While luxury spas are aplenty, wellness spas have a different take — alongside a steady menu of massages and facial treatments, spagoers can consult with physicians, lose weight, quit smoking, sample “detoxifying” body treatments, and enjoy specialized meal plans — often set in some of the most pristine places in the world. Here are a few top spas that aim to heal body and mind.
Canyon Ranch Tucson
Tucson, Arizona, US
As if the serene desert setting weren’t enough, guests can savor healthy meals, hikes and fitness programs, as well as medical testing and consultations with physicians. Also includes individualized detox programs, smoking cessation programs, and lectures.
Kurotel Longevity Center & Spa
Gramado, Brazil
Founded by Dr. Luis Carlos Silveira and his wife Neusa about three decades ago, this wellness center specializes in preventative medicine and weight loss. Offers seven small gourmet snacks per day, exercise classes, and a Kneipp walking pool.
Longevity Wellness Resort
Monchique, Algarve, Portugal
Three hours from Lisbon, the eco-friendly Longevity Wellness Resort is focused on wellness and anti-aging.
Features 135 one-bedroom suites with sea and mountain views, detox treatments, and in-depth medical consultations. Also treat yourself to meditations, fitness classes, yoga, Pilates, and five bars.
Pritikin Longevity Center + Spa
Miami, Florida, US
This wellness spa focuses on clean, healthy foods and is staffed with 10 physicians who consult guests on weight loss and healthy living.
Also features indoor and outdoor pools, healthy grocery shopping classes, golf and tennis options, and spa services.
SHA Wellness Clinic
Alicante, Spain
Considered one of the best medical spas in the world, the SHA Wellness Clinic offers macrobiotic meals and Mediterranean vistas.
Features a salt water Floatrium, a waterfall, two heated indoor pools, and plenty of spa treatments, yoga classes, and personal training.
Options for Botox, laser, acupuncture, and mesotherapy are also on the menu, as well as an assisted fertility package.
The Farm at San Benito
Lipa City, Philippines
Set in the heart of the Philippine jungle, this holistic spa offers stress reduction packages, vegan meals, craniosacral massages and liver cleansing, as well as a battery of wraps and scrubs.
The Spa Resort Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Set in a rural Thai village, this gorgeous resort overlooks rice paddies while offering daily meditation sessions, yoga, and Thai massages.
Options include boot camp workouts for weight loss, raw food packages, and a seven-day Candida Cleanse to boost the immune system.
