian; affordable retreats to short breaks. In addition to yoga, it also offers listings of where to take intensive yoga teacher training courses, surf camps and ayurveda courses. retreatkula.com

Travel Agencies FLIGHT CENTRE One of Hong Kong’s biggest travel agencies, Flight Centre offers all kinds of holidays with a best-price guarantee, from family travel to romantic breaks. It also has a wellness vertical, with offers and deals on some of the best-known wellness retreats in Thailand and Bali, from Como to Kamalaya. Flightcentre.com.hk.

HEALING HOLIDAYS With offices in Singapore and London, Healing Holidays is well-equipped to handle the needs of travelers from Asia as well as Europe. Get inspired by browsing the many retreat types

IN THIS LIFE Specialists in wellness travel, In This Life allows you to browse by eco/ sustainable travel, luxury, hot springs, and wellness immersion. Based in Australia, In This Life organizes wellness travel and retreats across the continents, from Europe to South America, as well as popular retreat destinations in Asia. Check the “Deals” tab for exclusive rates of up to 50% off select destinations. Inthislifewellnesstravel.com

PRAVASSA One of the original wellness travel tour operators, Pravassa has been going for 10 years and organises private travel, customised itineraries and small group tours to wellness destinations across the world. Closer to home, Pravassa has tours to VIetnam, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Nepal, Cambodia and Bhutan, while further-flung destinations include Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Italy and New Zealand, to name just a few. www.pravassa.com

SOUL SANCTUARIES With its head office in Central, Hong Kong-based Soul Sanctuaries is committed to curating wellness travel experiences across Asia, from Bali to Bhutan. Whether you’re looking to detox, de-stress, do loads of yoga or have a spiritual experience, Soul Sanctuaries has an itinerary for you. 8191-2707, soul-sanctuaries.com.

Liv Magazine Wellness Retreats Guide 2020

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