Thailand

Venture into the lush vegetation above Kamala Bay and find an ethereal treetop world. Individual huts and treehouses — each with its own private opalescent swimming pool — sprout from the jungle, illuminating the hillside like a secret fairy colony as the sounds of untouched nature permeate the air. 

Family-owned and run, the spa offering at Keemala is traditionally Thai, with intuitive massages and local remedies being favoured over new-fangled tech. Start the morning with a yoga flow, or up the ante with an intense Muay Thai class before rewarding yourself with a moment of calm in the authentic spa where the treatments centre around balancing the ayurvedic principles of water, fire, air, and earth. The food, too, speaks to its setting. Brimming with fresh organic vegetables, local fish, and regional spice, it represents that delicate balance of flavours that characterises Southeast Asian food. 

If you're looking for a luxury spa holiday in Thailand that captures the unique magic of the aptly named 'Land of Smiles', this enchanting escape is for you. 

The Thai capital is a swirling nebula of excitement; from atmospheric markets filled with the hiss of woks as they fry aromatic Asian ingredients to late-night revelry and a bohemian undercurrent of creativity. Around almost every corner, it seems, there is another temple, an enticing side street lined with low-key eateries, or a striking vista of the city's main artery: the Chao Praya River. 

Away from all that, however, the award-winning spa at the Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, offers a serene retreat and a plethora of body-rebalancing services in nine of the grandest treatment rooms in the city. Known as CHI, the spa has garnered several prestigious awards, including the Haute Grandeur Global Spa Awards, making it a strong contender as one of the best spa hotels in Southeast Asia. It was also named the 'Best Hotel in Bangkok' for Families by Forbes Magazine in 2023, so it's a great all-round choice for those in need of some R&R with the kids still in tow.

It offers a variety of treatments such as the Siamese Massage and Advanced Youth-Revealing Facial, all within its luxurious, tranquil environment designed to restore harmony and promote resilience against the stress we all endure in today's fast-paced world. Inspired by ancient wellness rituals but realised with the finest modern know-how, the spa is the perfect reflection of the city itself: an irresistible amalgamation of new and old.

Three hours’ drive from the bustle of Bangkok lies an adults-only oasis of calm: an icon in the competitive world of wellness. Entering this ‘haven of life’ is enveloping in the best way possible as you find yourself shrouded from life’s daily stressors by the sea to one side, and frangipani-scented forest to the other.

Widely regarded as one of the best spas in the world and one of the finest wellness retreats in Southeast Asia, Chiva-Som takes your health and wellbeing personally: structuring its highly personal treatment programmes around the individual needs of your body while acknowledging the significance of emotional stressors on our physiology too. You can expect immaculate attention to detail in everything from the minimalist aesthetics to the comprehensive range of tailored therapies and the unsurpassed service (each of the 54 exquisite rooms benefits from its own butler service).

It is, indeed, the staff that put this place into a league of its own, with guests remarking that their therapists seemed just to 'know' which part of their body was causing an issue, providing them with expert treatments and future-proofing guidance. Genomic testing and specialist 'Cell Vitality' programmes are also available, underscoring the fact that this is not your average 'spa', it's a transformative experience in every sense.

Soneva Kiri on the unspoilt island of Koh Kood in the Trat district of Thailand embodies the best of a classic tropical beach holiday, while holding its own in terms of wellness with a range of therapeutic treatments.

Arriving on the island, you'll be greeted by gently cresting mountains shrouded in dense vegetation and white-fringed shorelines that constitute some of the country's best beaches. Head up from the coast and into the rainforest just a short distance and you'll come upon an idyllic hideaway, where your enjoyment and wellbeing are at the top of the agenda. 

Choose from one- to five-bedroom villas, each of which enjoys access to its own generously sized private swimming pool. Feel at one with nature in the open-air bathroom, washing the sand and salt from your body as a symphony of birdsong drifts on a warm breeze. Larger villas even enjoy their own spa treatment area, so you needn't venture to the resort spa if you don't feel like it. Simply ask the staff to come to you and enjoy a private moment of calm.

The Soneva brand's signature is its whole-hearted embrace of its location. You can therefore expect a range of experiences that celebrate the unique things about the local area. This includes small group tours to a nearby fishing village, excursions by land and sea to discover the area's incredible natural beauty, and food-centric activities like cooking classes and private dining.

Experience unparalleled relaxation in a setting that harmonises with nature's splendour. Surrounded by lush greenery and crystal-clear waters, Six Senses Yao Noi is the perfect romantic retreat, blending holistic wellness therapies and indulgent treatments with intimate-feeling accommodation and discrete service.

Awake each morning to expansive views of Phang Nga Bay, where deserted islands seem to bob freely in the gulf, before taking the few steps from your bed to your private jade-hued swimming pool (every exquisitely finished villa has one). As for the rest of the day, the hardest choice will be: "beach first, or spa?". 

Speaking of spas...the resort's award-winning offering includes an array of rejuvenating treatments, including traditional Thai massages, detoxifying scrubs, and some more avant-garde options. These employ some seriously smart tech to help you take charge of your health through biohacking, sleep upgrades, and forward-thinking wellness screenings that will help you and the spa's experts understand what your body really needs.

Vietnam

A sense of genuine seclusion awaits at this exclusive water’s-edge enclave. Perched atop swathes of icing sugar sands, individual bungalows and villas defined by their minimalist aesthetic, impeccable attention to detail, and a commitment to sustainability provide your base, while an array of expert therapies will leave you feeling brand new.

Choose from a wide range of holistic treatments, including traditional Vietnamese therapies, massages, and facials performed in indoor and outdoor treatment rooms. You'll also have the option to partake in personalised wellness programmes that focus on boosting your immunity, optimising mental functioning, and exploring the relationship between emotional trauma and physical ailments to help you release old tensions and hang-ups.

Explore new or deepen existing practices through guided meditation, Chakra balancing, and yogic stretching in the dedicated yoga pavilion for a soul-soothing experience. Beyond the spa, you can treat your body in a different way, taking in the tropical air on a hike through the pristine national park. Or explore the world beneath the waves while snorkelling or diving.

Dining options highlight fresh, local ingredients with an emphasis on the natural health-boosting characteristics of traditional Vietnamese cuisine. So your meals will always be flavourful and packed with nutrients, rounding off your Six Senses Con Dao experience perfectly.

Within the vivacious landscapes of the Núi Chúa National Park, Amanoi embodies everything you could want from a tropical escape: heart-stealing scenery, a laid-back atmosphere, and second-to-none service. 

The Aman Spa, a sanctuary of serenity where the mountains meet the sea, provides holistic wellness treatments incorporating traditional Vietnamese practices and Ayurveda — perfect for your spa breaks away. Guests can indulge in massages, facials, and wellness initiatives tailored to their individual needs. For an unparalleled wellness experience with sweeping views of Vinh Hy Bay, opt to stay in one of the Spa Houses.

The Thuy Lien Spa House, or "Lotus Spa House," overlooks a serene lotus lake, while the An Son Spa House, or "Peaceful Mountain Spa House," offers vistas of the national park. Each Spa House features a double treatment room, Jacuzzi, steam room, ice fountain, and cold plunge pool. Outdoor amenities include an infinity pool, a relaxation deck, and either a hammam or banya. Accommodating up to four guests, these spa houses offer a private, immersive wellness retreat.

Guests can indulge in a wide range of treatments, including Watsu, Reiki, craniosacral therapy, acupressure, reflexology, and Chi Nei Tsang. The Bodywork category includes yoga, Pilates, pranayama breathing, and meditation, while Energywork focuses on fitness with classes like kickboxing, TRX suspension training, and boot camp sessions. This unique accommodation option provides an all-encompassing spa experience designed to rejuvenate and revitalise both body and mind​ in a setting you won't want to leave.

Cambodia

Step into a world of barefoot luxury in this ecologically-minded paradise.

Song Saa Private Island, located just off the vastly underrated coast of Cambodia, comprises just 27 beautiful private villas either nestled in the jungle or dangling over crystalline waters. One of the most spectacular resorts in the world, it pays homage to the unbridled beauty of its location with a steadfast commitment to sustainability through conservation efforts, an eco-chic design, and a range of forward-thinking initiatives designed to support the local community. Explore the island through activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, and nature hikes — we can almost guarantee you'll fall in love (well, the resort does lie across two side-by-side islands affectionately known as 'The Sweethearts').

Song Saa's "spa with no walls" concept embraces the natural beauty of the island, offering treatments in private pavilions surrounded by nature. Guests can enjoy a variety of spa treatments that blend traditional Khmer techniques with Ayurvedic principles, such as Kundalini back massages, coconut oil rituals, and rainforest facials. So, sit back, relax, and allow your body mind and soul to be soothed by the incredibly attentive staff.

Anantara Angkor Resort & Spa in Siem Reap is a luxurious all-suite retreat blending contemporary elegance with traditional Khmer touches, making it a great introduction to Cambodia's many charms if you have not been before.

It features 39 atmospheric suites adorned with handcrafted teak furniture, local textiles, and sandstone carvings, each with a private balcony and luxe bathroom. Dining at the resort includes progressive Khmer cuisine at Chi Restaurant & Bar, and the surrounding area is rich in cultural experiences, from private tours of the awe-inspiring temple complex of Angkor Wat to leisurely bicycle tours of Siem Reap and boat excursions. This tranquil sanctuary, complete with a saltwater pool and fitness suite, provides the perfect setting for a rejuvenating escape amid the country's ancient wonders.

If it's rejuvenation you're after, the spa at Anantara offers an array of treatments, including massages, facials, and body scrubs, designed to reset and restore. Guests can indulge in the Anantara Signature Massage, which combines Eastern and Western techniques or opt for the Khmer Herbal Compress, utilising local herbs to soothe muscles and enhance relaxation. Or, get those chakras back in alignment with a yoga session in the beautifully manicured grounds. For something more intensive, there are even dedicated yoga, meditation, and wellness retreats lasting a few days and encompassing a range of activities and experiences.

Philippines

Dazzlingly blue waters, dreamy palm-fringed beaches, and seemingly endless sea views are just the start of this story.

Experience the famously hospitable Filipino spirit and feel carried away into an otherworldly embrace, courtesy of the enchanting accommodation and comprehensive wellness offering available at Amanpulo on the island of Pamalican. Trust us, this place has to be seen to be believed.

If you can tear yourself away from the almost overwhelming natural beauty, the Aman Spa perched on a hillside with panoramic sea views provides a variety of treatments inspired by local healing traditions, such as the Honey and Milk Hydration Journey, which features a sugar body scrub, raw honey wrap, and coconut milk bath. 

Having been suitably pampered, head back out into the abundant sunshine and explore on a hike, or take to the water for an island-hopping excursion (stopping for a spot of snorkelling if the mood takes you).

The Beach and Treetop 'Casitas' provide serene views of the surrounding natural beauty, while villas come with private pools, chefs, and butlers for an elevated stay. So, following a sundown cocktail session at the resort's gorgeous golden hour bar, you can look forward to retreating into a luxurious haven of comfort ahead of another magical day. Spa breaks away don't get much better than this.

Shangri-La's Boracay Resort & Spa, nestled on a lush hillside with panoramic views of the ocean, offers a luxurious escape perfect for couples, friends, or solo travellers. The resort’s Chi, The Spa is a sanctuary of calm. Located on a rocky peninsula overlooking the private bay, it features treatments inspired by traditional Asian healing philosophies. Guests can indulge in therapies like the Philippine Hilot Massage, Coconut Oil Massage, and various facial treatments, all aimed at restoring balance and vitality.

Accommodation options range from elegant rooms with stunning sea views to expansive villas with private pools, ensuring a restful stay with self-indulgence at its core. Dining options are equally enticing, with venues such as Vintana Asian Café, Cielo Poolside Restaurant, and Sirena Seafood Restaurant offering diverse culinary delights. Beyond the spa, activities include watersports, island hopping, and exploring the vibrant island of Boracay, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and adventure while dipping your toe into the deep cultural waters of the Philippines.

Beyond wellness retreats in Southeast Asia, there is a world of spectacular spa breaks. Take a look at our top six wellness retreats from around the world.