You don’t need to spend much time there to know that Hong Kong is one of the most exciting places to live in the world.
You’ll be well aware of the constant buzz and the sense that there’s always something exciting around the next corner, whether that’s a newly opened restaurant to try or a new attraction at one of the street markets.
However, sometimes the busy lifestyle and draining humidity can start to wear you down. A simple holiday can often do the trick, but if you’re looking for the best way to recharge your batteries and find some inner calm, consider a stay at a top wellness hotel.
Given its location, Hong Kong is ideal in its proximity to many of the world’s top hotels, spread across Asia. Also, given the recent promising relaxation of Hong Kong’s approach to Covid, travel is now much more palatable! Read about some of the best destinations on offer, and what you can expect from your stay.
1. Chiva-Som Hua Hin, Thailand
As soon as you enter Chiva-Som, the instructions about not using electronic devices in public areas tell you that you’re in for some serious decompression, and a complete break from the pressures of work.
It’s one of the finest of it’s kind, and has won an array of prestigious awards to prove it. Most recently it was the readers choice of the “Best Destination Spa in the world” in the Conde Nast Traveller awards in both 2021 and 2022.
If you’re looking for an unbeatable experience, a range of bespoke treatments, and a chance to truly relax, Chiva-Som should tick all of your boxes.
As well as the luxuriously appointed rooms, the property includes several fitness studios, yoga and t’ai chi pavilions, pools, and outdoor spa treatment rooms.
2. Ananda in the Himalayas, India
As the name suggests, Ananda is located high in the mountains, with rooms looking down onto the Rishikesh valley. I had the pleasure of visiting here with my wife, Kiren, as young 30-year-olds back in 2010!
It’s another Conde Nast award winner, ranking number one on their list of best destination spas in the world at the Readers’ Choice Awards. As with Chiva-Som, it’s won the award for the last two years.
The first thing that catches your eye is the stunning architecture, located on the 100-acre Maharaja’s Palace Estate.
The hospitality is excellent and the treatments are designed to suit your personal “dosha” (mind and body type). The daily schedules are packed with yoga, meditation, golf sessions, and cooking classes.
It also makes use of its stunning geographic location with outdoor excursions including trips to the famous sunset prayers on the banks of the river Ganges and hikes to temples on mountain peaks.
3. Amanpuri, Thailand
Compared to Chiva-Som and Ananda, Amanpuri has a very different geographical aspect and vibe.
It’s located on an exclusive white sand beach in Phuket and is ringed by coconut palm trees. The crashing waves of the Andaman Sea provide their own rhythm to each day.
It provides a heightened level of luxury for all visitors, and the treatments are based on traditional Chinese medicines and wellness traditions.
Importantly, from the point of view of the busy traveller, it doesn’t require guests to have to stay for a week or more. Instead, you can sample its delights in as little as 24 hours, which makes it ideal if you’re just looking for a long-weekend break or a stopover during a longer vacation.
4. Amanoi, Vietnam
Yet another geographical contrast is provided by the fourth wellness hotel on your list.
Amanoi is located inside the Nui Chua National Park and Unesco Biosphere Reserve, and overlooks Vinh Hy Bay that, quite appropriately, translates to “place of peace”.
As well as the range of treatments and consultations on offer, there’s also endless opportunity for outdoor exploration, cultural immersion, and peaceful relaxation.
The individual villas are all superbly appointed and close to two infinity pools, offering further opportunities to unwind.
The exercises, therapies, and food options are specifically designed to help you reset and renew yourself.
5. Joali–Being, Maldives
By definition, all the hotels you can read about here are remotely situated, some distance from busy towns and cities.
Joali-Being is probably the most remote, located on a small island in the Maldives accessible by a 45-minute seaplane ride from the nearest main island.
Because of this, guests are encouraged to maximise their stay, with two or three weeks being the most common length holiday break.
The wellness treatments begin with a series of assessments and consultations to ensure what you’re offered is specifically tailored to your needs.
As well as spas and hydrotherapy, the hotel also offers meditation, sound therapy, and a unique herbology centre.
6. Como Shambhala, Indonesia
The Indonesian island of Bali is probably best known as the destination of Australian backpackers and other international travellers looking for the traditional mix of sun, sea, and sand.
However, on a remote part of the island you’ll find the secluded and lavish estate of Como Shambhala, where you can escape from your everyday routines, re-evaluate your life and focus on what is important.
It’s a beautiful jungle sanctuary, using an innovative targeted yet holistic approach to health and wellbeing. This was a personal favourite of Kiren’s from when she lived in Bali in the mid noughties, so she was keen to introduce me to it when we visited for a friend’s wedding in 2014.
As with many of the other hotels you’ve read about here, you can also make the most of the surroundings with outdoor activities such as hiking and climbing.
Get in touch
If you’d like to discuss your financial planning arrangements, please contact us by email or, if you prefer to speak to us, you can reach us in the UK on +44 (0) 208 0044900 or in Hong Kong on +852 39039004.
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