QUICK TRIPS

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.

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. www.hariharalaya.com

MUSEFLOWER RETREAT & SPA, CHIANG RAI 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/

PHU CHAISAI, CHIANG RAI 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

Museflower Retreat & Spa

Movenpick BDMS Resort Bangkok

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

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 Navutu Dreams

NAVUTU DREAMS Set in 1.5 hectares of tropical gardens, the 28- room 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