At a time when our physical and mental health, as well as our ability to withstand disease, are daily concerns, a growing body of scientific research is discovering there is a relatively simple way to decrease depression, boost immunity, tackle heart and blood disease and provide a host of other benefits: spending time in, or by, water.
With this in mind, we’ve selected four of our favourite retreats that combine water and wellbeing to give you the holiday you desire. From spa rituals in one of only eight sacred springs in Bali to freshwater wild swimming in Switzerland, see below our top picks of blue health holidays to book in 2021.
Chenot Palace Weggis, Switzerland
Europe’s most advanced integrated medical spa – Chenot Palace Weggis – opened in June this year and is ideally situated on Lake Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s largest freshwater lakes. Chenot’s new flagship property consists of 97 luxury lakeview rooms, and a state-of-the-art medical, diagnostics, spa and fitness centre where experienced medical staff will help guests on their journey of finding balance between body, mind and soul.
Taking a science-based approach to wellness, the palace uses the most advanced techniques to create bespoke programmes for every guest, integrating hydrotherapy into the famed Chenot Method to aid detoxing and boost immune performance. Embracing the beauty of its natural surroundings, Chenot encourage guests to complement their detox programmes with time spent by the lake, from sunrise walks to lazy afternoons by the private beach or even wild swimming, which has been proven to not only reduce inflammation and boost the immune system, but also increase endorphin levels.
A seven-night minimum stay at Chenot Palace Weggis, including one of the extensive Chenot wellness programmes starts from 8,030CHF (approx. 6,750 GBP) per person. For more information or to book, visit chenotpalaceweggis.com.
COMO Shambhala Estate
Nestled in a spiritual enclave of jungle and plush rice paddies just a few miles from Ubud, COMO Shambhala Estate’s idyllic surroundings inspire relaxation, rejuvenation and discovery of the true meaning of wellness. A true ‘Retreat for Change’, resident experts take a holistic, 360-degree approach to wellness and create bespoke programmes for guests consisting of targeted therapies. The Day at Rashmi Experience takes residents to the estate’s tranquil water garden, Kedara, hidden within the nine-acres of verdant jungle. The ancient pools are fed by fresh spring water – nature’s purest medicine.
After a traditional water blessing at The Source, guests will experience a 60-minute COMO Shambhala treatment of their choice in Rashmi, one of the waterside pavilions, with only the sounds of the natural springs for company.
Rooms at COMO Shambhala Estate start from £431 per night on a bed and breakfast basis, to book and for more information, visit comohotels.com.
Velaa Private Island’s new Velaa Spa
When it comes to encompassing water into wellbeing, a brand-new luxury over-water spa on an idyllic private island in the Indian Ocean is a strong start. This year, Velaa Private Island, Maldives is proud to announce their new Velaa Spa, a haven of high-tech wellbeing and world-class treatments incorporating ingredients from the surrounding area of natural beauty; particularly the mineral enriched resources from the surrounding sea.
Set over the water on stilts, looking down at the tropical reef and based within a resort previously dubbed one of the world’s most luxurious, the Velaa Spa has announced a new spa menu of luxury massages and facials, including an assortment of treatments unique to the island. A range of signature treatments include a chardonnay body scrub and a green caviar facial, which uses a mixture of caviar, pearls, gold trace element and ultrasonic waves to create an ultra-luxury, rejuvenating experience.
Rates at Velaa Private Island for the Beach Pool Villa start from approx. £2,355 per night. To book or for more information, visit velaaprivateisland.com.
Amare Ibiza
Known for being one of the world’s most magnetic points, Ibiza, by natural default is one of the most soulful islands on the planet, making the surrounding Mediterranean Sea thought to be full of healing, energising and magical energy. The newly opened Amare Ibiza (meaning love of the sea) has a prime access to the nearby mini harbour and to the rustic and sandy Cala de Bou Beach, where guests can take a dip in the turquoise ocean to activate the body’s healing mechanisms, re-connect with the mind and balance the emotions. For a 360 healing journey, the hotel offers fantastic bi-weekly yoga sessions on the beach: let your breath align with the rhythm of waves and free your mind before facing the day.
Amare Ibiza opened last year and is an adult’s only hotel with rates starting from £125 per night. For more information, visit amarehotels.com.
