Heaven & Health
If you’re ready to de-stress, ramp up your fitness or just digitally detox, a range of holistic spas in beautiful settings offer a five-star experience. Gaia Retreat & Spa
Five-star holistic spa experiences around the world.
Rather than an indulgence, a stay in a luxurious health spa can be an investment in your wellbeing. Here, experts pinpoint some of the best spa destinations at home and around the world.
Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa
This five-star resort (pictured) near Tucson, Arizona, sets the gold standard with a theme of ‘comfort with a conscience’. A team of health experts, including a Native American meditation practitioner, is on hand for wellness counselling, dietary advice and spiritual healing. Yoga is a strong focus, but the activity programs cover all bases, from trail riding to mountain biking and hiking. The Life in Balance Spa continues the good work with body-renewal, ayurvedic and energy-boosting treatments. Gourmet meals, unlimited smoothies and a no-tipping policy seal the deal. miravalarizona.com Elisabeth King, H&G beauty editor In the tranquil hinterland of Byron Bay, NSW, this is an ideal place to unwind, recharge and be completely pampered in eco-chic surrounds. Gaia is all about choice: you might elect to get up early and start the day with yoga or sleep in and relax, then perhaps learn how to cook healthier meals or let the chefs whip up gourmet dishes for you. You’ll return home more relaxed and centred, having slept better than you have in years. gaiaretreat.com.au
Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat
This Queensland retreat is where I send clients who are serious about changing an aspect of their lives, whether it’s weight loss, managing stress or a digital detox. It looks like a luxury resort, but a strict regime helps guests make the most of their time here. The retreat has a group-oriented perspective, with communal dining, seminars and activities. Most activities are held in the morning, allowing for rest and rejuvenation in the afternoons. The food and wine are delicious, while being nutritionally balanced and portioncontrolled; the rooms are lovely, comfortable and serene. gwinganna.com Ann-Catherine Jones, Jones & Turner Travel Associates, Paddington, NSW
Treetops Lodge & Estate
The Maori people revere massage as a sacred taonga (treasure). At this awardwinning luxury lodge in New Zealand, set deep in the forests of Rotorua, you’ll find authentic Maori healers dedicated to this art as well as specialists in indigenous wellness therapies. The Mirimiri massage – intended to unify mauri (life essence) and wairua (spirit) – begins with an ancient prayer and induces deep relaxation. For a more invigorating result, the Romiromi deep-tissue massage relieves tension and stimulates pressure points. treetops.co.nz Brenda Chan, NZ travel expert