Why New Zealand's Luxury Wellness Retreats Are Thriving
New Zealand’s high-end wellness retreats might just jump-start your health and fitness
Ever returned from a trip needing to recover from your holiday? You're not the only one. Globally many more travellers are adding wellness retreats to their itineraries. And where better to take time out than the golden beaches, national parks and mountain ranges of New Zealand?
In recent years, some of these high-end retreats have become primary destinations rather than just stop-offs. They're not all about spas and massages, also encompassing bodywork like yoga and Pilates. Increasingly, they focus on the brain too, particularly through mindfulness meditation to help ensure you're really in the moment. Whether you want to recharge the batteries, create healthy habits or make life changes, here's where to do it.
Aro Ha¯ Wellness Retreat, Queenstown
If any place can inspire wellness, Aro Ha¯ is it. This multi-award-winning retreat, on a subalpine plain in Glenorchy, near Queenstown, offers ‘wellness adventures' that don't separate the body and the mind. It runs two or three group retreats each month except June. Typically lasting five, six or seven days, these programmes involve nature hikes, yoga, body-strengthening classes, plant-based meals, spa therapy, massage, and mindfulness meditation. Founders Chris Madison and Damian Chaparro believe that reconnecting with nature and being present in the moment can create life-altering change. Most guests, including honeymooners – fly in especially to stay at the retreat, in eco-friendly cabins with lake and mountain views. http://aro-ha.com
Travel Tips
Less than two hours' flight from Auckland, Queenstown is New Zealand's outdoor-adventure capital. It's particularly busy in mid-summer and during the June - October ski season, but there's