From the Himalayas to the Maldives, we’ve created a roundup of the best wellness destinations in the world.
Soneva Soul, the Maldives
Talise Spa, Burj Al Arab, UAE
Perched 150 metres above the Arabian Gulf, Talise Spa at the Burj Al Arab continues to set the standard for global luxury wellness. Situated on the 18th floor of one of the world’s most iconic hotels, the spa combines panoramic views with a programme of treatments that bring together ancient traditions, modern technology and exclusive partnerships with leading beauty houses. Guests have access to a wide range of facilities, including indoor swimming pools, sauna, herbal steam rooms and cold plunge pools. Treatments are carried out by a team of wellness specialists, who draw on expertise in techniques from around the world, supported by products from luxury skincare leaders such as Valmont, Swissline and Clinic Lémanic.
The spa’s signature experiences include the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab Golden Journey, a 150-minute ritual combining advanced technology such as radiofrequency and LED therapy with synchronised massage movements. Facial treatments integrate advanced techniques with high-performance ingredients. The L’Elixir des Glaciers Majestic facial by Valmont, for example, blends Japanese Kobido massage traditions with lifting and re-mineralising protocols, while Clinic Lémanic’s Sublime Youth Infusion employs plant stem cell cultures and colloidal gold, enhanced by radiofrequency and LED therapy. Talise also offers yoga and Pilates reformer classes, as well as bespoke personal training programmes in its fitness centre.
Six Senses Vana, India
In early 2023, luxury hospitality brand Six Senses acquired Vana, a 21‑acre wellness retreat nestled in the Himalayan foothills near Dehradun, India. Fast forward just two years, and Six Senses Vana has continued to rise as one of the world’s most revered wellness retreats, renowned for its seamless integration of ancient healing traditions with modern scientific enhancements. Since the acquisition, core elements of the retreat’s identity have been carefully preserved. Long‑standing staff remain in place, and signature rituals (from the arrival blessing with crimson dot and kurta pyjamas to the red‑string farewell) continue to greet guests.
In terms of innovation, Six Senses introduced advanced wellness diagnostics, including biomarker screenings, compression therapy and massage‑percussion devices, subtly elevating the guest experienc. Leading treatments at Six Senses Vana include blending traditional therapies like Tibetan Sowa Rigpa with high‑tech wellness, all within a sustainable, tranquil forest setting. Its standing today as one of the world’s finest retreats is founded on this harmonious fusion: authentic, deeply restorative traditions enriched by thoughtful innovation, all anchored in environmental stewardship.
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, Iceland
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon in Iceland stands as an award‑winning luxury resort nestled in the heart of an 800‑year‑old moss‑covered lava flow on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Opened in 2018, the hotel comprises sixty suites, a subterranean spa, Michelin‑starred dining at Moss Restaurant, and its own private lagoon fed by the same mineral‑rich geothermal seawater as the iconic Blue Lagoon. Accommodation options include the expansive Blue Lagoon Suite, which spans two levels, features a private spa and lagoon, and includes butler service. Other suite types, such as the Moss Suite, Lagoon Suite, Lagoon View Junior Suite, Lava Junior Suite, and Moss Junior Suite, offer variations in size, views and amenities, typically around 40 to 60 square metres, with private terraces or balconies and access to Retreat Spa and complimentary group yoga, coffee time, and concierge service. Guests benefit from unlimited access to the Retreat Spa, the Retreat Lagoon, and the main Blue Lagoon, along with Blue Lagoon skincare amenities, breakfast, welcome drinks, minibar provisions, and daily yoga sessions. The subterranean spa spans approximately 2,300 square metres; it is surrounded by the Retreat Lagoon and offers a multi‑stage spa journey culminating in the “Blue Lagoon Ritual.”
Located within the Blue Lagoon premises, The Retreat is easily accessible, positioned just 20 minutes from Keflavík Airport and approximately 40 minutes from Reykjavík. Its architectural design reflects the textures and colours of the surrounding landscape, allowing guests to experience harmony with the volcanic terrain.
Amanpuri, Thailand
Since opening in 1988, Amanpuri, whose name means “place of peace” in Sanskrit, has served as the flagship property of Aman Resorts, setting a benchmark in luxury hospitality. The resort occupies a 24-hectare headland on the west coast of Phuket, nestled within a coconut plantation that overlooks the tranquil Andaman Sea and Pansea Beach. Conceived by developer Adrian Zecha and meticulously designed by American architect Ed Tuttle, Amanpuri reflected a radical departure from conventional hotel aesthetics by embracing traditional Thai temple architecture, local materials such as teak and maka wood, and thoughtful integration with the natural environment.
Amanpuri’s wellness and recreational facilities are extensive. Guests have access to a spa with six treatment rooms, a main swimming pool of 27 metres, a 20‑metre lap pool, and a range of water sports offerings, including paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, and snorkelling at Pansea Beach. On‑site amenities further include six tennis courts, a gym, a Pilates studio, a beach club, a library, a boardroom and an art gallery. Sustainability is woven into the resort’s operations. Amanpuri cultivates its own kitchen garden and herbs using bamboo‑based terraces to regenerate soil, and composts organic and garden waste, enhancing environmental stewardship. The resort also partners with a Phuket‑based marine foundation to support coral restoration and bamboo shark breeding through proceeds from sales of an eco‑photography book.
Clinique La Prairie, Switzerland
Renowned as one of the most exclusive spa and wellness destinations in the world, Clinique La Prairie in Montreux, Switzerland, has been a world-leading clinic for more than 90 years. Founded in 1931 by Professor Niehans, a pioneer in cell therapy, the clinic has earned an international reputation for its unique combination of cutting-edge medical science, personalised programmes and serene lakeside setting on the shores of Lake Geneva. Guests, including global celebrities and political figures, have long sought its advanced treatments and discreet, refined environment. The latest addition to its offering is the Longevity Master Assessment, described as the most advanced preventive medicine analysis system available.
This comprehensive evaluation, forming the first step of the clinic’s signature CLP Longevity Method, examines more than 300 biomarkers using state-of-the-art tools such as patented cardiovascular risk prediction, genetic profiling, microbiome sequencing and a bespoke Nutrition Index Assessment. The result is a precision health roadmap designed to optimise vitality and extend healthy years. Clinique La Prairie is also expanding its Holistic Health collection with EPINOME, its first longevity supplement targeting epigenetics. Developed over three years with leading experts, the supplement uses plant compounds and targeted nutrients to influence gene activity, supporting cellular health and slowing age-related decline. These innovations join a portfolio of one-week personalised health and wellness programmes delivered by a 50-strong team of medical specialists. Guests can expect a seamless blend of luxury spa experiences, advanced diagnostics and therapeutic interventions, all set against the tranquil backdrop of Montreux.
Claridges Spa, England
In recent years, Claridge’s Spa in Mayfair, London, has gained a reputation as one of the leading wellness destinations in the world. Opened in 2022 after a major renovation, the 7,000-square-foot retreat sits three floors beneath the iconic hotel, combining exceptional design with Claridge’s signature service. The Pink Room, which opened in March 2024, further enhances the spa’s unique offering. Inspired by the hotel’s Painter’s Room bar, it features a heated pink onyx bed and delivers a contemporary interpretation of the hammam ritual.
The treatment combines aromatic steam, detoxifying charcoal soap, exfoliation with a traditional kese mitt, rose water rinsing and a bespoke body mask selected from the spa’s Mask Bar. Options focus on restoration, detoxification or nourishment, with each treatment concluding in a hair cleanse and oil application. Visitors from across the globe choose Claridge’s Spa for its combination of innovative therapies, expert practitioners and the discreet luxury that defines the hotel. It offers an environment where every detail, from treatment design to service delivery, is crafted to the highest standard.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech
Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech has emerged as one of the world’s premier spa and wellness destinations, combining architectural elegance with centuries‑old Moroccan traditions and cutting‑edge wellness offerings. Its spa recently earned recognition as the World’s Best Spa in 2024 from the World Spa Awards, reflecting its exceptional standards. Spanning some 1,800 m², the wellness sanctuary draws design inspiration from Andalusian heritage, seamlessly blending Oriental philosophy with Moroccan ritual. It features six treatment rooms, including a Thai treatment room, each with its own private garden, two luxurious hammams, vitality baths, an indoor swimming pool and a modern fitness centre.
The hammams offer immersive experiences rooted in age‑old purification rituals, incorporating black soap, kessa exfoliation, argan oil, and rose water to enhance circulation, detoxification and overall relaxation. Beyond traditional treatments, the spa provides bespoke therapies and holistic rituals tailored to individual needs, delivered in an elegant and tranquil setting. Fitness facilities are equally comprehensive: guests have access to a 14‑metre heated indoor pool, state‑of‑the‑art Technogym equipment including a “Kinesis” system, personal training, boxing, functional and golf training, wellness consultations, and a landscaped jogging trail through the gardens. Its seamless integration of luxury, tradition and personalised wellness makes Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech particularly notable. Offering not only physical rejuvenation but also cultural authenticity, the resort stands out for its ability to satisfy discerning visitors seeking both serenity and immersive wellbeing.
Soneva Soul, the Maldives
Soneva Soul is pushing boundaries as a wellness destination in the Maldives, masterfully blending ancient healing traditions with modern science to deliver a deeply transformative experience. Nestled within breathtaking island settings at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, Soneva Soul offers sanctuaries designed in harmony with nature. At Fushi, the two‑storey wellness complex is enveloped by flora and fauna; meanwhile, at Jani, guests enjoy panoramic lagoon views and a sense of tranquil seclusion. What sets Soneva Soul apart is its truly bespoke, holistic approach.
Personalised wellness experiences are co‑curated with an expert team, spanning spa therapists, naturopaths, Ayurvedic doctors, and Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners, to support goals such as rest, recovery, detox, movement, and long‑term health optimisation. The treatment menu spans from centuries‑old modalities like Ayurveda, acupuncture and herbalism to cutting‑edge therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen chambers, cryotherapy, IV drips and biomodulation techniques. These offerings go well beyond the usual spa fare to foster real physical and emotional healing. The spa villages embrace Soneva’s celebrated “no news, no shoes” ethos, a grounding concept that encourages reconnection with the earth and supports wellbeing on multiple levels. Soneva Soul also offers immersive wellness programming. The Soul Festival, held annually (set to take place from the 9th to the 13th of October 2025) gathers global wellness experts for multi‑day retreats filled with talks, healing rituals and workshops, enriching the broader wellness narrative at the resort.
SHA Wellness Clinic, Spain
SHA Wellness Clinic has established itself as one of the leading wellness destinations worldwide. Since opening its flagship property 16 years ago in Spain, the centre has transformed the lives of more than 70,000 individuals through its integrated approach to health and longevity. The Clinic’s mission is to help people live longer and better lives through a holistic strategy that combines the latest advances in Western medicine with proven Eastern therapies.
Central to its philosophy is the SHA Method, which has been developed and overseen by world-renowned experts. This method focuses on preventive, genetic and anti-ageing medicine alongside natural therapies, with a particular emphasis on balanced and therapeutic nutrition. Guests at SHA receive tailored health programmes based on medical and therapeutic assessments carried out by specialists. Each plan is designed to address individual needs and goals, with the objective of achieving not just the absence of illness, but an optimal state of physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. The Clinic defines health as complete harmony with the environment, the attainment of ideal weight and sustained vitality. Over the years, SHA has gone from strength to strength with two further properties now in the UAE and Mexico.
Friedrichsbad, Germany
For more than 145 years, Friedrichsbad has been a defining landmark in the spa town of Baden-Baden in Germany. Opened in 1877, the Renaissance-style bathhouse was regarded as the most modern of its kind in Europe at the time, and it continues to attract visitors with its unique blend of history, architecture and therapeutic bathing rituals. From the moment guests step into the entrance hall and ascend the stairway, the experience signals a departure from everyday life. The building’s hand-painted majolica tiles, impressive shower fittings and domed hall provide a striking setting for a bathing ritual that has remained rooted in centuries-old traditions. The spa follows a structured sequence of treatments designed to restore both body and mind.
The process begins with showers of pure thermal water, followed by hot air rooms at 54 and 68 degrees, where guests recline on warm wooden beds. A soap and brush massage, available on request, prepares the skin for the healing effects of the thermal waters. Steam baths at 45 and 47 degrees envelop the body in a light mist, leading to a series of pools with varying temperatures. Visitors progress through the thermal pools, from the 36-degree bath to the bubble pool at 34 degrees, before entering the domed exercise pool at 28 degrees. The ritual concludes with a revitalising plunge into an 18-degree pool. Guests are then provided with pre-warmed sheets and body creams to complete the process, with a final stop in the reading and relaxation room for tea. The combination of hot and dry air, steam baths and thermal waters has long been recognised as beneficial for circulation, immunity and overall recuperation. It is this proven wellness tradition, together with the spa’s unique historical significance, that makes Friedrichsbad stand out internationally.
