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Let’s face it, everyday routines can be difficult and tedious to maintain. You have a busy life, and it’s easy to forget to incorporate affordable wellness into it. Even if you do have a good routine, you’ll likely want to improve upon it. And when vacation time rolls around, you’re looking for a place that doesn’t leave you more exhausted and unhealthy afterward.
Wellness Resorts are immersive experiences that focus on your holistic health. You’ll find balanced meals, mindful movement, western and eastern medicinal treatments, and specialists at these affordable wellness oases. The goal is to rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit while helping you create healthy habits that will far outlast your stay at the resort.
Wellness resorts are typically situated in scenic locations so you can truly unwind and rejuvenate in beauty.
We’ve gathered up our favorite affordable wellness resorts around the world. Some are far and some are near. Some focus on one type of medicine or treatment, while others may incorporate many. We’re sure that you’ll find at least a few wellness resorts and retreats on the list that speak to you.
RAKxa
… for a holistic wellness approach
Location:
Outside of Bangkok
At a glance:
- Natural, anti-inflammatory food
- Holistic physical therapy
- Individualized wellness plans
- Integrative ancient wisdom
- Wellness retreat options
Why we love it:
Located in a tropical oasis of vibrant greenery and a calm lagoon, your journey at RAKxa, an affordable wellness resort, starts before arrival. You’ll chat with your Health and Wellness advisor to decide what treatments best suit your stay. When you arrive, you’ll have an assessment to help you take advantage of everything the wellness resort offers.
Each person’s stay is individualized. You can enjoy spa treatments rooted in ancient healing traditions, like Traditional Thai Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Ayurveda.
You’ll also enjoy a holistic physical therapy approach at RAKxa, an affordable wellness resort. Certified physical therapists and trainers work together to help you find ease in movement through individualized training regimes that improve your brain, muscles, and nerves.
Care is taken in every aspect at RAKxa. The food is made with all-natural and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Cooking classes are offered so you can recreate the meals at home.
Looking for a restorative retreat? RAKxa, the affordable wellness resort, offers several options, from detox to weight loss to long-term health. You’ll work with doctors and specialists to find a new mode of rejuvenation that will outlast your time at this beautiful wellness resort.
SHA Wellness Clinic
… for multiple treatment options in the Mediterranean
Where:
Alicante, Spain
At a glance:
- Considered the best medical spa in Europe
- Multiple wellness programs to choose from
- Many holistic therapies featuring both ancient and modern wisdom
Why we love it:
Surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra Helada Mountains, enjoy this Green Globe-certified affordable wellness resort – one of the best in Europe. Each Health program is designed to improve your physical and mental well-being. You can enjoy the programs of Rebalance, Health & Aging, Optimal Weight, Advanced Detox, or an intensive program that combines the last two.
Before you arrive, at this affordable wellness resort, you’ll have a nutrition consultation and decide on the best meal and health program for your unique needs. The resort creates balanced, alkaline gastronomy inspired by ancient principles and focuses on local, organic, and seasonal food.
The SHA method, followed at this affordable wellness resort, has 8 treatment areas to provide lasting health benefits. Health nutrition, natural therapies, preventative and healthy aging, medicine, advanced aesthetics, cognitive stimulation, emotional health, well-being & inner balance, and physical performance are integral components. Treatments follow the wisdom of both old and new, including Traditional Chinese Medicine, Osteopathy, and Energetic Health.
Zulal Wellness Resort Qatar
… for traditional Arabic medicine and unique immersive therapies
Where:
North Qatar
At a glance:
- Traditional Arabic and Islamic medicine center
- Unique architecture and therapies
- Separate adults-only or family experiences.
Why we love it:
Newly opened in 2021, Zulal by Chiva-Som is the Middle East’s first full-immersion affordable wellness resort. Zulal is the center of Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM). You can enjoy specifically crafted, one-of-a-kind wellness therapies, architecture and services inspired by local heritage, and a traditional and modern Qatari cultural experience.
Located in the coastal area of north Qatar, the 280,000 square meter Wellness resort uses sustainable and environmental practices in its architecture, food, and retreats.
Zulal Serenity focuses on the 6 Zulal pillars: Physiotherapy, Nutrition, Holistic Health, Fitness, Spa, and Aesthetics. The exclusive restaurant and tea-house focus on flavor and fresh produce.
You can choose your own activities and treatments or opt for an immersive affordable wellness retreat. Either way, you’ll be delighted with this Qatari wellness experience.
Six Senses Kanuhura, Maldives
… for privacy, ocean activities, and food
Where:
Lhaviyani Atoll, 150 km north of the capital of Malé
At a glance:
- Three private islands
- Organic garden on site
- Sustainable fashion boutique
Why we love it:
The moment has (almost) arrived when you can experience Six Senses, an affordable wellness retreat in the Maldives. Opening in December 2022, the resort has three private islands – two of them without buildings so you can fully relax in nature.
Sleep in the overwater villas and gaze at the marine life below. You will also enjoy affordable wellness diving sites where you’ll learn more about what the resort is doing to preserve the local marine life.
Food is an important part of the experience at Six Senses, an affordable wellness retreat in the Maldives. Feel good about what you’re putting in your body with the resort’s local organic herb and vegetable garden. Following the Eat with Six Senses philosophy to food, you can be assured of natural, sustainable, and delicious meals. Interactive food workshops help you feel connected to your food as well.
The restorative treatments at the spa keep you refreshed. And when you’re looking for an indoor activity, the boutique on-site highlights sustainable fashion.
You’ll leave this affordable wellness experience ready to take on what life gives you, rejuvenated.
Carillon Wellness Resort
… for one of the best spa experiences
Where:
Miami, Florida
At a glance:
- Largest spa on the east coast
- One of the longest beachfront properties in Miami
- Numerous physical activities
Why we love it:
The largest spa and affordable wellness center on the east coast, Carillon, was rated as one of the top domestic spas in 2021. You’ll enjoy beautiful Atlantic ocean views, wellness and spa treatments, physical activity, and in-season cuisine.
The spa is 70,000 square feet and features thermal hydrotherapy treatments, saunas, an igloo (yes, Miami’s only one), IV therapy, salt float therapy, cryo skin toning, acupuncture, and Oriental medicine. The spa includes Western, Eastern, Alternative, and Aesthetic medicine treatments. Choose your spa experience to combat stress and anxiety, weight loss, or anti-aging.
You can enjoy daily squeezed juice and numerous fitness classes from boxing and rock climbing to HIIT yoga, dance, and spin.
The main restaurant features vibrant Mediterranean cuisine at this affordable wellness resort. You can also enjoy the gelato and coffee shops. Located in Miami, this resort will rejuvenate you without taking you too far away.
Banyan Tree Valle de Guadalupe Resort, Spa, and Winery
… for organic wine and indigenous treatments and food
Where:
Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico
At a glance:
- Wine and olive oil made on the property
- Food featuring indigenous wisdom
- Sustainable building and farming practices
Why we love it:
Located in peaceful Baja, California, guests will enjoy a luxurious wellness resort only 90 minutes from the US border.
The resort’s design is to connect you with the beautiful nature that surrounds you. Olive oil groves and a vineyard are a part of the affordable wellness resort property where you can fully experience wine and olive oil making from start to finish. Five different food and beverage venues all feature indigenous medicinal plants, many of which grow on the property.
You’ll enjoy the spa and fitness center and be able to relax in your villa at this affordable wellness resort. Most importantly, Banyan Tree works with locals to ensure that every aspect of the business preserves the local environment.
Aro Ha
… for the outdoors wellness enthusiast
Where:
Glenorchy, New Zealand
At a glance:
- Gorgeous New Zealand scenery
- Emphasis on activity
- Science-based treatments for mind and body
- 100% all-inclusive retreats
- Ideal for solo travel and couples
Why we love it:
Breathtaking scenery, mindfulness practices, and multiple activities make Aro-Ha a wellness oasis. You have different retreats to choose from, each led by specialists. Hydrotherapy, functional movement, and nature are aspects of all retreats. These holistic approaches will strengthen your body and put your mind at ease.
Food at Aro-Ha is made with the belief that a healthy gut is necessary for a healthy mind and body. Delicious and cleansing, the nourishment here focuses on Paleo and vegetarian-based food. The resort has permaculture-based self-sufficiency that goes beyond food to their eco-accommodation.
This is an outdoorsy retreat. You start the day with morning yoga overlooking the sunrise and enjoy pilates, interval training, and mountain hiking. You’ll also find relaxation in the spa and in group and solo activities.
Preidlhof, Italy
… for integrative healing and spa treatments
Where:
South Tyrol, Italy
At a glance:
- Mindful eating focus
- Whole foods and plant-based meals
- Facials using specially-made active ingredients
- Newly updated
- Glowing Flow Treatment
Why we love it:
Re-opened in 2021, Preidlhof is a fully immersive wellness spa that has been family-owned for 50 years. With expert consultations, spa treatments, meal plans, mindfulness sessions, dance therapy, forest bathing, and yoga, you’ll find a program that suits your journey.
The eco-friendly decor, pools, hot tubs, and solarium were updated in 2021.
Preidlhof’s “Glowing Flow Treatment” won the Holistics Treatment of the Year award in 2020. Designed to release emotional blocks, anxiety, and imbalances in the body, you can add the treatment to your package or do a completed “Integrated Healing Retreat.”
You can also treat yourself to Priedlhof’s new eco-line of cosmeceuticals with a facial. All products use active ingredients to get you the results you want in less time.
The Mediterranean-style cuisine from local farms is combined with mindful eating practices, so you can apply what you learn to your life outside the resort. The 7-course dinners are whole-food and plant-based.
Golden Door
… for a farm-to-table + wellness experience
Where:
San Marcos, California
At a glance:
- Farm-to-table food
- Daily spa treatments
- Fitness and culture classes
- All-inclusive retreat
Why we love it:
Golden Door’s catchphrase is to find your way back to you. With private hiking trails, personal training, farm-to-table meals, and a massage every day, you’ll have the opportunity to connect in ways you didn’t think were possible. Their all-inclusive 7-day program has attracted the likes of Oprah, Nicole Kidman, Chevy Chase, and Susan Sarandon.
Hikes, yoga, fitness classes, massages, reiki, craniosacral therapy, watsu, mindfulness workshops, art classes, and meditations make this a wellness resort like no other. The food itself is an experience. You’ll be harvesting veggies yourself and enjoying local, organic, and healthy food at every meal. The best part? You don’t have to worry about what you need to wear. A workout and dinner outfit are provided for all guests.
Ananda
… for an authentic Ayurvedic experience
Where:
Himalayas, Rishikesh, India
At a glance:
- Ayurvedic treatments
- Personalized programs
- Specialists and therapists on site
Why we love it:
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of life, has been helping thousands of people for millennia. At Ananda, you can experience arguably the most authentic Ayurvedic experience in the world. With 80 different spa treatments, 10 wellness programs, and a serene environment in nature, you’ll leave Ananda armed with confidence. The retreat starts with an Ayurvedic consultation where you’ll learn your dosha (like an ancient personality quiz). From there, you’ll choose a meal and treatment plan that supports your dosha.
Traditional treatments include: Shirodhara, a lukewarm herbal oil poured over your forehead; Aghyanga, a traditional full body massage; Pizhichil, an Ayurvedic oil bath; and Choornaswedena, a massage with herbal poultices.
Ranked the #1 destination spa by Conde Nast Traveler, you can choose from different retreats on the website. Programs are holistic and led by ayurvedic doctors, therapists, nutritionists, and chefs.
Jade Mountain, St. Lucia
… for award-winning gastronomy and beautiful views
Where:
St. Lucia
At a glance:
- Breathtaking scenery
- Private spa treatments and yoga
- Beach access
- Award-winning cuisine
- Local fruits and vegetables on-site
Why we love it:
Located on the Caribbean coast and nestled within the mountains, Jade Mountain is a beautiful wellness immersion. Enjoy spa experiences, world-class cuisine, and outdoor activities throughout the 600-acre estate.
Spa treatments can be enjoyed in your private infinity pool sanctuary or at one of the designated spas. Yoga and private fitness classes are available to all guests. The two white sand beaches offer plenty of activities, from coral reef snorkeling and scuba diving to sailing and kayaking. You can also visit the resort’s organic farm.
Allen Susser, a James Beard Award winner, pioneered the Jade cuisine. The food is largely influenced by tropical and Caribbean culture, and it varies seasonally. You may also dine at Anse Chastanet, only a short walk or resort shuttle ride away. Here you will discover a comprehensive vegetarian and vegan menu.
You’ll want to visit the cocoa trees and watch how chocolate is made during your stay. Other trees on the estate include turmeric, cashew, tamarind, mango, avocado, oranges, tangerines, guavas, papaya, coconut, and more.
So there it is, our top 11 wellness resorts to try now. Which wellness resort will you be visiting first? Let us know in the comments below!
