5 best new luxury wellness hotels to visit in Asia, from Six Senses Kanuhura spread across deserted islands in the Maldives, to Capella’s new Patina Ubud beside the sacred Wos river in Bali
Read on to discover some of Asia’s newest high-end hotels with a focus on wellness.
1. Anantara Ubud, Bali
With just 66 guest rooms and villas, this intimate sanctuary is nestled in Ubud’s verdant rainforest. It lies in proximity to the area’s Hindu temples and shrines, and is surrounded by the terraced rice fields that Ubud has become synonymous with.
Interiors at Anantara Ubud draw inspiration from local custom and tradition, while the Anantara Spa draws upon centuries of traditional healing philosophies to promote rest, relaxation and well-being among guests. The property is expected to open later this year.
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2. Dao by Dorsett, Singapore
Inspired by the Chinese word dao, which means “the way”, Dao by Dorsett draws upon the philosophy that each traveller should carve out their own path and enjoy a stay that’s customised to their needs. The “apart-hotel” (hotel-style serviced apartments) boasts a custom plant library, single-use plastics have been reduced, and filtered water is available throughout the property.
Bathroom amenities are supplied by vegan beauty brand Abyssian, and the on-site wellness library includes yoga and fitness equipment, sweat blankets and LED red light therapy equipment available for guests to use. Hotel guests can also get their heart rate going with the complementary fitness cycles at the nearby Absolute Cycle studio.
3. Six Senses Kanuhura, Maldives
Just a 40-minute seaplane ride from the Maldivian capital, Male, Six Senses Kanuhura is an idyllic getaway spread across three small islands, two of them deserted. Consisting of 80 private overwater, beach and family-style villas, guest rooms all boast either sunset or sunrise views.
The resort – expected to open in early 2023 – has its own organic herb garden and offers guests a range of cooking workshops, while spa treatments embrace local healing traditions and the on-site boutique sells sustainably produced items of clothing.
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4. Patina Ubud, Bali
Wellness at Patina Ubud comes in the form of deep cultural immersion. The Ubud hotel is the second property in a new portfolio under the Capella group and is set to open in early 2023. Just over 100 guest rooms, suites and villas are scattered along the sacred Wos river, while Ubud town lies a short walk away and several ancient temples are accessible from the resort via a private pathway.
5. Melia Chiang Mai, Thailand
Melia Chiang Mai opened its doors in April 2022, making it the first luxury property to open in the Thai city since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. The 260-room, 22-storey hotel occupies prime real estate overlooking the city’s Night Bazaar, and offers a quiet haven amid the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
Spacious rooms and suites range from 30 to 113 square metres in size. Active individuals will be drawn to the fully equipped fitness room and outdoor pool, and can then relax in the on-site Yhi Spa, which boasts seven underwater-themed treatment rooms and uses organic treatments and products from Thai wellness brand Harnn.
- Wellness-focused hotels continue to open in Asia to meet the demand of pandemic-fatigued travellers, from Thailand to Bali and Singapore
- Six Senses Kanuhura has its own herb garden, shop selling sustainably sourced clothing and spa, while Anantara Ubud offers an immersive rainforest experience