16 best wellness retreats in the world to kick back and relax

Are you in need of a little relaxation? How does a refreshing smoothie in an overwater villa in the Maldives sound? Or how about a glass of red wine while soaking in a thermal pool in Tuscany, Italy?

If that sounds like your kind of thing, we’ve found 16 awesome all-inclusive resorts and spa hotels that promise a rejuvenating wellness holiday to refresh your mind, body, and soul. From curated wellness programs to healing crystal massages, you’ll be in for a luxurious treat.

If you’re looking for a spa holiday with lush greenery, tranquil beaches, and rich cultural experiences, Bali is hard to beat. Enjoy centuries-old healing practices that use traditional massage techniques and herbal remedies, practice yoga in a rainforest, or soak in a private pool of some of the island’s best wellness retreats. (Like these two gems that we've found.)

Nestled amid the lush jungle ravines of Ubud is COMO Shambhala Estate. The resort offers an Integrated Wellness Path program where experts build a personalized wellness plan around your fitness and nutrition needs. You can also take advantage of the estate’s pilates studio for a quick stretch and dine at the resort’s onsite restaurant for nutritious Indonesian meals.

Round off your wellness holiday in nature by visiting the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site Tegalalang Rice Terraces on a bike tour of Ubud. Here’s a tip: visit right before harvest between March and April or September and October to see the rice fields at their greenest.

Resting atop a cliff overlooking Jimbaran Bay is the award-winning Ayana Resort Bali. You don’t have to go far for a slice of this coastal paradise—this resort is just a 20-minute drive from the Bali airport. The resort shares its facilities with Ayana Villas Bali, Ayana Segara Bali, and Rimba by Ayana, with 14 unique pools and 26 dining options spread across the 90-hectare property. The best part? You’ll get a private section of Jimbaran Bay Beach. Have a perfect end to your day with sunset views and drinks at the resort’s cliffside Rock Bar.

Cap off your wellness holiday with culinary exploration at the nearby restaurants along Jimbaran Bay. Sit back and feast on Balinese dishes and fresh seafood at Menega Cafe and Club Seafood Jimbaran Beach Cafe.

Embark on a meditative healing journey among the otherworldly Red Rocks of Sedona. This quiet desert town is believed to radiate deep spiritual energy, drawing travelers hoping to purify and renew their minds and bodies. Challenge yourself with rock climbs and mountain biking trails, before ending the night with a guided meditation under the stars.

Sitting on the lush forested banks of Oak Creek Canyon is L’Auberge de Sedona, a luxurious hotel and resort where wellness is a part of its ethos. It offers programs and activities that invite you to tune in to the spiritual energy of Sedona, like its Chakra Balancing Massage, creekside yoga sessions, and stargazing expeditions.

Nearby, you’ll find the incredible Slide Rock State Park where you can embark on outdoor activities like hiking, apple-picking, swimming, and wildlife spotting. Before your wellness retreat ends, don’t forget to stop by The Sedona Fudge Company for sweet treats to bring back as souvenirs.

Surrounded by pinyon pine trees within the Boynton Canyon is Mii amo, an award-winning wellness retreat. It offers an all-inclusive wellness package that includes spa treatments, nourishing meals at its Hummingbird restaurant, fresh juices and smoothies, and exclusive personalized consultations and fitness programs.

Explore Sedona’s natural landscape along hiking trails like Doe Mountain Trail or Bear Mountain Trail, if you prefer a bit of a challenge. Then, learn about the area’s rich Native American culture through traditional arts and crafts at Kachina House.

With its natural thermal baths, Tuscany has been a top wellness destination since before the ancient Roman times. Here, you’ll find the natural hot springs of Saturnia, man-made bathhouses, and luxurious spa retreats with private thermal pools. While you’re there, don’t miss Tuscany’s famed wineries and cozy seaside towns like Castiglione Della Pescaia and Forte Dei Marmi.

In the heart of Tuscany is COMO Castello Del Nero, a resort housed within a historic 12th-century Italian castle. Head for a pampering session at the Como Shambhala Retreat, the resort’s in-house wellness center offering thermal suites, guided meditation sessions, and fitness classes. Nourish your body at the Michelin-starred La Torre restaurant, which serves a menu spotlighting locally-grown produce. For an extra treat, visit during summer when its outdoor pool is open.

Learn more about Italian culture and cuisine at the immersive Opera in the Kitchen cooking experience while being serenaded by live opera performers. The nearby Castello di Montefioralle is worth a stop too, where you can wander around the ancient streets and brick houses.

Within the Italian spa town of San Casciano Dei Bagni in Siena, are the relaxing thermal baths of Fonteverde Lifestyle & Thermal Retreat Tuscany. Its rooms overlook the Tuscan countryside, but the vistas of rolling hills and stunning sunsets are best enjoyed from some of their gorgeous outdoor thermal pools.

For more breathtaking panoramas, check out Fortezza di Radicofani, a fortress standing at 2,940 feet atop a basalt cliff. Don’t miss the chance to sample local wines, cheeses, and deli meats at Pane e Companatico di Silvana Cesaretti too.

The Maldives offers an idyllic setting for a tranquil wellness retreat, with luxurious overwater villas that sit above crystal-clear waters, pristine white sand beaches, and rich biodiversity and marine life. Here, you can unwind with spa treatments infused with local ingredients, have sunrise yoga on the beach, and indulge in nutrition-rich Maldivian cuisine.

Located in Laamu Atoll is Six Senses Laamu, a palm-tree-lined spa resort with 94 overwater and beachside villas. The resort is just a 65-minute seaplane ride from Male Airport, where you can enjoy peace and seclusion without distractions from the outside world.

Start with a restorative facial, and meditation or yoga session at the open-air rooftop studio. Then go out and explore the waters with a surfing or scuba diving experience. End the day wildlife spotting with the resort’s sunset dolphin cruise before taking in the ocean views over dinner at Leaf by Six Senses.

Just a 20-minute boat ride from Male is Gili Lankanfushi, an overwater resort on a tiny coral island. Apart from snorkeling amongst the colorful corals (naturally!), the resort also offers spa treatments, luxurious yacht cruises, and surf lessons at some of Maldives’ best surf breaks.

While you might be tempted to stay all day in the resort, you’ll want to check out the nearby Manta Point, a hot spot for manta rays.

Napa Valley isn’t just for wine lovers; it’s also an incredible wellness retreat destination. Picture yourself relaxing in a luxurious spa, ambling through tranquil vineyards, and enjoying a farm-to-table meal under the Californian sun. Now that’s a good wind down.

Stay in a quaint cottage amongst vineyards at the Carneros Resort and Spa. This resort is perfect for a family wellness holiday, with lots of kid-friendly programs like kids’ yoga, aquafit classes, and backyard movie screenings.

For more family fun, test your smarts at The Grape Escape, an escape room experience just a three-minute car ride away. Then check out the Oxbow Public Market for fresh local produce, from warm roasted coffee to fresh oysters.

Choose from 50 luxurious guestrooms and suites at the Auberge du Soleil. Enjoy a relaxing anti-oxidant soak at their on-site spa and stroll through the courtyard decorated with olive trees, ornate fountains, and a view of the Mayacamas Mountains. Get in touch with your mind and body by signing up for a tai chi class or meditative walk.

For more relaxation, drive to Mumm Napa, which specializes in sparkling wines, or Cakebread Cellars, a family-owned winery that conducts winery tours.

The Amalfi Coast is a wellness seeker’s dream, blessed with breathtaking natural scenery and cultural charm. Imagine a morning yoga session overlooking the Italian coast, followed by a leisurely hike through lemon groves and a relaxing soak in a coastal spa. You’re sure to leave refreshed and renewed.

With only 20 rooms and suites, a stay at the Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel and Spa is an intimate affair. But this quaint cliffside resort is nothing short of mighty. Set in a 17th-century monastery, this adult-only hotel has terraced gardens, thermal baths, and sweeping views of the Mediterranean. Plus, its rooms are exquisitely furnished with homewares and antiques from all over Italy.

Make the most of the warm weather at the nearby Lido Capo di Conca beach or venture further and explore the rest of the Amalfi Coast on a tour.

Fancy an outdoor massage overlooking the Amalfi Coast? You can at the Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, a luxurious cliffside resort perched above the town of Ravello. Set in a former 11th-century palace, this fairytale hotel has well-manicured gardens that you can stroll through on your way to an invigorating botanical spa treatment.

Don’t end your wellness retreat without exploring the nearby Ravello-Minori Walk. To commemorate your trip, get a set of intricately decorated ceramic plates from Ceramiche Cosmolena di Margherita di Palma to take home.

With its stunning caldera views, beautiful blue and white buildings, and tranquil Aegean waters, Santorini sets the scene for a spectacular wellness retreat. Lounge by the cliffside infinity pools and treat yourself to a mineral-rich volcanic spa treatment. Or enjoy the sunset and a hearty Mediterranean feast at a beachside restaurant.

Built on Oia’s famous cliffs is the luxurious Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Its idyllic ocean-view rooms are built in a unique Cycladic architectural style, characterized by a muted color palette and gentle curves. Get pampered at the hotel’s Elios Spa, or sign up for a guided yoga session with volcano views.

Embrace more of Santorini’s natural beauty with a refreshing swim in Armeni Bay, a hidden bay that can only be accessed by boat or on foot.

For a stay away from the bustle, head to the outskirts of Imerovigilli at the Anastasis Apartments and Spa. Its rooms are thoughtfully designed, utilizing minimalistic interiors that help to calm and relax your mind and soul. Enjoy a soak in the spa’s heated hydrotherapy pool or swim in the outdoor infinity heated pool, complete with stunning clifftop views.

Explore the rest of the island on a private half-day tour of Santorini, that’ll bring you to quaint towns, local wineries, and Prophet Elias Chapel for sunset views.

Puerto Vallarta is a perfect wellness retreat destination if you're looking for both relaxation and fun. Stop by its vibrant boardwalk and bars to hang out with the friendly locals, or slow it down with a relaxing sunset cruise, beach yoga, or eco-tour in the lush jungles.

Have your pick of lush tropical garden views or ocean views at the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita. Enjoy true Mexican hospitality during your stay, from personal butler service to private yacht trips. Get rid of the muscle tension in your body with a tequila stone massage, or loosen up with a tequila-making experience.

Continue your wellness escape at the Marietas Islands, a group of uninhabited islands with loads of marine creatures. Go snorkeling and even uncover a hidden beach on this tour of the Marietas Islands.

Stay in one of 267 luxury suites overlooking Banderas Bay at the Grand Velas Riveria Nayarit. While you enjoy a luxurious diamond dust exfoliation treatment, the kids can wind down at the Nuevo Nayarit Kid’s Spa.

Then, soak in some vitamin D at the nearby Nuevo Nayarit Beach, the perfect place to end your day with sunset views and sand that stretches for miles.