The most Iconic Destination spas in the world

May 31, 2024

What makes a spa iconic? Is it the stunning architecture, the level of care, the rich history, the luxurious amenities or the famous guests who have stayed there? There is no clear answer, but some health and wellbeing hotels have undoubtedly left their mark in the world of holistic travel. Destination spas are specialized spa hotels dedicated to health and wellbeing. These spas view wellness as an encompassing journey beyond mere pampering. The spa ís the destination. They offer personalized programs with various themes and objectives, including holistic or medical assessments, inner balance for body and mind, complementary therapies, nutritious dietary meals, exercise, and holistic activities. Each programme is tailored and includes multiple treatments. From grand palaces to modern design hotels, here is our selection of the most iconic destination spas and hotels that should be on every health traveler’s bucket list. Each of these hotels, with their unique allure and timeless elegance, has become a destination unto itself. But more than that, these iconic destination spas have defined and transformed the landscape of health and wellbeing onto the world stage. Offering restorative treatments that promise to maximize your mental and physical health, these wellness retreats are an oasis of calm hidden in some of the world’s most awe-inspiring locations.So, let’s explore the top 9 most iconic destination spas of the world and discover what sets them apart.

Chiva-Som International Health Resort - Thailand

In 1995, Chiva-Som pioneered the concept of a Destination Spa, the very first in its class. Remarkably, it has consistently maintained its excellent reputation over the years. The hotel continues to uphold its world-class standard, continually earning prestigious awards. If you're looking for exclusive time and attention to your health and well-being with utmost dedication and care, in an environment of luxury and tranquility, this is exactly what makes a retreat at Chiva-Som so exceptional.

Type: holistic

Travel: via Bangkok to Hua Hin

Ananda in the Himalayas - India

Ananda in the Himalayas is renowned as one of the world's top destination spas. This retreat, set in a former maharaja's palace, offers unparalleled health and rejuvenation experiences. Its attention to detail and commitment to excellence make it truly unique. Drawing upon the traditions and therapies of Ayurveda, Ananda’s unique selling point is to prolong life through its comprehensive wellness program, detoxifying and restoring healing from the inside out. Understanding the gut is essential for overall wellness, three stages include cleansing prep, elimination of toxins and rejuvenation of the digestive tract with the help of herbs, oils and more. In tandem with yoga and meditation, this comprehensive reset addresses emotional and mental barriers alongside physical ailments for a truly restorative experience.

Type: holistic and ayurveda

Travel: via Delhi to Dehradun

Euphoria Retreat - Greece

Euphoria Retreat is a place that's hard to fully capture in photos and text—you need to experience it! Opened in 2019 by Greek owner Marina, who dreamt of creating Greece's first holistic hotel, it has become a beautifully designed paradise in Greek style with meticulous attention to detail. The name "Euphoria" reflects its mission to provide a heightened sense of well-being through its holistic programs. Whether you're looking to relax, de-stress, detox, exercise, lose weight, or find physical and mental balance, Euphoria Retreat offers a range of programs tailored to your needs.

Type: holistic and mental balance

Travel: Kalamata or Athens

SHA Wellness Clinic - Spain

Eastern philosophy meets western views on health and wellbeing at SHA Wellness Clinic. A medical destination spa with a holistic touch. Acupuncture and ayurveda therapies combined with the guidance of doctors, nurses, and health assessments. Hyper modern and a state-of-the-art luxury design hotel. SHA Method is based on various areas such as healthy nutrition, natural therapies, preventive and healthy aging, physical performance and emotional health, wellbeing and inner balance. This award-winning 5-star resort is dedicated to enhance your vitality, beauty, and well-being to a higher level.

Type: Medical spa

Travel: Alicante

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary - Thailand

There is a special magic at Kamalaya, an award-winning sanctuary and holistic spa carved into the hillside of the lush Thailand jungle and overlooking the aqua blue sea. It is the perfect setting, a delight for the senses and also the winner of the title of Thailand's best spa. And many, many more awards worldwide, stating that Kamalaya belongs to the top world's best spas around the globe. Right from the very beginning, you'll notice the meticulous attention to even the smallest of details. Whether it's the accommodations, the ever so friendly and smiling staff, the thoughtfully designed health and wellbeing programmes, the specialized treatments, the healthy cuisine, or the good energy and calming atmosphere, they all embody Kamalaya's guiding motto: 'to feel life's potential'. Embracing life to its fullest. Truly inspirational!

Type: holistic and mental balance spa

Travel: via Bangkok to Koh Samui

Chenot Palace Weggis - Switzerland

Over 50 years ago, Henri Chenot introduced the renewed Chenot detox method. The Chenot Molecular Lab for Optimal Living employs groundbreaking epigenetic technology to analyze gene activity and determine guests’ biological aging. This is then used to prescribe a personalized treatment plan that will maximize longevity, health and wellbeing. The future-forward clinic utilizes mRNA-based molecular tests to analyze the body’s stress and imbalance at a cellular level. While the Chenot method was once offered in luxury hotel spas, its founders eventually established their own resort in Switzerland, nearby Lucern. The pristine air of the Swiss Alps, panoramic mountain vistas, and lush valley surroundings create an ideal environment for cultivating a healthy lifestyle in harmony with nature.

Type: Medical spa

Travel: To Zurich or Lucern

The Retreat Costa Rica - Costa Rica

The Retreat Costa Rica is a luxury wellbeing retreat offering yoga and mental balance. It is truly one of a kind. Surrounded by organic gardens, lush landscapes, chirping birds, and vibrant sunsets, it provides an ideal setting for personal healing journeys. Founded by Diana Stobo, a renowned health and nutrition expert, The Retreat offers an intimate escape where everyday stresses melt away, helping you find inner peace. The experience goes beyond the stay, equipping you with valuable tips and advice to maintain a rejuvenating lifestyle at home.

Type: holistic retreat

Travel: San Jose

Park Igls - Austria

Park Igls is a private medical spa located in the heart of Tyrol, Austria. One of the leading award-winning medical spas in Europe, with a focus on the Mayr approach for a healthier lifestyle. Park Igls has attracted international guests for almost three decades and has positioned itself as one of the leading Modern Mayr health destination. You will not only value the beneficial effects of detox and fasting programmes, but first and foremost the expertise of medical experts from various fields who offer comprehensive medical examinations as well as prevention programmes and therapy concepts to treat lifestyle diseases such as migraine, obesity, back pain or type-2 diabetes. Perched above the rooftops of Innsbruck, Park Igls offers stunning views of the impressive Tyrolean landscapes with its forests and fresh air.

Type: Medical Spa with Modern Mayr

Travel: Innsbruck

JOALI BEING - Maldives

With wellbeing at its core, JOALI BEING is billed as the first ‘nature immersive wellbeing island’ in the Maldives. Utilizing the therapeutic qualities of sound, vibration and resonance, sound healing is incorporated into each wellness experience. Drawing on the wisdom of experts and artists, the team have created a sound discovery path that traverses the jungle – a self-guided trail that spotlights nine instruments along the pathway, each creating different remedial vibrations. At the resort itself, two dedicated meditation spaces employ sound therapy. Within your private villa, instruments encourage interaction with sound, while in each treatment room Joali Being’s signature sound – aligned with the planetary frequencies of specific locations on the island – facilitates more profound health benefits.

Type: holistic island

Travel: by seaplane via Malé

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About Marleen

This blog is written by Marleen, the founder of PureandCure.com in 2005. 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.