The world’s top nature and wellness resorts
The pandemic has ultimately taught us to be more mindful of our health, whether in public spaces, at home, or at work.
In effect, sustainability and wellness design have become increasingly popular as these concepts have shown to improve the overall well-being of an individual—creating spaces that reduce stress with natural elements such as natural light, ventilation and greenery.
Here are some of the world’s nature and wellness-centric developments that promote quality and sustainable infrastructure.
Ananda in the Himalayas (India)
ANANDASPA.COM
Nestled on the foothills of the world’s highest mountain range, Ananda in the Himalayas is a luxury wellness retreat in northern India surrounded by a 100-acre forest, overlooking an ancient river valley.
Reimagining the Indian tradition of retreat, Ananda provides yoga and meditation programs, spa, pool and private dining, among others. It also houses the historical Viceregal Palace, its reception area which was once home to Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal.
In 2023, Ananda ranked third in International Destination Spas, World’s Best Awards by Travel & Leisure. It was also named the World’s Best Holistic Wellness Retreat (Global Spa Awards) and seventh spa destination (Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards in USA and UK) in 2022.
Ha Long Villa (Vietnam)
HIROYUKI OKI VIA ARCHDAILY.COM
Ha Long Villa in Hanoi, Vietnam is a pentagon house of surrounding forest, overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay with a landscape made of thousands of large and small rocks.
According to its architects, VTN Architects, Ha Long Villa is a prototype of “House of Trees,” a series of residential projects that aims to bring green spaces back into the city, providing a healthier living environment to the citizens.
Como Shambhala Estate (Indonesia)
COMOHOTELS.COM
Situated at the edge of a riverbank near Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, Como Shambhala Estate is a wellness resort located in a forest between two mighty rivers. Grounded on an approach to holistic healthy living, the hotel features numerous wellness facilities and programs, nutritional cuisines, Ayurvedic treatments, outdoor activities and more.
This year, Como Shambhala was named Most Outrageous Villa in the Maldives by Travel+Leisure and ranked eighth top resort in the Indian Ocean by Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards. In 2022, the estate received several awards from TripAdvisor, namely, fifth Best Hotel in Asia, 14th Top Hotel in the World, sixth Best Hotel on the Water in the World and 14th Top Luxury Hotel in the World.
Brenners Park – Hotel & Spa (Germany)
OETKERCOLLECTION.COM
Brenners Park in Germany is a 150-year-old grand hotel in a valley in the Black Forest Mountains, overlooking the historic park, Lichtentaler Allée. Connecting tradition and modern elegance, Brenners has around 105 rooms done in classic country house style, a spacious private park and renowned restaurants, among others.
For 15 decades, the historic hotel has been the setting for concert series, art exhibitions, culinary weeks, spa awards, dinner talks and international summits such as the Franco-German consultations, two Olympic congresses, the festivities celebrating NATO’s 60th anniversary summit and the meeting of the G20 finance ministers in March 2017. In 1975, classical singer Frank Sinatra visited the hotel.
The destination was consistently awarded Readers’ Choice Award by Condé Nast in 2017, 2019 and 2022. It also made Condé Nast’s Gold List in 2018.
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary (Thailand)
KAMALAYA.COM
Located amid a tropical landscape on the southern coast of Thailand, the Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary integrates the beauty of its surrounding nature and modern design. The hotel spa features open-air treatment spaces, deluxe air-conditioned suites and various wellness programs, among others.
From its architectural design to their staff, which include 50 certified wellness professionals, and even to its wellness programs, a stay in Kamalaya promises to be healthy and inspiring.
In 2023, Kamalaya was recognized as one of Thailand’s Top 10 Hotel Spas by Travel+Leisure and given the Kinnari Gold Award & Hall of Fame at the 2023 TAT Awards by Tourism of Thailand. This year, the property was also awarded for the fifth time and second year in a row as Worldwide Health & Wellness Destination of the Year.
Sources: Inquirer Archives, cntraveler.com, oetkercollection.com, anandaspa.com, archdaily.com, comohotels.com, kamalaya.com, illustrarch.com
