What Is a Destination Spa? Plus, the 13 Best in the World

What is a Destination Spa

Destination Spas are wellness-focused retreats designed to promote health and well-being. They go beyond relaxation and pampering by offering a holistic approach to wellness. Many provide personalized programs tailored to different goals, incorporating assessments, body and facial treatments, complementary therapies, nutritious meals, fitness, and various wellness activities. These programs are customized to meet individual needs and always include multiple treatments, ensuring a balanced and rejuvenating experience that supports both physical and mental well-being.

What to expect at a Destination Spa

A Destination Spa is more than just a place to relax—it’s designed to help you embrace a healthier lifestyle. Every element of your stay is carefully considered to support your well-being. Meals are not only delicious but also nutritious, with little to no alcohol, ensuring a balanced and mindful approach to food. Your days can be filled with a variety of wellness activities, from yoga, meditation, and pranayama to fitness classes that encourage movement and mindfulness. Many Destination Spas also offer workshops on personal growth or mental coaching, helping you develop habits that extend beyond your stay. Some even opt for a completely distraction-free environment, such as rooms without TVs, allowing you to truly disconnect and focus on yourself.

Why Destination Spas are perfect for solo travelers

Destination Spas attract solo travelers from around the world, offering the perfect balance between solitude and connection. They are ideal for those seeking personal time to unwind but also provide opportunities to meet like-minded people in a relaxed setting. While couples may occasionally visit, families with children are rarely present, ensuring a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. These wellness retreats can be found in natural locations, from secluded countryside settings and scenic mountain regions to beautiful beachfront escapes. With a wide range of options in different styles and sizes, there is always a destination spa that perfectly suits your preferences.

Destination Spas: Holistic or Medical approach

Finally, it's worth noting that most Destination Spas take a holistic or medical approach to health. Depending on the spa or program you choose, your intake may be conducted by a Western GP, a naturopathic doctor, or a specialist in Traditional Chinese Medicine or Ayurveda.

Based on our customers' feedback, here are our top luxury Destination Spas worldwide

SHA Wellness Clinic / Spain

Nearby airport: Alicante

Eastern philosophy meets western views on health and wellbeing at SHA Wellness Clinic. A medical destination spa with a holistic touch. Hyper modern and a state-of-the-art luxury design hotel.

Kamalaya / Thailand

Nearby airport: Koh Samui

A life changing experience. It doesn’t get much better than this when it comes to holistic destination spas. Kamalaya is all that, and more. This wellness sanctuary offers mental coaching combined with a wide range of eastern therapies, such as Ayurveda and TCM (traditional Chinese medicine).

Chenot Palace Weggis / Switzerland

Nearby airport: Zürich

Chenot Palace Weggis is the brand new Chenot flagship in Switzerland. The Chenot Method is known worldwide for its medical detox programs where Western science and Eastern philosophy come together.

Mandira Styria / Austria

Nearby airport: Graz

Unique! Ayurveda combined with the healing thermal waters of Eastern Styria. A fabulous European Ayurveda resort with Asian vibes.

Chiva-Som / Thailand

Nearby airport: Bangkok

One of the first destination spas in the world. Renowned for its beauty. This ‘Haven of Life’ is a breath-taking retreat of the highest quality.

Ananda in the Himalayas / India

Nearby airport: Delhi / Dehradun

A truly unparalleled wellness experience against a majestic mountainous back drop. Expect nothing but the best at Ananda in the Himalayas. Speciality: panchakarma ayurveda.

COMO Shambhala Estate / Bali

Nearby airport: Denpasar

Next level personal attention (you will have your own personal assistant!). The COMO Shambhala Estate team is incredibly dedicated to make your stay the best it can be and give you an exclusive experience. No wonder our guests can’t stop raving about the service, the treatments and the food.

The Retreat / Costa Rica

Nearby airport: San Jose

The Retreat Costa Rica is one of the best luxury wellness boutique resort and spas. Organic gardens, lush landscapes, chirping birds, and technicolor sunsets are the setting for personal healing journeys.

Euphoria Retreat / Greece

Nearby airport: Athens

Greek and Chinese wisdom and medicine offer emotional, physical and spiritual health in a majestic and superbly beautiful holistic destination spa. A true ‘Wow’ destination located in a Unesco heritage site.

Atmantan / India

Nearby airport: Mumbai

Traditional eastern medicine meets modern western medicine at Atmantan Wellness Center. Atmantan has a state-of the art spa and ultra-modern fitness facilities. Special focus: physiotherapy.

Park Igls / Austria

Nearby airport: Innsbruck

Park Igls, located in the heart of Tyrol, Austria is a privately owned medical spa with a focus on modern dr. Mayr. One of the leading award-winning medical spas in Europe for a healthier lifestyle.

Shanti som / Spain

Nearby airport: Malaga

Shanti-Som brings you all the beauty and serenity of Bali but much closer to home. Secluded and intimate, with only 14 rooms. A place to rediscover yourself.

Santé Wellness Retreat & Spa / South Africa

Type: medical spa

Nearby airport: Cape Town

Santé means "health," and it offers guests a multi-phase approach to wellness. It features three healing centers under one roof, Santé Wellness Retreat & Spa is the place to work on your health goals. Located in the Franschhoek Valley, with views of the magnificent Drakenstein mountains.

Curious to learn more about our Destination Spas? Explore further

About Marleen

This blog is written by Marleen, the founder of PureandCure.com. She travels around the world in search of the best Health & Wellbeing Hotels, Spas and Retreats and shares her know-how, experiences and observations through her blogs.