Top 10 Health Retreats Worldwide
February 3, 2009 by holisticanswers
Filed under Exclusives, Mind/Body/Spirit
With these top luxurious health retreats, there is absolutely no reason to put off shedding that old skin, both literally and metaphorically, in order to unveil the new “you.”Our list of Top 10 Health Resorts for 2009 boasts properties that go beyond the usual “resort with a spa.” Rather, they offer programs that are designed to cultivate a healthy lifestyle in unique and permanent ways: each spa features regimens that fall under the heading of “wellness” and focus on overall health and longevity—all the while keeping, of course, with the latest in style, luxury and ultimate comfort.
1. California’s Health and Longevity Institute
Yes, it has a 40,000-square-foot spa offering a menu of holistic treatments and therapies that blend Asian rituals with today’s western sensibilities. But it’s the California Health & Longevity Institute that’s the big draw here. Located in Westlake Village, northwest of Los Angeles, this world-class facility is a leader in what’s known as science-based lifestyle rejuvenation. After a certified LifeAdvisor helps you create a personalized LifePlan for accomplishing your goals, you’ll be advised by a team of experts—physicians, licensed dieticians, exercise physiologists, fitness trainers, stress management experts and therapists, plus healthy-living chefs. The Institute includes a complete medical clinic with a full range of diagnostic testing and medical assessments. Seems like Mr. Spock had it right all along: Live long and prosper.
Opened in 2008, this Miami Beach addition to the Canyon Ranch stable offers up spectacular ocean views, lavish accommodations, and of course the 70,000-square-foot Wellness Spa, where body meets soul. Here you’ll experience renowned Canyon Ranch-quality personal attention, body treatments, healing therapies, wellness services and more. Enjoy classic spa treatments, and try the innovative rituals and Canyon Ranch signature services that will lighten your spirit and restore balance and pleasure. Luxuriate in Aquavana™, the spectacular array of healing waters, thermal cabins and soaking tubs exclusive to Canyon Ranch, or just relax in gracious, serene gathering spaces. Choose from daily fitness classes, climb the rock wall and stay fit in the outstanding gym. Make the most of your stay by meeting with a Canyon Ranch health professional, and learn how to feel your best for life.
3. Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa
Its sense of place is perhaps its greatest healing feature. Situated within the UNESCO World Heritage Blue Mountains National Park, Lilianfels takes advantage of its location to offer wilderness therapy walks that teach essential stress relief techniques. In this tranquil setting, located just 90 minutes from Sydney, you’ll also enjoy yoga, Pilates and tai chi. This five star Orient-Express hotel is housed in a historic country house set amidst two acres of manicured gardens. The resort’s Li’Tya spa treatments are based on ancient Aboriginal traditions called “dreamtime,” which refers to the indigenous peoples’ beliefs in the power of creation. You’ll do just that: create yourself anew with anti-aging facials, exotic rubs and rhythmic massage at this cliff-top retreat, where the ritual of indulgence is elevated to an art form.
4. Alive Health Resort , British Columbia
They don’t call it the Alive Health Resort for nothing. Nestled in the beautiful Monashee Mountains of British Columbia, you’ll revel in the back-to-nature feeling, while simultaneously enjoying the benefits of comprehensive spa and bodywork treatments, indoor/outdoor physical activity, and interactive education programs. It’s impossible to not feel rejuvenated after spending time surrounded by fresh forest air and breathtaking mountain scenery.
5. Les Sources de Caudalie, Bordeaux
Unique Vinotherapie treatments that slow down the aging process and an idyllic locale sum up Les Sources de Caudalie, situated among vineyards near Bordeaux. Rich in minerals are its warm underground springs, great for soaking away what ails you. Wraps and massages here use grape extracts, called polyphenols, which strengthen blood vessels and enhance micro-circulation. Embark on a slimming program that combines endermologie sessions (a technique that breaks down cellulite) with a special dietary menu and varietal treatments such as aMerlot wrap. But this place doesn’t just slather the grape extract on the outside—both connoisseurs and beginners can savor the fruits of the vine at the resort’s weekly wine tasting.
6. Israel’s Carmel Forest Spa Resort
Situated in the heart of Israel’s Carmel Forest and set amidst fifteen acres of private woodland sits The Carmel Forest Spa Resort. This relaxing hideaway overlooks the sea and is Israel’s largest and most luxurious spa resort. Here, you’ll be pampered within an inch of your life, dine on healthy (kosher) meals and have a personal consultation to tailor a treatment and activity program just for you. You can work hard with a choice of indoor/outdoor pools to swim in, exercise in the gym or on the tennis court or take yoga and Tai Chi classes. You can also play hard by hanging out in the terrace solarium, reading room, games room or music room. Either way, you’ll leave refreshed and rejuvenated.
Its natural warm springs may be age-old, but the wellness center at this leading Italian retreat and small luxury hotel is positively avant-garde. Treatments here include osteopathy, which is the correction of mechanical imbalances within and between the body’s musculoskeletal and nervous systems. You can also take the healing waters in the property’s very own thermal grotta, a natural cave with an underground hot lake in which guests can enjoy a detoxifying steam bath. Mud therapy will take you back to your carefree days of childhood play, and anyone with respiratory, sinus or ear problems can book an inhalation treatment.
8. Pujjis Wellness Retreat in New Zealand
Less than ten minutes from Nelson in New Zealand’s South Island, the Pujjis Wellness Retreat is run by Arvind and Jane Pujji. Both experienced and trained bodyworks practitioners and yoga teachers, and they offer a myriad of options for you to feel calm, cleansed and comforted. With just four guest rooms at the resort, you’re guaranteed peace, serenity and a personalized vacation. You can customize your stay with bodywork and yoga sessions, enjoy massage and meditation, undertake an organic juice fast or opt for no programming whatsoever, and simply snooze in the hammock on the deck, soak in the hot tub, take a sauna, listen to the river as it rushes by or take long walks in the surrounding hills and hug a native tree.
9. Kamalaya Koh Samui, Thailand
Situated on the island of Koh Samui, this Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa is centered around a cave temple that once served Buddhist monks as a place of meditation and spiritual retreat. Kamalaya means “Lotus Realm,” and you can practice your yoga Lotus position here, or simply stare off into the distance surrounded by an idyllic lagoon, white sand beaches, cascading streams and lush tropical gardens. A myriad of customized treatments combining both eastern and western healing are on hand, including holistic medicine, spa and healing therapies, as well as detox and fitness programs, guaranteed to leave you feeling refreshed, revived and ready to return to the rat race.
10. Natur-Med Thermal Springs and Health Resort, Turkey
Rejuvenation, anti-aging, weight loss and pain relief—you’ll find these and more in a soothing environment set in the Aegean among the pine, olive and tangerine trees. Turkey’s first healthcenter boasts matrix rhythm therapy, a form of electro-magnetic treatment for restoring damaged joints, muscles and nerves. Ozone therapy and acupuncture are also available, and balneological (drinking) cures address diabetes, gout, intestinal illnesses and degenerative eye diseases. Colon hydrotherapy is used as a preventative for dozens of disorders, and all treatments are conducted under the supervision of a professional medical team. After you’ve taken care of your ailments, relax with yoga, a facial or a nature excursion.
