With the long festive weekend coming up, it could well be the time to pamper your body, mind, and soul. If you're looking to relax and unwind in nature we have just the list for you that includes some of the world's most exotic and luxurious nature retreats. Whether it's Ayurvedic spa to soothe the body that you crave or to simply relax in the lap of nature for a soulful experience, head to these places in India and abroad for some much-needed rejuvenation. Each one is special and guarantees a unique experience that you can cherish with your family, your partner or simply by yourself. So pack your bags and make the most of your exquisite long weekend getaway.
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Head To These 8 Unique Luxury Retreats
1. Arctic Bath Hotel, Sweden
Did you know that your wellness retreat can look just like a winter wonderland? Head to this hideaway in Nordic Lapland where you can pamper yourself in the nest-shaped spa. "Located south of the Arctic Circle on the Lule River, this hotel floats in the summer and plunges into the ice in the winter. The circular design of the main building creates a protected environment around a deep open-air pool. In a relaxed, sleek setting, 12 cabins are divided into two categories: 6 corner floating and 6 landers nestled on the shore." The glass cabins are scattered amidst chilly snow and have a view of birch trees. The guests can go on a moose safari, snowshoe hikes, and dog-sledding or fishing. You can also cherish the local delicacies which include ice fish, mushrooms, and local caviar.
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2. Six Senses Fort Barwara, India
If you want to live as the royals did amidst the utmost luxury and grandeur, head to this luxury hotel in Rajasthan, India. What's particularly unique about it, is that it "embraces the perfect blend of luxury and sustainability." This Rajasthani fortress was initially constructed in the 14th century but was re-done in 2021, opening its gates to the public to enjoy a majestic stay. The five-foot thick rocks and the height of 20 feet make this resort and your staycation a stress-free one. The luxury hotel has Ayurvedic retreats and Yoga too. It also has and Earth lab, "a space dedicated to innovation and engagement" at which they "harness the power of natural materials and recyclable packaging to create eco-friendly lip balms and natural mosquito repellents." Their 'rewilding project', strives "to restore and protect the authentic beauty of Rajasthan's lost landscapes."
3. Tongabezi Lodge, Zambia
Located on the banks of the River Zambezi, this secluded property is surrounded by African forest and trees. If you are someone who loves wildlife and does not shy away from jumping headfirst into a plethora of wildlife activities, this is the place for you. Tongabezi Lodge is a hidden eco-lodge offering river cottages and houses to visitors. Being pretty much enshrined in nature, you can relax and rejuvenate while feeling at one with even the wildlife. Here's how one of the captions on their posts read, "We love all things to be natural at Tongabezi, including our lighting, which is designed to remind you of a campfire, and of the stars. This is so that you know you are in a wild and precious place, where humans are allowed, but just for now."
4. Yab Yum Resorts, India
This garden-like eco-resort, right by the beach in Ashwem, Goa has high-end mud-hut-like rooms which are built from local mud and clay. The interiors are painted in dark red and thatched with local palms to allow for natural cooling. According to Soul Travel, "not only does it leave no environmental trace, but it's scientifically proven that sleeping surrounded by natural mud is good for you." With access to a private beach and the sea "about 100 meters' walk from your bed, the emphasis here is on tranquillity and yoga" as there are yoga classes organized daily.
Image instagrammed by @theshimmergirl
6. Vythiri Resort, India
Nestled in the heart of the lush green forest near Wayanad in Kerala, Vythiri is an ideal way to commune with nature."Comprising treehouses set high above the lush canopy of the rainforest. The quaint thatch roofs and bamboo walls built by members of indigenous tribes with locally sourced materials, contain all domestic comforts and are designed to utilize natural spring water that flows down from the surroundings hills and uses solar energy as a power source."
7. Welcome Hotel Khimsar Fort and Dunes, India
Located at the edge of the Thar Desert, the Khimsar Fort Hotel offers an exotic stay in the lap of royal elegance with majestic rooms, suites, and royal huts. The 18 luxury huts spread out over the Khimsar Dunes provide all the amenities for your comfort. Just 6 kms from the Khimsar Fort visitors have the option of staying at both the fort and the royal huts. To add a twist to the weekend getaway plan, if you are a bride-to-be, India's first-ever bridal retreat, 'Here Comes The Bride' is scheduled to take place from 9th to 11th September 2023 at this luxurious property. This bridal retreat claims to be a game-changer for over 50 brides-to-be coming together from different walks of life, cultures, and traditions.
8. Nimmo Bay Wilderness, British Columbia
At British Columbia's Nimmo Bay Resort, you can have wellness treatments in luxury amidst nature. You can enjoy a morning paddleboarding near the Broughton archipelago, take a breathwork session in the afternoon on a floating dock, and walk through the lush rainforests at dusk. The traditional spa treatments are conducted with a wild twist. The shiatsu massage is performed on a mat on the forest floor, and sea salt and herb scrubs are administered in the floating sauna. So head to the wilderness to pampering your senses.
9. Joali Being Wellness Retreat, Maldives
This retreat specializes in nature-based therapies and experiences.is ubiquitous in Maldives. It comprises a chain of atolls stretching over 35,000 square miles of the Indian Ocean with overwater floating bungalows. The retreat's beach and ocean villas were built using biophilic design principles that integrate the textures and colours of nature which include aquamarine furniture and decor. What sets Joali Being apart are personalized programs designed? There are 5-night, 7-night, and 12-night programmes for healthier habits including morning meditation sessions, hydrotherapy in afternoons, and prescribed teas concocted in the herbology centre.
8. Refugio La Roca, Columbia
This one may even give you chills, especially at night. If you are a mountain-lover and crave adventurous living, this property in Columbia should be on your bucket list. The rooms of this luxury hotel have a 360-degree view of the Canyons. Not just that, they are rustic rooms adapted to the natural space with eco-sustainable construction. Materials such as earth in its different techniques, stone, wood, palm, and cane are used to make these eco-friendly rooms. According to the Indian embassy in Bogota, Indian travellers do not need a Visa to enter Colombia if they have a US or Schengen visa with a minimum validity of 180 days at the time of entering Colombia (an airport transit visa is not admissible), or if they have a residence permit in a Member State of the Schengen Countries or in the United States of America. It is advisable for travellers to exercise caution while travelling in Columbia though, due to incidents of crime reported in the area according to the US Department of State Travel advisory.
These luxury retreats are ideal for your next exotic getaway. Do let us know about your experience with them.
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