I’m not one for Dry January, Veganuary or even New Year’s resolutions – my one and only resolution always being not to make any. But I’m all for well-considered wellness and some general Jampering – that’s January pampering – in the bleak midwinter, which is why I’d be more than happy heading off to any of the following locations, now or in the months ahead:
At Raffles Bali, a serene, beachfront haven of 32 private villas set among 36 acres of lush botanical gardens on this famed Indonesian island, guests receive tailored itineraries of therapies on arrival, all of the modalities infused with the essence of Balinese culture. The resort calls itself “an itimate oasis of emotional well-being” and activities include chakra realignment, sound bathing and mindfulness meditation in a secluded cave. Sounds good to me. I also like the sound of the resort’s daily traditional Indonesian wellness tea service, called jamu, as well as the Raffles Bali sleep ritual with a bedtime story card and a selection of aromatic bath accessories that the hotel said “ushers guests into a realm of restful ease.” I’m sleeping better already.
In Vancouver, Fairmont Pacific Rim has debuted its Nordic Spa, an outdoor thermal spa that offers an immersive healing experience “with the full essence of the West Coast.” Surrounded by harbor and mountain views, guests soak in the hot tub, submerge in the cold plunge and find solace in the cedar plank sauna. Key benefits are said to include stress reduction (yes, please), detoxification (absolutely), muscle and joint pain relief (if only), improved circulation (can’t be bad), enhanced immune system (I’m all for it) and improved sleep. (Sign me up.)
Turning to the tropics, Grenada – known as the Spice Island – is one of the Caribbean’s most underrated locales. From tall mountains to shimmering reefs, spicy rhythms to rolling reggae, pirate shipwrecks to sugar-sand beaches, it also has the loveliest Caribbean capital I know, St. George’s, which is vibrant, colorful, walkable and safe.
In a pride-of-place setting between the ocean and a protected cove on the southern part of the island, close to both the airport and St. George’s, Six Senses La Sagesse offers suites and villas across 38 acres, with uninterrupted views of the turquoise sea. And right in the heart of the resort, these very clever Six Senses guys have established Earth Lab, a center for engagement and innovation, where you’re “warmly invited” to join workshops and learn about the natural world firsthand. Here, you can lighten your footprint and “rewild your soul,” the resort said. In such a glorious setting, and in the hands of the very talented Six Sense people, I don’t doubt it.
Another tropical paradise, with the focus on complete wellness is Six Senses Zil Pasyon on Félicitee Island in the Seychelles. Here, staying in a one or two-bedroom villa surrounded by tropical vegetation, with unsurpassed ocean vistas and your own private infinity pool, you can indulge in a variety of unique African treatments, including a “smudging” ceremony with omumbiri (myrrh tree resin) and impepho (African incense) to clear negative energy; an African foot ritual using coconut oil, salt scrub and lemongrass; or a “Couple’s Journey.” This extraordinary last option incorporates a healing session focused on the opening of the heart chakra with a warm rose quartz crystal; the use of aphrodisiac oils to celebrate feminine and masculine characteristics; a private hammam experience with self-application of the myrrh body scrub and African healing body masks; and guided meditation using a love mantra and singing bowls to renew intimacy, restore love and reignite presence. I particualrly like the sound of that last one, I’d have to say.
While food and nutrition play a major part of all creditable wellness programs, it is very much a focus at Anopura, a luxury retreat in the foothills of the Aravalli Mountains in Rajasthan, India. A pocket-sized paradise enveloped by lemon groves, frangipani trees and marigolds, Anopura’s five-acre farm is intrinsic to the guest experience. Coriander, lemongrass and chili plants make up the 18 varieties of herbs and spices, alongside 40 types of vegetables, all of which are used in Anopura’s creative culinary offerings. Every guest’s culinary journey is personalized to his or her tastes but focused on food that comes from Anopura’s land, with the ultimate goal of cleansing and healing the body. So for all you food lovers’ out there who don’t want to give up wonderful food but need a new approach, head to Rajasthan. (January through March are the best months for the weather there, too.)
SHA Wellness Clinic is an internationally recognised pioneer of medical and holistic wellness which, since its inception in 2008, has focused more on the medical side – ancient philosophies merged with advancements in Western medicine – than it has on ostentatious luxury. Its team of medical and holistic practitioners delivers the clinic’s s eight key pillars of health, including nutrition, preventive medicine, cognitive and emotional health and physical performance to develop healthy lifestyle skills that last long after the actual stay is over.
SHA’s flagship clinic, in a beautiful setting near Alicante, Spain, has long been acknowledged as one of the most effective medical spas in the world. And now, 15 years after launching and conveniently closer to home, SHA has opened its first clinic in the Americas, in Riviera Maya, Mexico. An Abu Dhabi offshoot is slated to open in 2025.
Also opening next year, poised on poles above the Holandsfjorden fjord at the foot of the Svartisen glacier in Norway (a prime spot for viewing the Northern Lights and enjoying Arctic Circle adventures) is another Six Senses property, Svart, which is striving to be the first net energy-positive and zero-waste destination in the world. This is a claim, framed in different ways, you hear often, but such is the reputation of the ecologically-principled and wellness-driven Six Senses brand, that for once you actually believe it. At least, I do. Book early, because believe me, there will be a rush. Me – as soon as booking opens, I’ll be packed and ready to go.
For more, visit raffles.com; fairmont.com; sixsenses.com; anopura.com; and shawellness.com.
Travel Talk’s Jeremy Wayne is a luxury travel adviser with Superior Travel of New York. Contact him at jeremy@superiortravel.com.
