A world of wellness
Nobody deserves a break more than a parent who’s navigated endless home-schooling and lockdowns. Find your way back to a new normal at these stunning properties
SIX SENSES IBIZA, SPAIN
This brand new resort overlooks the crystal waters of the Mediterranean from a cove on the northern tip of the rugged island, with picture perfect sunset views.
The 20-acre property opens in July and will be the first *BREEAM certified resort in the Balearics. Sustainability indeed ranks high on its agenda, surrounded as it is by unspoiled coves and groves. The resort boasts its own farm, including an agricultural estate and 400 year old olive press, which will be harnessed to supply dining spaces with organic produce.
“Sustainability is a huge part of our company ethos,” says Six Senses’ Neil Jacobs. “And when you find a magical place such as Cala Xarraca, it’s something you work really hard to both showcase and respect.”
The showcase Six Senses Spa will house single and couples’ treatment rooms, a steam room, hammam and fitness area, as well as a cafe and juice bar. The Rose
Bar offers a range of healing and antiageing programmes combining diagnostics, biohacking, nutrition and beauty treatments. Outdoors, there’s a yoga deck and boxing ring on the roof.
Six Senses aims to roll-out immersive retreats twice a year and is currently gearing up for a series of immersive teaser weekends and longer stay retreats incorporating yoga, cleanse and fitness during the winter (November to April) season.
*Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method.
RAKXA, BANGKOK
Tucked away in the city’s so-called ‘green lung’ on a jungle-covered island on the Chao Phraya River, RAKxa offers a host of wellness programmes to target long-term health goals.
The programmes are designed by doctors and combine medical treatments with holistic therapies.
The three- to 14-day retreats cover detox, weight management, gut health, mobilisation, de-stress, facial solutions, body solutions, immunity boosters, and there’s also a 'Discover RAKxa' programme.
Doctors from VitalLife, a subsidiary of Bumrungrad International Hospital, and holistic healers work alongside; holistic treatments run from traditional Thai medicine to traditional Chinese medicine,
Ayurvedic treatments and energy healing practices.
There’s also a high-tech gym with Olympiclevel training equipment, hydrothermal spa facilities, an anti-inflammatory food philosophy, a cleansing tea lounge, organic garden and a host of workshops and activities.
This first phase opening includes 27 lakeside villas and a restaurant, Unam, with a further 33 villas and two residences planned for a second phase due to be completed later this year. This next next phase will also see a second, Asian-inspired restaurant added to the retreat, along with an extended treatment menu.
The retreat has taken its environmental responsibilities to heart, restoring the local ecosystem by planting thousands of local trees and plants, carrying out soil regeneration and waste clearance and supporting neighbouring farmers and gardeners. Fresh air and an abundance of nature means the city seems a million miles away.
Resort design incorporates traditional materials such as rattan, bamboo, reclaimed wood, ceramics, brass, jute, mulberry paper and water hyacinth. Jungle-inspired soothing teals and gentle greens have been used throughout the property to create calm and a sense of wellbeing. Local artisans have also been engaged to create rugs and woven wall decors.
All we need now is for quarantine to be lifted...
AMANERA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
This soothing retreat on the verdant north coast of the Dominican Republic is surrounded by more than 400 acres of nature reserve, framed by mountains and rugged cliffs.
It overlooks the mile-long golden sands of Playa Grande, the perfect spot for combining back-to-nature activities with peaceful seclusion. With this in mind, the resort is launching a raft of new experiences for
2021.
Start the day with a hike through the surrounding nature reserve with its more than 160 species of birds. The four mile trek culminates with breakfast at Amanera’s mountain top pavilion with views down to the resort and the beach. The hike finishes with a descent through the rainforests to the beach.
Or join a two hour cooking class focusing on local dishes using plantain and yucca in traditional Dominican style. Conjure up local specialities including ‘tostones’, ‘mofongo’, ‘pastellon’ and ‘empanadas de yucca’.
Up your fitness after a year on the couch with a two-and-a-half hour surfing experience followed by meditation and a ‘Surfer’s Yoga’ class with stretching, core and leg strength and balance.
Or join a kayak or paddleboard eco-tour from nearby Rio San Juan and paddling into Laguna Gri Gri with its mangrove trees, birds, fish and reptiles. Cool off with a snorkel at a natural pool before returning to your casita.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL, LAGO DI COMO
The elegant Mandarin Oriental on the shores of Lake Como will be throwing open its doors on April 15 for the summer season.
And what’s more, it will be opening with a ‘Reset, Relax, Renew’ package which sounds like music to the ears.
The elegant hotel is located in a botanical garden next to the famous lake and boasts a stunning lakeside pool and sundeck. At the heart of the property is the nineteenth century Villa Roccabruna with guest rooms, suites and two stand-alone villas.
Upgrades during the winter season closure include a complete makeover of the Panoramic Suite, with a private pool and terrace overlooking the lake.
The wellness package includes accommodation and breakfast, spa treatments and a private wellness experience aimed at regenerating body and mind. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental is the largest on the lake. Wellness facilities run to expansive treatment suites, a vertical Kneipp circuit, indoor pool, Mediterranean bath and a Himalayan salt room.
Relax as the team takes you through rejuvenation and tailored treatments using custom-blended oils.
There’s also yoga and personal training as well as hiking and biking opportunities in the surrounding countryside, water sports and golf at one of the nearby courses.