Luxury Travel: 3 top spa retreats

Luxury Travel: 3 top spa retreats

Bliss Sanctuary for Women, Bali
Morning: With rejuvenating sleep a high priority at this property near Seminyak, there's no hurry to get out of bed. However, you won't want to forego the morning tour to Ubud, where lush bushland, traditional rice paddies and a magnificent, dormant volcano set the scene. The best way to take in the sights is via one of the sanctuary's free pushbikes, like those featured in the hit flick Eat, Pray, Love. On your journey, you might even come across a sacred cow or two. Afterwards, enjoy a well-earned buffet breakfast in this idyllic setting.
Afternoon: Upon returning to the sanctuary, indulge in a treatment with Sami, the resident Balinese healer. Sami will hone in on your tension-carrying zones and reduce stress in a holistic way. You'll be ready for a snack and an afternoon nap before awaking to the stunning Balinese sunset. Then, make time for an invigorating yoga workout by the water, before heading into town for the evening.
Evening: Tonight you'll venture outside the resort for an evening of culinary indulgence at La Luciola, an Italian beachside restaurant in nearby Seminyak. Dine at sunset and revel in the fusion of traditional Mediterranean delicacies and contemporary seafood creations, like the scallop risotto or the rich tuna ahi, before retiring to the resort for an early night. Alternatively, stroll along the beach and stop in for an oceanfront cocktail at new hotspot Potato Head.
Prices start from $3150 for a five-day Eat, Pray, Love package. For more information, visit www.blisssanctuaryforwomen.com
The Golden Door, Elysia
Morning: Rise at 6am to the cries of parrots and the cool breeze from the Brokenback mountain range overlooking this Hunter Valley resort. Your first activity this morning will be a Tai Chi Qi Gong class to get your energy levels up, then there's time for a quick swim before breakfast. A wide selection of healthy delights awaits you at Fusion Restaurant, including the Golden Door signature muesli. Then it's off to an insightful class on improving your wellbeing. You're also encouraged to take part in an outdoor game afterwards, such as tennis or badminton, to get the blood flowing before lunch.
Afternoon: After a morning of calorie-crunching, the tempo slows down a bit and you get the chance to experience some of the resort's talked-about spa treatments. Ease yourself into a mud moor bath, with its pine needle extract that delicately soothes aching muscles. Add to the indulgence with a hot stone massage, then sip away on a nice herbal tea afterwards.
Evening: Head down to Fusion Restaurant and enjoy your pick of the low-fat menu items, like the blue-eyed cod curry or the grilled snapper. After dinner, there's time to socialise with other guests or simply head back for an early night.
Prices start from $1770 for a three-night Motivate for Change program, staying in a one bedroom villa. For more information, visit www.goldendoor.com.au
Kamalaya Koh Samui, Thailand
Morning: There's nothing like starting the day with meditation to restore balance and enhance your overall wellbeing. Join a meditation walk along the beach or participate in some group meditation in the Yoga Pavilion.
Afternoon: Relax and enjoy your Chi Nei Tsang – a Taoist abdominal massage unique to Thailand that promotes circulation while also balancing the nervous system to release stress and facilitate healing. Later on, explore the resort, set amid a lush tropical landscape. Kamalaya's facilities and accommodations encircle a centuries-old cave, once used by Buddhist monks as a place for meditation and spiritual retreat, and guests are welcome to visit this serene space.
Evening: Head into the evening with a 90 minute yoga class divided into two parts – Yin mainly works on the body's connective tissues, while Yang stimulates the muscles. Dine at Soma Restaurant, with its tantalising salads and raw food preparations, delectable vegetarian dishes, with fresh fish, seafood, poultry and lamb options, and customised dishes for those undertaking a detox program.
Prices start from $3035 for a seven-night Detox and Rejuvenation Basic package, staying in a Hillside Room. For more information, visit www.kamalaya.com
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