As the arrival of spring sparks a feeling of rebirth, the world’s best wellness retreats are ideal locations where travelers can get back in touch with their inner selves through state-of-the-art treatments surrounded by impressive beauty. These resorts offer world-class spas, detox programs, rebalancing retreats, and programs to re-energize and help guest find their true selves. Each also offers a reprieve from the chaos of daily life and are truly refuges of well-being.
No matter what each guest is looking for, gurus, experts in holistic philosophies, and medical teams ensure that everyone is given the opportunity to transform during their stay. Of course, every location also features stunning architecture, impeccable design, and breathtaking natural beauty to make the visit that much more impactful. Below, AD rounds up the world’s most stunning wellness retreats, for a rebirth this spring—and in any other season too.
Chenot Palace Weggis, Switzerland
Combining the principles of traditional Chinese and Western medicines, the Chenot Palace Weggis won the best detox program in the world at the World Spa Resorts Awards for two consecutive years (2021 and 2022). Located at the foot of Mount Rigi—and offering private access to Lake Lucerne—it’s among the world’s most luxurious wellness retreats.
Performed under medical supervision, treatments consist of cell resonance therapies, cupping massages with electrostimulation, hydro-aromatherapy baths, and applications of mud enriched with pure microalgae followed by high-pressure showers. All of this takes place inside a facility that combines elegant design with charming touches, thanks to a recent renovation by Swiss architect Davide Macullo.
“At Chenot, we focus on well-being—staying healthy as we age,” says Dr. George Gaitanos, director of operations and science at Chenot. “We empower residents to make meaningful changes that ensure their optimal health. To be awarded the World's Best Detox Program again is a recognition of nearly 50 years of experience and continuous scientific research and innovation.”
Lanserhof, Austria and List, Germany
White dunes and windswept cliffs, Sylt is a favourite spot
Meet the perfect symbiosis of naturopathy and cutting-edge medicine. For more than 30 years, Lanserhof has been an outstanding leader in the medical field with the goal of achieving total well-being in body and mind. Though there are five locations, the original facility is in Lans, Austria and was founded in 1984. Its most recent addition is Lanserhof Sylt, pictured above, which is located amid sand dunes in the town of List in Gemany. Sprawled over 200,000 square feet, thatched roof-facilities pair with stunning views of the Wadden Sea at this retreat.
Milaidhoo, Maldives
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Milaidhoo is a true tropical paradise located in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives. Full of of coral reefs, lush vegetation, and white-sand beaches, its guests are surrounded by natural beauty. Of course, there is also plenty of man-made beauty, including a collection of picturesque over-water villas. For wellness offerings, guests can visit the Serenity Spa, which offers various holistic treatments performed on the water, lulled by the sound of the ocean. The striking water pavilion also hosts daily yoga or meditation sessions to realign the mind, body, and soul.
One & Only Portonovi, Montenegro
Lefay Resort & Spa, Lake Garda, Italy
Sitting on 27 acres of rolling hills dotted with forests and olive groves, Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda is located in Gargnano, Italy, on Lake Garda’s so-called Lemon Riviera. Overlooking the water, the completely sustainable 96-room resort was constructed with natural materials and clad in Italian marble and olive wood. Of course, several of the resort’s pools, including the Fonte Roccolino whirlpool, also offer views of the stunning natural setting. Here, guests can choose from seven different types of saunas for detoxing, followed by time in six relaxation zones, among other wellness treatments and offerings.
World-famous for its beautiful landscapes, elegant old town, gourmet restaurants, and enchanting peaks, Crans-Montana encapsulates the best of alpine style and living. Sitting directly on the slopes in the heart of age-old forests and valleys is the Six Senses Crans-Montana. This natural high-altitude playground is home to the most cutting-edge spa in the Alps: the Six Senses Spa which blends “high-tech biohacking and high-touch therapies.” While here, the hotel’s suites, terraces, or even rooftop pool offer postcard-perfect views of the peaks between the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc.
Located along the beautiful coastline of Agia Pelagia, a seaside resort in northern Crete, ACRO Suites is carved into a cliff, with endless panoramic views of the Mediterranean. The hotel’s design blends into the natural scenery, disappearing among the island's striking landscapes. “ACRO Suites was built around the concept of well-being and provides a place where you can truly rest, an important element during the stay. We designed the resort to be not only a place where you can feel at peace with yourself, but also a home away from home,” Danae and Konstantina Orfanake, sisters and cofounders of ACRO Suites, explain.
Here, spend the day in the beautiful Bath House Spa—which includes an authentic Byzantine-era hammam—take a dip in the private saltwater pool, or join a yoga session for deep relaxation. Still, the founders say the resort’s wellness focus begins with its design, which incorporates colors and materials seen throughout the landscape.