Aussie spa town scores spot on TripAdvisor’s top wellness destinations
TripAdvisor has ranked the top wellness travel destinations around the globe where travellers can concentrate on well-being, yoga, meditation and self-care.
Now this is a travel trend we can get behind.
The ranking is based on which destinations see the greatest amount of related search terms on the travel planning and booking site.
In case you haven’t noticed, wellness tourism is pretty huge right now with more travellers looking to recharge and seek spiritual wellness on their trips.
According to a study by the Global Wellness Institute, world travellers made 691 million wellness trips in 2015, 104.4 million more than in 2013. The trend continues, with 25 percent of travellers saying they plan to take a wellness trip in the next 12 months, according to a recent poll of TripAdvisor’s global Facebook community.
So if you want to feel as chill as this dog looks, check out the destinations below.
The island of the gods is a tropical paradise where you start to unwind the minute you arrive. Whether you soak up the sun on a stretch of fine white sand, dive along coral ridges or invigorate your mind and body in a yoga class you will return home a new-born person.
- Spa Hotel: Warwick Ibah Luxury Villas & Spa, Ubud – from $251 on TripAdvisor
- Wellness Experience: Ubud Yoga House
- Healthy Restaurant: Moksa Plant-based Cuisine & Permaculture Garden, Ubud
The holy city in the middle of the Himalayas has a deep cultural and spiritual significance for local Hindus. Take a yoga retreat to pamper your soul or switch it off and take a reflective hike or an adventure rafting tour.
- Spa Hotel: Aloha On The Ganges by Leisure Hotels – from $119 on TripAdvisor
- Wellness Experience: Yoganga Healing Retreat
- Healthy Restaurant: Ramana’s Organic Cafe
Located in the middle of the Arizona desert, Sedona is a true oasis where vacationers can take time out to re-charge batteries. Indulge in the beautiful nature and make sure not to go to bed too early. When the sun goes down, you can see the best show in Sedona: the starry night sky.
- Spa Hotel: Kimpton Amara Resort & Spa – from $374 on TripAdvisor
- Wellness Experience: Sedona Soul SPA
- Healthy Restaurant: Indian Gardens Cafe & Market
Located in the middle of the largest concentration of mineral springs in Australia, Hepburn Springs is known as spa town. Visitors can sample the local mineral waters and enjoy spa or massage retreats.
- Spa Hotel: Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Country Spa Retreat – from $251 on TripAdvisor
- Wellness Experience: Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve
- Healthy Restaurant: The Surly Goat
The charm of this former fishing community lingers. Zone out by soaking up the local culture, visiting a Buddhist temple or spending a lazy day at one of the many spas.
- Spa Hotel: Vana Belle, A Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui– from $454 on TripAdvisor
- Wellness Experience: Tamarind Springs Forest Spa
- Healthy Restaurant: Supattra Thai Dining
Travellers looking for a place to improve mental and physical well-being should think about Costa Rica as their next destination. Experience relaxation techniques such as body wraps or hydrotherapy or put yourself in close contact with nature by trekking or walking barefoot on the sand.
- Spa Hotel: Nayara Springs – from $719 on TripAdvisor
- Wellness Experience: Tabacon Hot Springs
- Healthy Restaurant: Organico Fortuna
Unwinding on Goa’s sandy coast is a perfect start to a detox vacation. Start your day with a yoga class or nestle into a cushioned chair and stop worrying about your daily routine before diving into the culture with a traditional cooking class.
- Spa Hotel: Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa – from $198 on TripAdvisor
- Wellness Experience: Rita’s Gourmet Goa
- Healthy Restaurant: Zest
A car-free village, luxurious chalets that offer a variety of spa treatments and breathtaking nature – doesn’t that sound like a place to rejuvenate? You can find all of that when visiting Zermatt, at the foot of the Matterhorn. Simply looking at the iconic mountain will let the healing begin.
- Spa Hotel: The Omnia – from $422 on TripAdvisor
- Wellness Experience: The Matterhorn
- Healthy Restaurant: Restaurant Chez Vrony
Picture yourself sitting in a cozy beach chair, putting your sandy feet up after taking a soothing walk along a white beach on one of the enchanting islands of the Maldives. If you need more than a daydream to start feeling at ease, you should put a visit on your wellness bucket list.
- Spa Hotel: Baros Maldives – from $813 on TripAdvisor
- Wellness Experience: Duniye Spa
- Healthy Restaurant: Just Veg by Atmosphere
Far away from the buzzing party spots, you will find yoga retreats in traditional farmhouse locations. Or you can stay at one of the many beautiful seaside resorts and enjoy a sunrise Pilates class. Not into yoga? There are spa hotels all over the island or rural Fincas for agricultural vacations.
- Spa Hotel: Ca Na Xica – from $479 on TripAdvisor
- Wellness Experience: Yoga Pilates Ibiza
- Healthy Restaurant: La Mesa Escondida
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
spirituality tripadvisor Wellness yogaLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!