Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.
Today: Top 10 Best Luxury Wellness & Spa Resorts in the World
In today’s fast-paced world, wellness travel has evolved beyond mere relaxation — it’s a journey of holistic rejuvenation for the mind, body, and soul. From serene tropical jungles to majestic alpine peaks and geothermal wonderlands, luxury wellness retreats offer bespoke programs that blend ancient healing traditions, cutting-edge therapies, and immersive nature experiences. For travelers seeking a transformative escape, these destinations combine world-class accommodations, personalized wellness regimens, and breathtaking landscapes to help you recharge, detox, and rediscover inner balance. I’ve ranked the top 10 wellness retreats around the globe based on exclusivity, holistic offerings, location, and guest experiences, so you can plan your ultimate restorative getaway.
What is your favorite wellness retreat or spa resort in the world? Leave a comment.
10. Mayrlife Medical Health Resort Altaussee – Austria
Set against a breathtaking backdrop of mountains on the tranquil shores of Lake Altaussee, Mayrlife Medical Health Resort Altaussee is one of Europe’s most respected destinations for medical wellness, recovery, and long-term health optimization. Consistently awarded Austria’s finest medical spa, this luxury retreat is rooted in the renowned Mayrlife medicine philosophy, with highly individualized therapy programs designed to improve gut health, strengthen the immune system, and restore overall vitality. Each guest receives a personalized medical assessment followed by tailored treatments that may include digestive therapies, detox programs, gentle movement, and stress reduction techniques, all supervised by experienced doctors and health professionals. A central pillar of the Mayrlife experience is its exceptional cuisine, which transforms therapeutic nutrition into a sensory pleasure while supporting intestinal regeneration and metabolic balance. The serene alpine setting plays an equally powerful role in the healing process, with fresh mountain air, calming lake views, and nature-inspired tranquility enhancing every aspect of the stay. The resort’s 60 light-filled rooms and suites offer soothing lake or mountain vistas, creating an atmosphere of calm, reflection, and renewal that makes Marylife Altaussee an ideal starting point on any wellness journey.
9. The Retreat at Blue Lagoon – Iceland
Emerging from the otherworldly geothermal landscapes of Iceland, The Retreat at Blue Lagoon is a luxury wellness sanctuary that blends natural steam, seawater milks, and mineral‑rich geothermal waters to offer a rejuvenating escape unlike any other. Located within the iconic Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, this refined retreat delivers an immersive experience focused on skin health, relaxation, and deep rest through signature thermal rituals, in‑water massages, and restorative spa treatments. Guests explore winding lava fields, soak in warm azure waters, and partake in silica mud masks renowned for their purifying benefits, all set against a dramatic Icelandic backdrop of volcanic rock and sweeping skies. Elegant accommodations feature sleek Nordic design, private lagoon access, and panoramic views that enhance both comfort and serenity. Culinary offerings at The Retreat prioritize fresh, locally sourced ingredients that nourish without overwhelming, while wellness activities such as yoga, guided mindfulness, and infrared sauna sessions support full‑body restoration. For travelers seeking a unique blend of natural therapy, luxury comfort, and unparalleled scenery, The Retreat at Blue Lagoon stands as one of the world’s most extraordinary wellness destinations.
8. Six Senses Vana – India
Set against the lush foothills of India’s Himalayas in Dehradun Valley, Six Senses Vana is an extraordinary luxury wellness resort that harmoniously integrates ancestral healing traditions with contemporary wellness practices for an immersive, life‑enriching retreat. Guests at Six Senses Vana experience bespoke wellness journeys designed around their individual physical, emotional, and spiritual goals, including Ayurveda, Tibetan healing, yoga, meditation, and detox therapies rooted in local wellness wisdom. The resort’s serene forested environment, tranquil meditation spaces, and healing water features create a sanctuary for deep restoration and reflection. Luxurious villas and suites celebrate organic design and natural materials, providing private sanctuaries that reflect the tranquil beauty of the surrounding landscape. Six Senses Vana’s expert wellness team offers personalized consultations that shape tailored programs combining traditional therapies with modern insights, from nutrition counseling to breathwork and therapeutic massages. With its genuine focus on holistic renewal, heartfelt service, and connection to nature and cultural heritage, Six Senses Vana is a transformational destination that invites travelers to rediscover balance, vitality, and inner peace in the heart of India’s spiritual landscape.
7. Chiva‑Som – Hua Hin, Thailand
Renowned as one of Asia’s most iconic wellness resorts, Chiva‑Som in Hua Hin, Thailand has been at the forefront of holistic health retreats for decades, offering bespoke wellness journeys that blend traditional Asian therapies with modern clinical practices. Surrounded by tropical gardens and just moments from the Gulf of Thailand, Chiva‑Som provides an immersive environment that encourages guests to unwind, de‑stress, and reconnect with their inner balance. Each wellness program is customized to individual aspirations, whether focused on weight management, detoxification, emotional well‑being, or rejuvenation, incorporating massage therapies, acupuncture, reflexology, and tailored fitness regimens. Internationally trained practitioners and wellness experts guide guests through nutritional assessments, yoga and meditation sessions, and calming hydrotherapy rituals to nurture lasting lifestyle transformation. Accommodation at Chiva‑Som is both serene and luxurious, featuring tasteful decor that enhances tranquility and rest. With its deep commitment to holistic healing, personalized care, and integration of cultural healing traditions, Chiva‑Som continues to attract wellness travelers from around the world seeking a life‑affirming escape in the heart of Thailand.
- Hotel website: Chiva‑Som
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, a complimentary health & wellness treatment per person per stay valued up to $150 USD equivalent, a complimentary lunch on the day of arrival or dinner on the day of departure, and a complimentary Tak Bart set per guest, once during stay).
6. Chenot Palace Weggis – Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
Perched on the shores of Lake Lucerne with spectacular Alpine panoramas, Chenot Palace Weggis is a luxury wellness retreat that redefines health through its scientifically grounded Chenot Method, a holistic approach to detoxification, metabolic stimulation, and stress reduction. This elegant resort combines personalized health assessments with bespoke treatment plans, including lymphatic drainage, hydrotherapy, and specialized nutritional programs tailored to each guest’s goals. Set within a beautifully restored palace overlooking serene waters, Chenot Palace Weggis offers a tranquil environment where refined comfort and therapeutic precision meet, creating the ideal setting for deep renewal. Guests benefit from expert consultations, advanced diagnostic tools, and a wellness curriculum that encourages long‑term, sustainable lifestyle improvements supported by emotional balance and vitality. Fitness and mindfulness activities—such as yoga, Pilates, and guided nature walks—complement the clinical treatments, allowing guests to harmonize body and mind in an inspiring lakeside landscape. With its commitment to measurable results, luxurious accommodations, and breathtaking natural beauty, Chenot Palace Weggis remains a top choice for wellness travelers seeking an evidence‑based, transformational retreat experience.
- Hotel website: Chenot Palace Weggis
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
5. SHA Wellness Clinic – Alicante, Spain
Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea on Spain’s Costa Blanca, SHA Wellness Clinic in Alicante is a pioneering destination in preventive and integrative wellness that attracts global health seekers with its science‑based programs and luxurious accommodations. Renowned for blending Eastern and Western healing philosophies, SHA offers personalized regimens that focus on weight optimization, detoxification, stress management, and longevity, all guided by medical professionals, nutritionists, and wellness specialists. The clinic’s award‑winning spa features thermal pools, Ayurvedic treatments, and advanced therapies such as cryotherapy and bio‑oxidative treatments designed to enhance cellular regeneration and well‑being. Guests can engage in tailored fitness classes, mindfulness practices, and nutritional workshops that support lasting lifestyle changes while enjoying Mediterranean views from serene relaxation spaces. Accommodations are modern, elegant, and designed to promote restful sleep and rejuvenation, with healthy cuisine crafted from organic, nutrient‑rich ingredients that nourish the body without sacrificing flavor. For travelers seeking a highly effective and luxurious approach to holistic health transformation, SHA Wellness Clinic stands among the world’s most respected wellness destinations.
- Hotel website: SHA Wellness Clinic
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD wellness credit).
4. Amangiri – USA
Tucked into the rugged sandstone landscapes of Southern Utah, Amangiri is an architectural marvel and a luxury wellness retreat set amidst sweeping desert vistas that offer profound peace, making it one of North America’s most transformative travel experiences. The minimalist design, inspired by the terrain, creates a seamless connection between indoor spaces and the dramatic canyon environment, fostering contemplation and renewal. Amangiri’s wellness focus centers on personalized programs that integrate Native American healing traditions, expert‑led fitness sessions, and holistic spa treatments, including deep tissue massages, energy work, and restorative body therapies. Guests can explore the surrounding canyons, mesas, and slot canyons with guided hikes, yoga at sunrise, and adventurous outdoor excursions that awaken the senses and calm the mind. Nourishing cuisine features locally sourced ingredients that support health goals while delighting the palate. Whether seeking mindful solitude, a physical challenge, or a deep spiritual reset, Amangiri’s combination of desert majesty, bespoke wellness care, and refined luxury delivers an unforgettable sanctuary for body and soul.
- Hotel website: Amangiri
- Other accolades: Amangiri also features in my top 10 lists of the best resort & hotels in the USA, the world’s best wilderness resorts, the world’s most beautiful hotel pools, the world’s best luxury hotels, the world’s most Instagrammable hotels & resorts, the world’s most luxurious desert retreats, and my favorite Aman resorts in the world.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
- Review: read my review of Amangiri here.
3. Joali Being – Maldives
In the turquoise paradise of the Maldives, Joali Being stands out as an ultra‑luxury wellness resort where holistic well‑being meets artful design and oceanfront serenity, making it among the world’s most exclusive wellness havens. Spread across a pristine private island, Joali Being offers tailored programs blending rejuvenating spa therapies, yoga, meditation, and nutrition consultations that harness the healing power of the sea, sun, and fresh island produce. Each villa is a spacious, aesthetically curated sanctuary with direct lagoon access, private pools, and expansive views of shimmering waters that inspire tranquility. Wellness experts craft bespoke journeys that address stress relief, emotional balance, detoxification, and sleep recovery, using a fusion of traditional and contemporary healing techniques. The resort’s emphasis on sustainable luxury and immersive experiences encourages guests to reconnect with nature and themselves through guided ocean swims, sound healing, and mindful movement sessions. With its seamless fusion of bespoke wellness, artistic ambiance, and natural beauty, Joali Being invites travelers to rediscover harmony in one of the most idyllic settings on Earth.
- Hotel website: Joali Being
- Other accolades: Joali Being also features in my top 10 list of the best luxury resorts in the Maldives.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $150 USD food & beverage credit).
- Review: read my review of Joali Being here.
2. Bürgenstock – Switzerland
Perched majestically above Lake Lucerne with panoramic views of the Swiss Alps, Bürgenstock Resort combines sumptuous luxury with a comprehensive wellness ethos, earning its reputation as one of Europe’s most prestigious retreats. The resort’s world‑class wellness facilities include the renowned Forest Wellness Spa, inspired by nature’s harmony, where forest‑themed treatment rooms and outdoor bathing terraces invite deep relaxation and rejuvenation. Guests can indulge in an array of restorative modalities such as holistic Swiss therapies, detox rituals, and expert‑led fitness classes tailored to personal goals. The wellness experience is elevated with thermal pools, saunas, and bespoke wellness journeys that integrate mindfulness, nutrition, and physical well‑being. Beyond the spa, Bürgenstock’s elegant rooms and suites offer tranquil sanctuaries with lake or mountain vistas, while award‑winning restaurants focus on fresh, seasonal cuisine that complements restorative stays. Whether seeking a luxurious escape or a holistic reset, Bürgenstock’s blend of prestige, wellness innovation, and Alpine splendor makes it a must‑visit destination for discerning travelers.
1. COMO Shambhala Estate – Bali, Indonesia
Nestled in the lush jungle foothills near Ubud, COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali is the quintessential luxury wellness retreat that perfectly blends holistic healing with immersive nature experiences, making it the top wellness resort in the world. This sanctuary offers personalized wellness programs that include yoga, Ayurvedic consultations, and traditional Balinese healing therapies designed to rebalance the body and soothe the spirit. Guests stay in elegantly designed villas and suites surrounded by tropical gardens and the Ayung River, creating an intimate connection with the island’s natural rhythms. Fitness enthusiasts can enjoy guided hikes, Pilates, meditation sessions, and sessions with resident wellness experts, while food lovers will savor COMO’s globally acclaimed cuisine featuring organic, nutrient‑rich menus tailored to individual health goals. Whether you’re seeking stress relief, detoxification, or simply a mindful escape from the everyday, COMO Shambhala Estate delivers a transformative journey that nurtures wellness from the inside out, solidifying its place as the ultimate wellness retreat destination.
- Hotel website: COMO Shambhala Estate
- Other accolades: COMO Shambhala Estate also features in my top 10 list of the best luxury resorts in Bali.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).








