Words by Lorria Sahmet
June 23, 2026

From a cutting-edge Ayurveda campus in South India to an urban oasis amid the skyscrapers of Hong Kong, these restful havens combine serenity with a sense of place.

There was a time when the term wellness translated to the simple act of self-care—maybe an undisturbed hour with a favorite book, or more conscious eating habits. For luxury hotels, wellness was often reduced to a one-hour treatment in a dimly lit room, accompanied by a hollow soundtrack of ambient jungle sounds.

Fortunately, that is in the past. Wellness and well-being have since become major motivations for travel, ideally to locales far removed from the routines of everyday life. In Asia, balmy climates and endless natural wonders set the scene for stunning, sun-drenched sanctuaries that curate transformative stays for every kind of wellness journey, granting tired minds, bodies, and souls the restoration they seek.

The Pasona Natureverse Retreat

AWAJI ISLAND, JAPAN

The exterior of the Pasona Natureverse Retreat in Awaji Island, Japan.

A view of the sea from a room at the Pasona Natureverse Retreat in Awaji Island, Japan.

The interior of a spa room at the Pasona Natureverse Retreat in Awaji Island, Japan.

With sweeping mountain vistas and glittering Osaka Bay just beyond, slipping into a meditative state of calm feels almost second nature at Pasona Natureverse. The newly launched property sits on the northeastern coast of Awaji Island as the wellness-focused extension of sustainability-led Pasona Resort, introducing a new wave of wellness retreats in Japan.

Surrounded by serene natural landscapes, Pasona Natureverse is well suited to moments of rest and reflection. The setting provides a fitting backdrop for its holistic wellness programs, which are centered on the concept of “proactive wellness.” Tailored treatments thoughtfully incorporate Japanese longevity traditions that blend ancient rituals, active lifestyles, and daily habits to support longer, healthier lives. Programs follow a mindful regimen of nutrition, exercise, and sleep, alongside clinically informed treatments developed with Kobe University Hospital.

Beyond the treatment room, experienced practitioners guide guests toward more conscious habits. Michelin-starred chefs lead an elevated culinary program showcasing local Awaji Island produce, while spacious rooms come equipped with special sensor beds that adapt to the body’s natural movements to help maximize sleep quality.

2942-39 Iwaya, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan

Yun Wellness

HONG KONG

The calming waiting area and a woman undergoing a facial at Yun Wellness sanctuary at Island Shangri-La Hong Kong

The VIP Lounge and treatment room at Yun Wellness sanctuary at Island Shangri-La Hong Kong

A tray of spa ingredients and a dry brushing treatment being performed at Yun Wellness sanctuary at Island Shangri-La Hong Kong

The outdoor swimming pool at Yun Wellness sanctuary at Island Shangri-La Hong Kong

Despite being situated within the gleaming interiors of the Island Shangri-La in Hong Kong’s bustling Admiralty district, Yun Wellness feels worlds apart from a conventional hotel spa. The nature-inspired sanctuary is an urban oasis in its own right, offering a holistic wellness program that extends far beyond traditional spa treatments. Guests can choose from a range of therapies, including facials inspired by ancient rituals and massages enhanced by modern technology.

Yun takes its name from the Chinese character 蕴 and draws inspiration from a celebrated fourth-century poem that reflects on the beauty of nature and concludes that “to live well is to live long.” Wellness is approached in a similarly thoughtful way here, with airy, elegant spaces that feel far removed from the city below and encourage more intentional moments of rest.

Complementing the spa’s contemporary offerings is a strong foundation in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Drawing on principles from the 5,000-year-old healing system, treatments aim to restore the body’s qi, the vital energy believed to flow through its meridians. Experienced practitioners and qigong masters tailor therapies to support balance, resilience, and overall well-being, guided by the philosophy that wellness is a lifelong practice.

Level 8, Island Shangri-La, Admiralty, Hong Kong

Tulåh

KERALA

The exterior of the Tulah Clinical Wellness Sonorium. Photo by Gokull Rao Kadam

The interior of the Tulah Clinical Wellness Sonorium. Photo by Gokull Rao Kadam

The rain tree courtyard at Kerala's Tulah Clinical Wellness Sonorium. Photo by Hormis Antony Tharakan.

A Shirodhara treatment on a Vichy shower bed at Tulah Clinical Wellness in Kerala. Photo by Hormis Antony Thakaran

The Presidential Suite at Kerala's Tulah Clinical Wellness Center. Photo by Gokull Rao Kadam

Set amid the lush landscapes of northern Kerala, Tulåh Clinical Wellness Sanctuary is the latest addition to the tropical state’s renowned wellness scene, long associated with centuries-old healing traditions such as Ayurveda. The retreat reinterprets this ancient wisdom through an integrated approach that spans the full spectrum of well-being, combining mindful and spiritual practices with scientifically informed diagnostics across a striking 30-acre campus.

Balance lies at the heart of the experience—the sanctuary’s name derives from the Sanskrit word for “balance.” Nature-inspired spaces are thoughtfully designed to support a broader healing journey, from 65 airy suites with spa-like interiors to medicinal gardens that lead to restorative experiences such as The Sonorium, an immersive sound-healing dome said to be the world’s largest, where low-frequency vibrations from brass gongs and singing bowls create a deeply meditative environment.

Wellness programs are highly personalized, beginning with a detailed assessment conducted before arrival to identify each guest’s physical, mental, and emotional needs. No two treatment plans are alike. Depending on individual goals, stays can range from a four-day reset to a more intensive three-week program, guided by a framework of nutrition, movement, energy, and recovery designed to restore balance to both body and mind.

Old Spinning Mill, Chelambra (PO) Malappuram District, Kerala – 673634 India

Layan Life by Anantara

PHUKET, THAILAND

The exterior of a villa at Anantara Layan Phuket.

A woman walks along the corridor at the spa/ the lush green gardens of Anantara Layan Phuket.

A spa treatment bed and a woman having hot stone therapy at Anantara Layan Phuket.

The outdoor pool at Anantara Layan Phuket.

At Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, swaying palms, warm ocean breezes, and a collection of iconic pool villas have long made the property a sought-after tropical retreat. With the introduction of Layan Life, the resort’s dedicated wellness sanctuary, guests can pair that idyllic setting with a comprehensive program designed to support well-being at every stage of life.

Guided by a flagship “Whole of Life” philosophy, specialist physicians and Thai wellness practitioners create bespoke programs that combine ancient healing traditions with advanced medical expertise. Stays range from three to 10 days and can be tailored to a variety of wellness goals, from mindfulness and stress management to more targeted therapeutic interventions. Central to the approach are four Life Methods, including traditional Thai medicine, which combines herbal remedies with hands-on treatments.

Spanning 1,700 square meters, the airy, biophilic wellness center seamlessly brings the outdoors in. Each journey begins with an in-depth consultation before unfolding through wellness talks, movement classes, and nutrient-dense menus curated by chef Filippo Tawil, creating a holistic experience designed to support long-term well-being.

Anantara Layan Phuket, 168 Moo 6, Layan Beach Soi 4, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket

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