The quest for physical and mental well-being has led to the emergence of a new type of tourism: wellness tourism. Like historical spa treatments and thalassotherapy-style fitness centers, wellness tourism has seen its codes move upmarket and take on a more holistic and high-end dimension. A wellness stay aims to improve physical and mental well-being through a combination of several elements based on physical activity, care, nutrition, but also the spiritual dimension, notably with the practice of meditation or the development of spiritual retreats.
Overview of our 4 dream wellness destinations:
1. Lily of the Valley, Saint-Tropez
Located near Saint-Tropez, this intimate hotel designed by Philippe Starck blends into the Mediterranean setting of Gigaro Bay. Positioned as a wellness destination in its own right, the hotel offers the Shape Club, a 2,000 m² space consisting of a semi-Olympic outdoor swimming pool, a fitness room with the latest generation of Technogym equipment, a coaching room and a group class room, treatment and consultation rooms, saunas and a hammam, a relaxation room, and a healthy restaurant. Specific programs are offered: weight loss, sports performance, better aging, and burnout.
2. Equinox, New York
Inspired by the renowned Equinox group of upscale sports clubs, Equinox hotels offer a reinterpretation of wellness and fitness applied to luxury hospitality. Every wellness element has been thought out down to the smallest detail; rooms are equipped with a 'quiet mode' to ensure restful sleep and a mini bar with vitamins and nutritional supplements, a sports club offers the latest trendy classes for individual or group sessions, a high-tech spa offers cutting-edge treatments, and healthy restaurants complete the dietary aspect.
3. Joali Being, Maldives
Joali Being, located on its own atoll in the Maldives, is run by Turkish businesswoman Esin Güral Argat. It is the only hotel in the country run by a woman. The hotel has built its wellness philosophy around four pillars: mind, skin, microbiome, and energy. The property offers natural holistic retreats designed with Gerry Bodeker, a professor at Oxford University and expert in traditional and integrative medicine. Fitness, yoga, and meditation classes are offered daily. The goal is to restore physical strength and vitality and rebalance hormones, sleep, and the digestive system.
4. SHA Wellness Clinic, Alicante (Spain)
Located in an idyllic setting between the sea and the mountains, the SHA Wellness Clinic offers 6 thematic treatment programs: occupational stress management, overall well-being, fitness, sleep restoration, anti-aging program and weight control and detox. The 'SHA' method is based on 8 main axes: healthy nutrition, natural therapies, preventive medicine and healthy aging, advanced aesthetics, cognitive stimulation and emotional health, well-being and inner balance and physical performance. Renowned as the best 'wellness clinic' in the world, SHA Wellness uses an infinite range of techniques delivered in a most luxurious setting.