Chiva-Som Hua Hin (Hua Hin, Thailand)
Chiva-Som – which translates to “Haven of Life” in Thai – is a renowned wellness retreat located in Hua Hin, Thailand. Established in 1995 by the visionary Boonchu Rojanastien, Chiva-Som Hua Hin is known as Asia’s first wellness resort, dedicated to helping guests achieve sustainable lifestyle transformations while embodying the motto “above all, enjoy life!” At Chiva-Som, wellness is approached holistically, skillfully blending Western practices with Eastern philosophies across six key areas: spa, fitness, physiotherapy, holistic health, nutrition, and aesthetic beauty. Each guest’s experience begins with a personalised consultation with a Health & Wellness Advisor, ensuring that retreats are tailored to meet individual wellness goals. Every retreat plan is complemented by Chiva-Som’s wellness cuisine, ranging from liquid detox to international buffet, as well as a complimentary daily treatment and a variety of movement and mindfulness classes — helping guests build a routine that can pave the way for lasting wellness.
73/4-6 Soi Moo Baan Nong Kae, Phet Ka Sem Road, Nong Kae, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110 Thailand; chivasom.com
Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape (Ubud, Indonesia)
Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape, is a serene resort nestled among the lush greenery of northern Ubud, Bali. This unique destination embodies the Banyan Tree brand’s commitment to immersive experiences harmonising with nature and sustainable design. Set against a backdrop of lush jungle and rice paddies, the resort features 16 balés (villas) that embrace a “no walls, no doors” philosophy, inviting guests to connect deeply with their surroundings. Each villa offers spacious indoor-outdoor living with stunning 180-degree views of the Ayung River, nearby waterfalls, and the majestic peaks that rise in the distance. The concept of “The Naked Experience” allows only a thin veil to separate guests from the natural beauty surrounding them. Buahan also proudly introduces Lentera Bumi – or “lantern of the earth” – the first resort-based conservatory focused on supporting and restoring the local firefly populations in Bali, underscoring the resort’s dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable tourism.
Buahan Kaja, Payangan, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80572, Indonesia; escape.banyantree.com/
RAKxa Integrative Wellness (Bangkok, Thailand)
Experience an exceptional wellness journey at RAKxa Integrative Wellness. Located in the tranquil “Green Lung” of Bang Krachao, Bangkok, RAKxa combines advanced medical science with traditional practices to curate the quintessential RAKxa experience. The hallmark of RAKxa’s offerings is the “RAKxa Rebalance” programme, a thoughtfully designed 6-day, 5-night retreat that combines traditional and medical treatments. This comprehensive experience includes mindful exercises, energy healing, Ayurvedic massage, acupuncture, and more. By incorporating diverse wellness traditions and practices, such as Tai Chi, alongside modern therapies like oxygen therapy, the programme enhances the body-mind connection, restores health at a cellular level, and is complemented by anti-inflammatory cuisine.
28/8 Moo 9, Bangnamphung Sub-District, Phra Pradaeng District, Samutrprakarn, 10130, Thailand, Samut Prakan 10130, Thailand; rakxawellness.com/
Cheval Blanc Randheli (Randheli, Maldives)
Escape to Cheval Blanc Randheli, where luxury meets tranquillity at the highest level. This idyllic retreat epitomises exclusive island living, offering exceptional privacy amidst lush surroundings, pristine beaches and crystal clear waters where guests can truly relax and rejuvenate. At the heart of The Cheval Blanc spa are four elegant single-treatment villas and two stunning double-treatment Orchidée Villas where guests can enjoy a range of services, including the Maldives-exclusive Guerlain treatments.
Randheli Island, Maldives; chevalblanc.com/en/maison/randheli/
Santani Wellness Kandy (Werapitiya, Sri Lanka)
Santani Wellness Kandy is a unique sanctuary for those seeking balance and rejuvenation. Named after the Sanskrit word for “in harmony with,” this award-winning wellness resort emphasises that sustainable well-being starts with personal equilibrium. Set on the former 116-acre Aratenna Tea Estate just outside the sacred, spiritual city of Kandy, Santani Wellness Kandy sits at an elevation of 2,800 feet above sea level. Santani’s approach – dubbed Wellness 2.0 – combines modern health science with ancient Ayurvedic practices. The focus on detoxification addresses not only dietary toxins but also metabolic waste, promoting preventative health measures. The resort features Sri Lanka’s first comprehensive hydrotherapy facilities, including a tri-level spa designed to harmonise with the natural landscape.
Arantenna Estate, Werapitiya 20908, Sri Lanka; santani.com/santaniwellness-kandy/
Amanemu (Ise-Shima, Japan)
No Hong Konger can resist a good onsen, and Amanemu in Ise-Shima offers a transformative experience in a serene setting beside Ago Bay. Inspired by traditional ryokan, this onsen resort invites guests to unwind in mineral-rich hot springs, stroll ancient pilgrim trails, and explore breathtaking coastlines. Nestled within a lush landscape, Amanemu features elegant Villas and Suites that each include a private onsen, allowing guests to immerse themselves in nature’s healing embrace. The resort’s expansive 2,000-square-meter spa is centred around a vast hot-spring bath and combines Japanese healing practices with nature-inspired therapies from the Aman world. It includes thermal spring gardens, treatment suites, and a hydrotherapy facility, all designed to enhance wellness through water. Amanemu also offers personalised spa journeys, utilizing Kampo herbal therapies and organic blends from the Aman Skincare line. Guests can indulge in treatments like the Aman Advanced Facial, which incorporates advanced skincare techniques and local ingredients for radiant skin.
Hamajima-cho, 2165 Hamajimacho Hazako, Shima-shi, Mie 517-0403, Japan; aman.com/resorts/amanemu
Editor
Kaitlyn Lai
