Top 10 Wellness Retreats for Christmas and New Year
As the year begins to wind down, many of us start thinking about slowing the pace. It’s the perfect time to rest, reflect and recharge before stepping into a new year. Whether that means a relaxed island escape, an active mountain retreat or a family holiday with a wellness twist, there’s a place that can help you truly switch off this summer.
From the beaches of Thailand to the hills of Greece, I share my top handpicked retreats that offer space to reconnect with yourself and the people who matter most. Here are ten of the best wellness retreats to consider for your end-of-year escape.
1. Kamalaya, Thailand
Kamalaya, on Koh Samui, is one of my go-to recommendations for travellers looking to truly unwind. This award-winning wellness sanctuary blends ancient Eastern healing with modern wellbeing practices. Whether you want to manage stress, reset your energy or simply spend a week slowing down, Kamalaya offers programs that meet you where you’re at.
Why I love it:
Personalised programs focused on rest, detox or fitness
Beautiful coastal setting with open-air treatment rooms
Excellent yoga, meditation and healthy cuisine
2. RAKxa Wellness & Medical Retreat, Bangkok, Thailand
RAKxa sits quietly on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, just outside Bangkok. It combines advanced medical diagnostics with traditional Thai therapies, making it ideal for anyone who wants a results-driven wellness stay without sacrificing comfort or calm.
Highlights:
Comprehensive health assessments and tailored programs
Traditional Thai massages, herbal compresses and energy therapies
Luxury villas surrounded by greenery
3. COMO Shambhala Estate, Bali
Set among jungle and rivers near Ubud, COMO Shambhala feels like a private sanctuary. It’s a beautiful choice if you’re looking for a wellness escape that balances structure and serenity. Programs can focus on yoga, detox, fitness or stress management, all supported by COMO’s exceptional cuisine and spa.
Highlights:
Holistic wellness programs with expert practitioners
Jungle setting that feels deeply grounding
Nourishing meals designed to support health and energy
4. TIA Wellness Resort, Da Nang, Vietnam
TIA offers a peaceful beachside stay with wellness at its heart. You can enjoy daily spa treatments, yoga or mindfulness sessions, then explore nearby Hoi An or simply relax in your villa.
Why it stands out:
Daily spa treatments included in all stays
Beachfront location near Hoi An and Da Nang
Private pool villas and flexible dining, including all-day breakfast
5. Santani Wellness Resort, Sri Lanka
Tucked away in the lush hills of Sri Lanka, Santani offers sustainable luxury with a strong focus on balance and simplicity. It’s peaceful, eco-conscious and known for helping guests reset their rhythm through yoga, meditation and Ayurveda.
What makes it special:
Architecture that blends into the natural landscape
Fully personalised wellness programs
Locally sourced, beautifully prepared food
6. Six Senses Vana, India
Six Senses Vana is a retreat that’s all about reconnecting with your inner calm in the foothills of the Himalayas. Rooted in Indian traditions of Ayurveda and yoga, it’s the kind of place where time seems to slow down completely.
Why I recommend it:
Daily yoga, meditation and breathwork sessions
Ayurvedic treatments designed for your body type
Peaceful forest setting and nourishing plant-based cuisine
7. JOALI BEING, Maldives
JOALI Being is a tropical wellness haven with so much more than spa treatments and yoga. Over Christmas and New Year, the island comes alive with a joyful festive program, from holiday tree lightings, gingerbread decorating, and special Christmas feasts, to New Year’s Eve celebrations under the stars. There are also unique experiences with visiting wellness experts, including breath-work, holistic therapies, and creative workshops.
Why I recommend it:
Ultra-luxury orivate overwater and beach villas with pools
Daily wellness sessions including yoga, meditation, and sound therapy
A full festive calendar with holiday events, dinners, and immersive experiences — view the full JOALI Being festive calendar
8. Zulal Wellness Resort, Qatar
Zulal brings together Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine with modern wellness science. It’s unique in that it caters to both adults and families, offering a rare chance to make wellbeing part of a shared experience.
What to expect:
Separate spaces for adults and families
Tailored health programs and luxurious spa facilities
Quiet coastal location with desert views
9. SHA Wellness Clinic, Costa Mujeres, Mexico
SHA Mexico is a luxurious wellness destination that blends advanced medical treatments with holistic therapies. Located just north of Cancun, this clinic offers a comprehensive range of services, including detox programs, stress relief, weight loss, rejuvenation, and sleep improvement. With an average of 300 sunny days per year, the climate is perfect for outdoor activities and relaxation.
Why I recommend it:
Comprehensive wellness programs tailored to individual needs
State-of-the-art medical facilities combined with natural therapies
Luxurious accommodations with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea
10. Preidlhof Luxury DolceVita Resort, Italy
For a white winter wellness escape while it’s summer back home, Preidlhof in the Dolomites is perfect. This adults-only resort offers a cosy, peaceful alpine setting, with spa treatments, Ayurveda, and thermal pools framed by snow-capped mountains. It’s perfect for unwinding, reconnecting, and enjoying a luxurious end of year retreat.
Why I recommend it:
Adults-only for a quiet, restorative stay
Extensive spa and wellness programs
Thermal pools with panoramic alpine views
Healthy, locally sourced cuisine
