Healthy holidays go way beyond self-healing, although this is a significant part of the journey. Wellness retreats are placing heavier emphasis on plastic-free policies, community-led processes and preserving surrounding environments. Here are some of the best wellness retreats that are giving back…
Joali
From the moment you step foot in Joali, you are instantly transported to another level of luxury, which embraces sustainability at its core. Located on Muravandhoo island in the northern Maldives, the resort is surrounded by crystal clear seas and untouched nature. Marine life is preserved, meaning guests can marvel at the abundance of reef sharks, guitar sharks, coral and more. Joali appointed Samantha Reynolds as its on-site marine biologist with Martyna Socha, who together lead an itinerary of underwater activities and education. Over 1,000 trees were saved during the construction process of the resort.
Song Saa Private Island
Song Saa Private Island is nestled in Cambodia and embraces eco-consciousnesses among its pristine tropical surroundings. The resort implemented multiple initiatives into sustainability including The Song Saa Reserve, a 200-hectare eco-tourism project that will support hotels, villas, conservation and cultural heritage initiatives to promote local culture and attract international visitors in a sustainable and ethical way. Song Saa is committed to the protection of marine life in the Koh Rong Archipelago and all along Cambodia’s coastline, by supporting community fisheries, a coral nursery and a tropical marine conservation programme.
Read our review of Song Saa Private Island here
Chiva-Som Health Resort
Wellness pioneers Chiva-Som Health Resort founded an action group in 2004 committed to carbon neutrality and reforestation. The Thai resort believes that personal wellness goes hand-in-hand with environmental wellness and it has won several awards in sustainability, conducting its practices on education, community, recycling and preserving the ecosystem.
Read our review of Chiva-Som here
Aro Hā
Eco wellness retreat Aro Hā takes an immersive approach to sustainability, from the solar-and-hydro-powered accommodation to the retreat’s fitness and wellbeing activities set within nature. The New Zealand resort serves delightful plant-based cuisine reflecting its commitment to minimising its impact on the earth.
Read our review of Aro Hā here
Prices from US$3,470 for a five-night retreat | Book now on Compare Retreats
Fivelements Bali
Luxury retreat Fivelements Bali stands on three sustainability pillars—personal wellness, net-positive impact and social harmony. Besides its reputation for transformative holistic retreats, Fivelements combines sustainable design, healthy lifestyle offerings and supply of clean and conscious products to all its guests.
Read our review of Fivelements here
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay places a heavy emphasis on sustainability and community preservation. In 2020, the resort collected over 4,000 kg of trash from local beaches and gave away 500 reusable linen bags at Vinh Luong market. The retreat features an onsite organic garden and recently collaborated with the NGO Green Viet.
