6 of the Best Asian Wellness Resorts and the Unique Experiences They Offer
Combining wellness and tourism, two multi-trillion dollar industries, wellness tourism enables consumers to prioritize their health and wellness in their vacation choices, allowing vacationers to continue their wellness routine and healthy lifestyles while they are away from home.
Wellness has grown to become a major force in the global tourism industry, with global wellness tourism expenditures topping $720 billion in 2019. Although the pandemic triggered an industrywide downturn in 2020, over the last year, the wellness tourism industry has picked up at a rapid pace, enabling vacationers to improve their health and well-being by combating stress and focusing on their mental and physical well-being.
In this article, we look at a selection of unique wellness retreats in Asia and the life-enhancing experiences they offer.
1. Sasan — Gujarat, India
Boasting an enviable location amidst one of the finest locations for safaris, birdwatching, and transformative game drives, this modern retreat lies deep in Gujarat’s Gir Forest, where guests can engage in carefully curated experiences to observe the “Life of the Land.” Sasan Gir is one of the few places on earth where tourists can see Asiatic lions in their natural habitat. This thoughtfully designed luxury escape draws on local cultural traditions and offers sumptuous, authentic cuisine. Mornings often start with an open-air breakfast, with guests listening to tales of the land from the resort’s head naturalist. In addition to presenting exciting opportunities to witness the various rare and fascinating species of the Gir Forest, guests can journey inwards through a full spectrum of well-being treatments and personalized therapies.
2. Shinta Mani Angkor — Siem Reap, Cambodia
Conveniently located adjacent to Siem Reap’s royal residence, right in the heart of the cultural capital of Cambodia, Shinta Mani Angkor was designed by the renowned architect Bill Bensley. This small and exclusive retreat is all about style and elegance, offering the utmost in privacy and comfort. The resort’s Khmer Tonics Spa offers treatments based on traditional Khmer healing rituals designed to ease tension, reduce stress, and uplift the creative spirit and mind.
3. The Farm at San Benito — Lipa City, Philippines
The Farm at San Benito offers transformative healing experiences, presenting a range of medically supervised health programs that address some of the most prevalent illnesses in society today, including obesity, diabetes, chronic pain, hypertension, hormonal imbalances, stress, anxiety, and depression. Situated on 52 hectares of a lush, green environment, with stunning views of the Malarayat mountains, The Farm’s programming is carefully planned and conducted by internationally trained integrative medicine specialists operating in the fields of preventive medicine, functional medicine, lifestyle medicine, holistic medicine, and naturopathic medicine. The well-being destination is also supported by a team of licensed health professionals, including spa therapists, living food chefs, nurses, nutritionists, yoga teachers and fitness coaches.
4. Six Senses — Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam
Occupying a prime location overlooking dramatic Ninh Van Bay with its stunning rock formations, white sandy beach, and impressive mountain backdrop, the architectural style of this exclusive resort encapsulates the culture and traditions of Vietnam. The resort represents the ultimate island escape, creating the illusion that guests are staying on a remote island, the dramatic bay overlooking the East Vietnam Sea only approachable by the sea. In the hills nearby, visitors can observe endangered monkeys, although they are quite shy, so encountering the troop is a rare privilege. Committed to improving its ecological and carbon footprint, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay collected 611 kilograms of litter from local beaches in 2022, as well as giving away 300 reusable water bottles to local students, and providing access to clean drinking water to more than 2,500 local people.
5. Kamalaya — Koh Samui, Thailand
Specializing in holistic health solutions to help combat stress, anxiety, and numerous other health challenges associated with modern living, Kamalaya Koh Samui provides a refuge where guests can reconnect with their inner selves surrounded by nature, rejuvenating the body, mind, and spirit. The resort’s unique approach to wellness combines Western medical research with ancient Eastern healing traditions to achieve life-enhancing results. At the core of Kamalaya’s offerings are flexibility and fluidity, the destination inviting guests to listen to their intuition in their search for inner harmony. Appreciating that each guest has their own unique needs, Kamalaya offers the time, space and support that guests need to define and refine their health and wellness goals.
6. COMO Shambhala Estate — Bali, Indonesia
COMO’s flagship wellness oasis features several luxurious villas. The unique location of the COMO Shambhala Estate adds a magical touch to the experience, the resort’s Bespoke Retreat presenting an effective means of relieving stress, preventing and treating a range of health issues, and restoring optimal well-being. During the program, the Shambhala Estate’s resident Ayurvedic doctor helps guests to create their own bespoke healing itinerary based on their individual needs, restoring health and well-being by balancing physical and emotional energy systems.
