We hear a lot about women needing their ‘me time’, but what about men? We’ve rounded up the top ten health retreats for you to indulge your hobby, or just learn a new one. All with a few relaxing treatments thrown in.
The clock strikes midnight and next thing you know another year has begun. You don’t have to wait for another batch of New Year’s resolutions to grab your sunscreen and speedo (we’re just spitballin’ there) and make for Asia’s leading wellness resorts, where pampering is always on the menu.
For the Fitness Fanatic
Thanyapura, Phuket, Thailand
Set amidst 42 hectares of mountain-fringed rainforest in Phuket, there’s no doubt that you’ll find the space, the class, and downtime you need at Thanyapura. Boasting some of the world’s best sports coaches and first-class facilities, including six competition-class tennis courts and an Olympic-size swimming pool, this active wellness hub delivers a range of training programs suited for all levels and ages, including triathlon, cycling, running, aquatics and tennis.
Improve your stamina with a selection of complimentary classes including Kinesis, spinning, circuit training, and yoga, then indulge in holistic spa treatments for much-needed relaxation time.
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For the Surfer
Hotel Komune, Keramas Beach, Bali
If you like to surf, but want to improve your fitness or deplete your stress levels, then this perfect mix of surfing, yoga, and high-intensity fitness is for you. Located at Keramas Beach, one of Bali’s best surf breaks, Komune is the perfect blend of surf and wellness. Situated right on the beach, you’ll be able to head to the spa or your yoga or fitness class, straight after your morning surf.
And don’t miss the night surfing, when floodlights shine their beams on the ocean so that you can carve out the perfect wave after your healthy dinner. If you’re looking to improve your surfing skills, lessons are available, alongside a range of wellness activities, from yoga and beach runs to dynamic boxing and power spin.
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For the Mountain Biker
MesaStila, Java, Indonesia
If spinning the wheels is your idea of heaven, then head to Java and MesaStila. It’s an ideal place for those who love mountain biking, mixed with some off-road pampering. Ride the 22 hectares of stunning coffee plantations, and discover some interesting routes and epic terrains looking out onto remarkable views of volcanoes and rice terraces. If you want to improve your fitness, whether it’s for cycling or in general, join in the private fitness sessions, circuit training, and jungle treks.
After all that hard work, relax in the spa with Java-coffee scrubs or sweat it out in the Hamman and enjoy local Javanese cuisine with a healthy twist. As televisions are only available on request, it could be a good excuse to do that digital detox you’ve been promising yourself.
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For the Martial Artist
Chiva Som Fusion Fitness, Hua Hin, Thailand
We can’t promise you that any of the retreat’s regular celebrity visitors will be in residence during your visit, but the pampering regime of Chiva Som in Thailand will still impress you. While you can choose from any of the activities or classes on offer, ranging from mountain biking and Thai boxing to Ashtanga yoga and Pilates, we highly recommend taking up the slow art of Tai Chi. You can select Tai Chi as one of your chosen one-on-one sessions and continue your practice during additional group classes.
The beauty of Chiva Som is that you can tailor-make your stay, according to your fitness needs and levels. If all that mindful exercise wears you out, you’ll relax even further with your daily body treatment in their award-winning spa.
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For the Family Man
Novotel Nusa Dua, Bali
Going on holiday with your family can sometimes mean you don’t feel like you’re on holiday at all. Carve out some time for yourself by booking daily sessions with the Novotel‘s on-site personal trainers. Whether it’s yoga, standup paddleboarding, surfing, boxing, or kettlebell training, taking some time for yourself means you’ll return to your family with renewed energy and lowered stress levels.
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For the Meditator
The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, Ipoh, Malaysia
If you practice meditation regularly or have wanted to take the time to install it into your life, then it’s time to take a journey to the outskirts of Ipoh, Malaysia for a tranquil wellness retreat for the senses at The Banjaran Hotsprings. You’ll be able to focus your mind and breath in the complete silence of the meditation cave, lined with polished sections as a result of a once-flowing river. Add yoga to your list of activities before unwinding in the natural steam caves and spa treatments.
With over 100 different holistic therapies available, this is a week where you’ll quickly forget the day, time, and quite possibly, your own name.
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For the Golfer
The Chateau Golf & Spa, Malaysia
If golf’s your game, then pack your clubs and head to The Chateau Wellness Resort, which houses the award-winning Berjaya Hills Golf and Country Club. Tee-off in the morning, bypass the 19th hole, and head straight to the spa for a massage or aromatherapy bath.
If your game is off, then take a break with some adrenaline-boosting activities such as horseback riding or on South East Asian’s longest flying fox zip line.
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For the Detoxer
Kamalaya, Koh Samui, Thailand
If your system is overloaded, and you’re burning the candle at both ends, a visit to Kamalaya Koh Samui, is a must. Choose a detox and rejuvenation program to overhaul your current diet and lifestyle habits, or invest in improving your fitness levels over the course of a week. If your sleeping patterns are suffering due to your stress, Kamalaya’s sleep enhancement programme will help you re-establish healthy and restful sleep habits through a combination of core treatments and therapies, including Traditional Chinese Medicine, massage therapy, and mind-body balance.
After seven days here, you’ll feel like a new man. Basic and Comprehensive Detox and Rejuvenation Packages are available in 7, 9, or 14-night duration. For longer programs, a customised program can be created.
For the Indulger
The Sarojin, Phuket, Thailand
If spending your holidays doing nothing more strenuous than summoning the pool staff for another cocktail, then The Sarojin is your ideal retreat. Situated just one hour’s drive from Phuket airport, this is an adults-only hotel offering fitness programmes, spa treatments, or just the space to sit back, relax, and do nothing (admittedly on your muslin-clad double bed beside the infinity pool). Once your batteries are recharged, book some time water skiing, exploring nearby islands, or indulge yourself with a one-on-one cooking class.
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