Nobody deserves a break more than a parent who’s navigated endless home-schooling and lockdowns. Find your way back to a new normal at these stunning properties.
Starlit Spanish nights
The brand new Six Senses Ibiza resort overlooks the crystal waters of the Mediterranean from a cove on the northern tip of the rugged Spanish island, with picture perfect sunset views.
The 20-acre property opens in July and will be the first *BREEAM certified resort in the Balearics. Sustainability indeed ranks high on its agenda, surrounded as it is by unspoiled coves and groves. The resort boasts its own farm, including an agricultural estate and 400 year old olive press, which will be harnessed to supply dining spaces with organic produce.
“Sustainability is a huge part of our company ethos,” says Six Senses’ Neil Jacobs. “And when you find a magical place such as Cala Xarraca, it’s something you work really hard to both showcase and respect.”
The showcase Six Senses Spa will house single and couples’ treatment rooms, a steam room, hammam and fitness area, as well as a cafe and juice bar. The Rose Bar offers a range of healing and anti-ageing programmes combining diagnostics, biohacking, nutrition and beauty treatments. Outdoors, there’s a yoga deck and boxing ring on the roof.
Six Senses aims to roll-out immersive retreats twice a year and is currently gearing up for a series of immersive teaser weekends and longer stay retreats incorporating yoga, cleanse and fitness during the winter (November to April) season.
*Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method.
Bangkok body balance
Tucked away in the city’s so-called ‘green lung’ on a jungle-covered island on the Chao Phraya River, brand new RAKxa offers a host of wellness programmes to target long-term health goals.
The programmes are designed by doctors and combine medical treatments with holistic therapies.
The three- to 14-day retreats cover detox, weight management, gut health, mobilisation, de-stress, facial solutions, body solutions, immunity boosters, and there’s also a 'Discover RAKxa' programme.
Doctors from VitalLife, a subsidiary of Bumrungrad International Hospital, and holistic healers work alongside; holistic treatments run from traditional Thai medicine to traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic treatments and energy healing practices.
There’s also a high-tech gym with Olympic-level training equipment, hydrothermal spa facilities, an anti-inflammatory food philosophy, a cleansing tea lounge, organic garden and a host of workshops and activities.
This first phase opening includes 27 lakeside villas and a restaurant, Unam, with a further 33 villas and two residences planned for a second phase due to be completed later this year. This next next phase will also see a second, Asian-inspired restaurant added to the retreat, along with an extended treatment menu.
The retreat has taken its environmental responsibilities to heart, restoring the local ecosystem by planting thousands of local trees and plants, carrying out soil regeneration and waste clearance and supporting neighbouring farmers and gardeners. Fresh air and an abundance of nature means the city seems a million miles away.
Resort design incorporates traditional materials such as rattan, bamboo, reclaimed wood, ceramics, brass, jute, mulberry paper and water hyacinth. Jungle-inspired soothing teals and gentle greens have been used throughout the property to create calm and a sense of wellbeing. Local artisans have also been engaged to create rugs and woven wall decors.
All we need now is for quarantine to be lifted...
Marrakech meditation
Head to north Africa to explore ancient medinas, traditional souks and stunning architecture in Marrakech. And then bliss out at Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech.
The sumptuous resort is just a few minutes from the city but set in 20 peaceful hectares of landscaped gardens. Feast your eyes on the snow-capped Atlas mountains in the distance and soak up the fragrant scent of 100,000 roses.
Private villas offer secluded walled gardens, swimming pools and hot tubs with plenty of space for sunbathing and al fresco dining.
The property is now offering a ‘Wellness Retreat’, a two-night minimum stay package which includes two nights’ accommodation for two adults and two children (aged 18 or under), a private consultation with a fitness coach or yoga teacher plus two personal coaching or yoga sessions, a cooking or pottery class, in-room bathology, an 80-minute Argan massage or 80-minute Inner Strength massage, unlimited use of the spa facilities including hammam steam, indoor pool and fitness and wellness centre, daily buffet breakfast in the pool garden and a round-trip transfer from Marrakech airport.
Carefree in the Caribbean
The soothing retreat of Amanera on the verdant north coast of the Dominican Republic is surrounded by more than 400 acres of nature reserve, framed by mountains and rugged cliffs.
It overlooks the mile-long golden sands of Playa Grande, the perfect spot for combining back-to-nature activities with peaceful seclusion. With this in mind, the resort is launching a raft of new experiences for 2021.
Start the day with a hike through the surrounding nature reserve with its more than 160 species of birds. The four mile trek culminates with breakfast at Amanera’s mountain top pavilion with views down to the resort and the beach. The hike finishes with a descent through the rainforests to the beach.
Or join a two hour cooking class focusing on local dishes using plantain and yucca in traditional Dominican style. Conjure up local specialities including ‘tostones’, ‘mofongo’, ‘pastellon’ and ‘empanadas de yucca’.
Up your fitness after a year on the couch with a two-and-a-half hour surfing experience followed by meditation and a ‘Surfer’s Yoga’ class with stretching, core and leg strength and balance.
Or join a kayak or paddleboard eco-tour from nearby Rio San Juan and paddling into Laguna Gri Gri with its mangrove trees, birds, fish and reptiles. Cool off with a snorkel at a natural pool before returning to your casita.
Languid luxe at Lago di Como
The elegant Mandarin Oriental property on the shores of Italy’s Lake Como will be threw open its doors in April for the summer season.
And what’s more, it's offering a ‘Reset, Relax, Renew’ package which sounds like music to our ears.
The elegant hotel is located in a botanical garden next to the famous lake and boasts a stunning lakeside pool and sundeck. At the heart of the property is the nineteenth century Villa Roccabruna with guest rooms, suites and two stand-alone villas.
Upgrades during the winter season closure include a complete makeover of the Panoramic Suite, with a private pool and terrace overlooking the lake.
The wellness package includes accommodation and breakfast, spa treatments and a private wellness experience aimed at regenerating body and mind. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental is the largest on the lake. Wellness facilities run to expansive treatment suites, a vertical Kneipp circuit, indoor pool, Mediterranean bath and a Himalayan salt room. Relax as the team takes you through rejuvenation and tailored treatments using custom-blended oils.
And if you fancy something a bit more active, there’s yoga and personal training as well as hiking and biking opportunities in the surrounding countryside, water sports and golf at one of the nearby courses.
This feature was first published in the Spring 2021 issue of Asia Family Traveller magazine. Never miss an issue by subscribing now.