South-East Asia has more than enough pristine beaches and meandering rice fields treks to ease any lucky visitor into vacation mode for weeks on end. In fact, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available when it comes to all things luxury, culture, and relaxation offered throughout the island. So, for those that are looking to escape their packed calendars and enjoy a carefully cultivated environment with activities like spa days, meditation classes, and local healing rituals, a retreat is just the way to go.

BALI – INDONESIA

Bali offers a range of these special packages, from silent meditation retreats to health and wellness-focused getaways. Whatever you choose, it will have a special Balinese twist, incorporating centuries-old traditions and practices that will help you feel more in touch not only with your own mind and body but with the spirit of the island as well. It’s a lovely way to avoid just another carbon copy hotel stay and incorporate both comfort and culture into one.

Fivelements Retreat

Only a 20-minute drive from the centre of Ubud, Fivelements Retreat is an eco-friendly, nature-centric sanctuary designed to help guests disconnect from digital distractions and get in touch with local culture and landscapes. The resort is tucked away above the soothing waters of the Ayung River and surrounded by lush jungle on all sides.

Entwined in traditional Balinese holistic philosophies, there are three signature retreats to choose from, ranging from a physical to a spiritual awakening. Guests can choose to focus on their physical prowess with the Health and Fitness Retreat, integrating morning yoga and strength exercises aplenty. Or the purification of the soul offered by the Spiritual Healing programme, a retreat integrating meditation, mindfulness, daily yoga and a visit to the Holy Spring water to refresh the body and mind. Not forgetting the chance to learn to prepare speciality plant-based cuisine with the Culinary Detox Retreat, among more.fivelementsbali.com

Karma Kandara

Located hidden in the Ungasan area, Karma Kandara Resort is a multi-award winning 5-star resort of outstanding natural beauty with the most breath-taking view and enviable location on the island. Situated atop a spectacular limestone cliff top overlooking the Indian Ocean, offering exquisite views of tropical green and blue sea, Karma Kandara redefines off-the-beaten-path luxury travel, a sanctuary away from the noise and demands of everyday life.

Taking inspiration from the spa trends sweeping the globe, Karma Spa has introduced some new offerings intended to heal the body and spirit. Celebrate the beautiful full moon ‘Purnama’ in Balinese – a festive time for sacred rituals and temple visits, cleansing bathing and holy water, family gatherings, fruits and flowers. Alternatively, guests can join a session of Sound Healing Journey performed alongside a series of different yoga or Tai Chi poses. Reiki Healing, Tarot Readings and Acupuncture are also available, performed by an expert in the field.

The core ethos at Karma has always focused on ensuring all therapists receive the highest level of training. The spa team of anatomy-trained bodyworkers are receiving training year-round to ensure mastery of their craft. Karma Spa is very much a down-to-earth sustainable spa brand, with their 80/20 treatments and retail ethos meaning that 80 per cent of everything they do and create is locally made and inspired. karmagroup.com

THAILAND

The Kingdom of Thailand, the ancient land of Siam, has been enjoyed by visitors for centuries. Its welcoming people, unique culture, stunning natural beauty, incredible cuisine, fine silks, the wealth of fine art and handicrafts, and precious stones have made it a major tourist destination for all. The Kingdom is visited for many reasons, so the array of hotels Thailand offers is vast.

Koh Jum Beach Villas

This luxury eco-chic beach hideout is a hidden gem where nature meets relaxation. The boutique resort offers 19 individually designed villas on the resort’s 700-metre long beach with lush tropical gardens and beautiful sunset views overlooking the Phi Phi National Park. It is centrally located in Krabi, just an hour away from Krabi’s International Airport (30mn drive+30mn boat), making it a place ideal for exploring Krabi’s wondrous natural beauty, nearby islands, and Koh Jum itself. Lie by your private pool and read a book, or write one yourself.

VIETNAM

You can go on a journey of self-discovery and rejuvenation as spectacular natural settings await you. Breath-taking clifftops, azure waters, pristine beaches and tropical gardens all can be found in wellness resorts in Vietnam. These luxury retreats also offer traditional Vietnamese therapies in their wellness packages. So what are you waiting for? You can now start booking your trip.

TIA Wellness Resort

Situated on a stunning beachfront with beautiful private pool villas, TIA Wellness Resort combines authentic wellbeing with understated luxury. TIA is ideally placed within easy reach of three World Heritage sites, just 15 minutes from Da Nang International Airport. The spa and treatment program redefines the spa experience by integrating progressive wellness into each stay. This resort will help you break free from your daily routine and explore your creative potential by leading you on a journey of self-discovery. You can learn to improve your eating habits, breathe to regulate your system and move to better manage stress. After your stay here, you can return home refreshed and renewed. tiawellnessresort.com

Regent Phu Quoc

Regent Phu Quoc offers locally inspired massages to help your mind and body relax. You can enjoy a variety of immersive and rejuvenating treatments at the spa in this luxury hotel. You can also visit the hotel’s rooftop and indoor or outdoor yoga pavilions to focus on your inner self. Regent Phu Quoc’s unparalleled views of sky, sand and ocean assure a heightened sense of mindfulness. You can also join the scheduled complimentary daily group practice. Besides these, private guided yoga and many unique treatments are also available with a Holistic Wellness Coach in a Personal Haven around the resort. phuquoc.regenthotels.com

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay resort in Vietnam is set on a dramatic bay looking out to the East Vietnam Sea, so it can only be approached by water. You will be intimately at one with nature here. At this resort, you can enjoy your spacious villa with a garden terrace or sundeck, directly on the beach, over the water, between the rocks or on a mountain slope; all of which offer sweeping views of the ocean. Six Senses Spa Ninh Van Bay will treat you from top to toe. Among the offerings here are traditional Vietnamese therapies, local body treatments and yoga. sixsenses.com

CAMBODIA

A holiday in Cambodia offers fascination, adventure and relaxation and a wonderful choice of holiday accommodation from luxury resorts and riverboats to boutique hotels Cambodia offers a wealth of variety of experiences to the traveller.

Canvas & Orchids Retreat

Canvas & Orchids Retreat is a unique luxury Cambodian eco-lodge located in the Kingdom of Wonder. Their collection of floating and on- land tented villas will provide you with a once in a lifetime experience in the beauty and splendour of the Cardamom Rainforest. They were the first in the world to place luxury tents on floating pontoons and each tented villa has been designed to provide you with the highest levels of comfort, quality and luxury. Much of the furniture has been crafted from durable water hyacinth plant that grows abundantly in the area and there are private sundecks on each of the floating tent structures.