Travel Wellness escapes
A few too many hot cross buns over Easter? Restore your health at these new wellness escapes
Fusion Resort Phu Quoc’s Wellness Voyage, Vietnam
If the phrase “wellness voyage” conjures up a vision of gruel, green juice and no fun, think again! At the country's newest all-inclusive spa resort on the island of Phu Quoc, wellness means a whole lot of massages and treatments, yoga, the beach, a private pool and some very delicious food.
Days begin with yoga or cardio. After an hour of stretching ng or lifting with the help of the lovely fitness team, , it's time to head for a healthy breakfast of fruit, house-made granola, traditional pho or eggs. Their breakfast buffet also includes all the “bad stuff”, but you're encouraged from the outset to make good healthy choices.
Two treatments follow each day, including body scrubs, bs, wraps and pepper massages – the he island is famous for its pepper and the oil smells fragrant and warm.
One-on-one lunchtime cooking classes also offer some great tips and ideas for food to make once you've left the resort, including a rather nice take on pancakes using sweet potato and rice flour.
The second exercise component of the day follows – yoga, cardio or a swim class with the resort's fitness guru Sandrine, who coaches you through a fun session in the adults-only pool.
Every evening in your villa (in itself enough for many people's sanity – one bedroom, a gorgeous rain shower and sunken bath, private garden and pool…) a bath is filled with lemongrass and ginger, essential oils and lime. You'll feel more relaxed than you will have in ages. fusionresortphuquoc.com Having just opened last month, this picturesque slice of paradise is sure to attract the world's most influential wellness warriors.
Perched upon three hectares of Nusa Dua's lush green hills, the property p aims to “soothe the spirit, s rejuvenate the body and enrich e the mind” via a range of holistic h medicine treatments, relaxation r exercises and a tailored diet d based on each guest's DNA and nutritional al needs.
A three-day program covers rs it all, focusing on particular health issues including lack of sleep and energy, emotional imbalance and d weight loss. The Balinese meals s are high in protein, low in carbs, gluten-free and locally sourced for optimal health. There's also a yoga barn, separate aerial yoga space, meditation room, Pilates studio, 50-metre lap pool and all the spacious grass to perform a wide range of exercises. Once you're done feeling virtuous, live like the queen you yo are in the holistic spa w which focuses on au authentic ancient B Balinese healing p practices. r revivoresorts.com
Music and Movement Escapes, Byron Bay
Prefer your health retreat with a side of celebrity? Aussie rocker Pete Murray and his wife Mira have founded a five-star retreat in conjunction with Byron Bay’s Elements of Byron resort.
When you’re not focusing on your health with fitness trainer Benny Owen or having yoga and surf lessons, Pete will be on hand to soothe souls with acoustic sets. VIP packages include one-on-one time with Pete inside the singersongwriter’s personal recording studio, finding out more about how he tackles making music.
And if the thought of going without wine for an extended period of time freaks you out, you’ll be pleased to hear this escape allows the cheeky glass or two here and there along with plenty of fresh, locally sourced produce to indulge in. musicandmovement escapes.com