Enter the world of wellness retreats—travel for relaxation, healthy food, gorgeous spas and stunning locales. Sometimes, you just have to get away from it all and breathe easy. If you’re looking for the best retreats for 2014, here are 6 to get you dreaming and doing.
Terme de Saturnia Spa & Golf resort, Itlay
Get whisked away from the everyday stress of life in this Tuscan spa, where you can receive facials that use diamonds, gold and even Antarctic ice to make your skin glow. Besides the exotic spa options, the retreat itself sits by an ancient thermal spring that once fed Roman baths, two restaurants, a golf course and 53 treatment rooms.
SHA Wellness Clinic, Spain
Welcome to the only microbiotic spa in the world, where guests can indulge in oriental style treatments such as Reiki: a treatment that balances energy in the body. Minimalism is key here, and forget the gourmet health food creations; be prepared to feast upon a lot of brown rice—no meat, eggs or dairy allowed.
Ananda, India
If you’re looking for the best in Ayurvedic healing, yoga and meditation, Ananda, located in the Himalayan foothills, is a mecca for these programs. The setting in itself is blissful- as the name suggests. Fresh mountain air, a view of the Ganges and thick, green foliage are easy on the eyes. The spa will also book safaris, rafting trips and other excursions for guests.
Clinique La Prairie, Switzerland
There is much to be experienced at this world-renowned spa, and many of the rich and famous have visited for rejuvenating sheep-embryo injections, now replaced with an extract. This Swiss wonderland boasts 60 in-house specialists, its own MRI scanner, and a scrumptious cuisine menu- there is something for everyone looking to relax and refresh.
La Quinta Resort & Club, California, USA
This place has 41 swimming pools. If that isn’t enough to tempt you, how about specialized spa treatments that include a rose-quartz facial, massages with “sacred stones” or an oxygen “power lift” for skin? This is a great option for those traveling with children, where they can check out the kids’ spa—perfect for young athletes.
Carmel Forest Spa, Israel
Holocaust survivors once flocked to this historic center to find emotional healing. Now, this magical spa is home to some of the world’s best massage therapists and shiatsu—peels using salt, vanilla, and lavender. Carmel Forest Spa sets itself apart with a wine bar where visitors may sample vintage Israeli wines. There are several programs offered such as Reiki and physiotherapy, and plenty of outdoor enjoyment from numerous pools to tennis courts.
