Whether you’re a seasoned local or a new arrival, Hong Kong humidity hits you like a brick wall. Sweaty and soaring temperatures mark the need for a getaway. Thankfully, beating the heat is easy. So, these are our top picks on where to head in search of winter retreats and cooler climes this year…
This article was originally published on July 12, 2018, by Amanda Sheppard and was last updated on October 13, 2022.
Aro Ha
North of Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island lies Aro Ha – a wellness destination unlike any other. The resort focuses on providing a retreat for mind, body and spirit. Retreats are inclusive of hiking in world heritage parks surrounded by snowcapped mountains, yoga and stretching exercises, cleansing vegetarian cuisine and daily massages, mindfulness and meditation workshops.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
Gwinganna
Drawing from the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, wellness retreats at Gwinganna offer guests a cleansing programme. It looks to strengthen the immune system—the perfect little boost to fight off those dreaded summer colds. You’ll also leave equipped with flu-fighting recipes. Retreats are inclusive of accommodation, meals, seminars, an 80-minute massage per guest and roundtrip airport transfers to and from Gold Coast Airport.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
Eden Health Retreat
In the Currumbin Valley, just off the Gold Coast, lies an endless strip of lush greenery turned winter wonderland. The Eden Health Retreat is home to an array of facilities that make those cooler days and nights more bearable. It includes a heated swimming pool, sauna and steam room. Retreats can include access to yoga, bush walks, spa sessions, guided meditation workshops and a go or two on the Flying Fox. Because it can’t all be serious!
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
Blue Lagoon
Though not a southern hemisphere retreat, Blue Lagoon is the quintessential winter escape. And with summer temperatures averaging 10 to 13 degrees, that sounds like a winter retreat to us! Blue Lagoon’s first luxury resort, The Retreat Hotel at The Blue Lagoon, features 62 minimalist suites that use the natural surroundings and shape of the volcanic rock to blend in with the stunning landscapes. Let the Icelandic retreat work its magic. So, take a dip in the healing thermal lagoon or treat yourself to one (or two) of the many spa treatments on offer.
Millbrook
The award-winning spa in Queenstown, New Zealand, boasts a golf course, spa, and proximity to some of the territory’s best skiing spots. Retreats here are what you make of them. So, with a number of health and fitness activities for guests to take their pick from, there’s also free use of a heated outdoor pool. For the more adventurous spirits, there’s a helipad on hand to help you head for the hills and seek out some of the area’s most striking snow-capped spots. Thus, it’s great for a colder getaway.
