Be a better, healthier you or simply pamper yourself with a wellness trip this year
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Everyone needs a break every now and then to recharge and return fresh and ready to go. But most will opt for short getaways packed with activities that eventually leave them feeling worn out. This is when Wellness travel steps in.
Although wellness travel has been mostly associated with the luxury spa experience in the past, it is a different case now with food options, fitness activities, and nature being the main pillars of this trend.
A mix of indulgence and physical activity, your wellness trip should help you re-energize and find balance by doing things that truly make you happy. And no, it doesn’t have to cost a bomb!
1. Rishikesh, India
Situated at the Himalayan foothills beside the Ganges River, Rishikesh is known as the ‘Yoga Capital of India’ where people come from all around the globe to learn the secrets of yoga.
Surrounded by lush greenery and the serene Ganges River, the atmosphere here is just perfect for a spiritual discovery at one of their popular yoga retreats.
Address: Near, Main Market Road, Ram Jhula, Swarg Ashram, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249304
- Rishikul Yogshala (Offers Yoga Training Certifications) Address:Jonk Village, Swaragashram, Rishikesh
Address: Mohan Chatti, Jogiyana, Uttarakhand 249304
If you were looking to connect more with mother nature, the Himalayan range is just by your doorstep! Take in the freshest air you’ll ever breathe as you trek up some of the most beautiful mountain paths. Catching the sunrise at the peak is totally worth it.
Trek your way up to these peaks with gorgeous views of the Himalayas:
2. Koh Samui, Thailand
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A beautiful island off the east coast of Thailand, Koh Samui boasts some of Asia’s most pristine beaches and also mountainous rainforests. This is home to many secluded spa retreats where you can disconnect and relax. Together with its sunny tropical weather, this island is truly the all-rounder of wellness travel destinations!
Find your balance as you soak in the energy from the morning sun while striking up some yoga poses on a stand-up paddleboard! Or go on a wellness tour around the island and learn more about traditional Thai medicine and healing practices to enhance your mental and physical states.
3. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Image by todayweexplore
Being from a bustling city like ours, an escape to the countryside for a little peace and quiet might just be the retreat we need. Having recently been known as a go-to wellness destination, Cambodia’s deep spiritual soul has drawn travellers from far and wide who seek a rebalance in their daily lives.
Enjoy the slower pace of life that comes along with the countryside, cycle past villages and try out some of their local snacks while there! Stop by Kulen waterfall and take a dip in its cool and refreshing waters. Sit under the waterfall as it pounds the stress away from your shoulders.
Venture into the jungles and get closer to nature at these meditation retreats where you will be able to clear your mind and strengthen your spirit.
- Navutu Dreams Resort & Wellness Retreat Location: Navutu Road, Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Hariharalaya Retreat Centre Location: Prasat Bakong Temple National Road 6, Siem Reap, Cambodia
4. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Known as the ‘Rose of the North', Chiang Mai is the biggest and most culturally significant city in Northern Thailand. Spread around the city are various northern style temples making it the centre of Buddhism in this region and a popular destination for spiritual retreats.
Visit temples like Doi Suthep which sits atop a mountain and take a stroll around its grounds, if you’re lucky, a calming sense of serenity can be felt as the monks start on their daily chants.
Head out of the city and experience the true beauty of Chiang Mai’s nature at Doi Inthanon National Park, visit the town of Pai where you can take a soak in one of their natural hot springs to unwind your body or pamper yourself from head to toe with treatments that are 100% natural at the top-ranked spa in Chiang Mai.
5. Sapa, Vietnam
Verdant landscapes, white sandy beaches and beautiful lakes are what make Vietnam a wellness heaven! With some of the best spas around and stunning views like those you get at the peak of Fansipan Mountain, there’s an endless list of activities to help you relax.
Exploring beyond Saipan, each city of Vietnam has something for those planning on taking a wellness adventure!
Pamper your skin with natural minerals when you go for a mud bath in Nha Trang, Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere as you trek through the beautiful Bach Ma National Park or take a trip to Ba Na Hill and see the Golden Bridge, a man-made wonder which resembles a pair of hands supporting a golden bridge!
6. Galle, Sri Lanka
[12 May 2022]: In view of the current situation in Sri Lanka, Singaporeans are advised to defer all non-essential travel-page to Sri Lanka
Located on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, Galle is a city full of history and culture! This can be seen from the city’s lifestyle and western architecture (Galle was once colonised by the Portuguese and Dutch).
Embrace the slower pace of life as you explore the city’s car-free streets or visit the Udawalawe National Park where you can see wild animals in their natural habitats. You could even try Ayurvedic retreats to balance your inner mind!
Chock-full of activities, the wellness aspect of Sri Lanka has been appealing to both solo and group travellers looking for a rejuvenating getaway.
Here are some spiritual retreats to check out in Sri Lanka:
- Siddhalepa Ayurvedic Resort Location: 861, Samanthara Road, Pothupitiya, Wadduwa, Sri Lanka
- Sen Wellness Sanctuary Location: Rekawa Road, Netolpitiya, Sri Lanka
- Tri Location: Kogalla Lake 80650 Galle
See whales and dolphins in Trincomalee and experience these gentle giants leaping out of the calm waters of the Indian Ocean as the sun rises. Or experience the countryside of Colombo on a bicycle as you pass by paddy fields and beautiful landscapes.
7. Desaru, Malaysia
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Probably the closest location to Singapore where we can get an authentic outdoors experience, Desaru is just a 2.5h drive away and full of activities like camping and surfing that’s perfect for a weekend getaway to escape from the hustle of the city!
Here’s a list of beaches to check out in Desaru for surfing
Location | Type of beach | Wave strength | Toilet | Distance from JB customs |
Tanjung Balau | Public Beach | Moderate | Yes | Roughly 1h |
Wild Boar | Surf Spot | Low | No | Roughly 1h |
Desaru | Public Beach | Strong | Yes | Roughly 1h |
Sedili | Surf Spot | Moderate | No | Roughly 1h |
The surf season starts from November till March of the following year and you can get lessons and board rentals from these schools.
- Anchoviz Industries Location: Jalan Tanjung Balau, Tanjung Balau, 82200 Benut, Johor, Malaysia Contact: +60 13-706 9029
8. Nara, Japan
When we talk about zen and meditation, Japan instantly comes to mind and we could say no one does wellness better than the Japanese! Located less than an hour from Kyoto and Osaka by train, Nara boasts a quiet and peaceful atmosphere surrounded by some of Japan’s oldest and largest temples.
Spend a relaxing day at Arashiyama park feeding cute deers or explore the magnificent Todaiji temple and take a stroll in one of its beautiful Japanese gardens!
Image by Rice Terrace Villa Sasayuri-Ann
For a glimpse into peaceful living, visit the Rice Terrace Villa Sasayuri-Ann where spirituality and slowing down are their main agendas. From chanting shugendo style to offering yoga classes, this stylish mountain villa is not your traditional wellness package, but they do offer a calm and comforting experience.
9. Bali, Indonesia
Nothing says a holistic wellness experience more than the peaceful island of Bali! Known as a popular beach getaway destination, take a week off your busy schedule and pamper yourself at one of the island’s many reputable spas or pick up surfing and work towards being one with the calming waves of Kuta beach.
For something more spiritual, a trek through the woodlands near Mount Abang followed by a yoga session during sunrise is highly recommended!
If you don’t really know where to start, take a page from Julia Robberts’ Eat, Pray, Love! Find the ultimate spiritual healing in Bali as you purify your soul and body with a holy bathing ritual and open your heart to the universe when you pay a visit to a Balinese healer!
10. Phuket, Thailand
Boasting some of the clearest reefs in Southeast Asia, Phuket is one of the best places to dive! The feeling of calmness underwater is something that can only be explained once you’ve tried it, and it’s definitely an activity to take your mind off things.
If the waters ain't your thing, get a massage overlooking the Andaman Sea and let the sound of crashing waves soothe you as a masseur works to relieve those knots.
Part of wellness travel is also through the food you eat and we must say, Thai cuisine is one of the most organic we’ve had, using a range of spices and oils in their dishes. Learn how to cook authentic Thai dishes that would rejuvenate both your stomach and soul!
Treat yourselves to some big savings too!
While embarking on a journey to treat your mind, body and soul, pamper yourself a little more with the savings you’ll get when you use the promo codes from our Virtual Travel Fair!
