Health Update: 6 of the best wellness retreats to visit in South East Asia – What Experts Say

Have you ever found yourself sat in your office, announcing how much you’re in need of a holiday, only to take one and find that upon you’re return you’re simply no less burnt out than when you left? In fact, you might feel more stressed because you’re now thousands of dollars poorer, maybe a little sunburnt, and weary from plenty of tourist trekking around some faraway township or glitzy city. In the moment, the cocktails and pasta bowls and late nights and early morning plane rides were worth it. But now… not so much.

It’s the reason why wellness tourism has been on the rise as of late – a vacation that actually feels relaxing. One where you can work with a team of experts to improve your health, your mindset and your holistic wellbeing through movement and therapy and experience. Across South East Asia, resorts have been pulling on traditional practices of wellness to create some of the world’s most luxurious and innovative wellness retreats in the world. From IV drips to open-air treatment spaces to private pools and nutritionists looking after your every meal – these retreats are pioneering wellness in brand new ways.

If you’ve been looking for a way to escape the grind and really (and we mean, truly) relax and make some time to reconnect with your mind and body – this is our list of the most insanely luxurious and best wellness retreats to visit in South East Asia right now.

1. RAKxa in Bangkok, Thailand

Getting there: RAKxa is best accessed via the luxury private transfers included in their wellness programs. It is roughly 30–60 minutes from Bangkok city centre or airports, often requiring a scenic river crossing into the secluded area.

About: Ever since our very own Beauty Editor, Emily Algar, came home from her week-long stay at RAKxa in Bangkok, we can say with earnestness that we’ve been thoroughly obsessed. Located in the verdant protected island of Bang Kracha, their ethos is to combine advanced medical science with the time-tested wisdom of traditional therapies. They host integrative wellness programmes (from 3-7 days in length) that address the totality of your wellbeing through rest, nutrition, lifestyle, and therapies. Their clients include everyone from White Lotus actors to Victoria’s Secret models, who can enjoy their long list of amenities: IV drips, physios, aesthetic treatments, colon therapy, bloodwork, Pilates, energy healing, meditation, traditional Chinese medicine, Thai medicine and Ayurvedic rituals. RakXa is also a partner of the renowned Bumrungrad hospital, so every single thing is monitored by doctors.

2. COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali, Indonesia

Getting there: COMO is approximately 60–90 minutes by car from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Kuta, Indonesia. The resort is roughly 20 minutes north of central Ubud. Private airport transfers, car charters, and taxis are the primary transportation options to reach this secluded forest estate.

About: Occupying a 22-acre natural sanctuary in a riverine forest in Bali’s heart, COMO Shambhala Estate is a tailor-made wellness programme of activities and treatments like meditation, hydrotherapy and traditional ceremonies (they also have a newly refurbished innovative Ojas Wellness Centre). They’ve been in operation for over two decades, and offer multi-suite residences and standalone villas for guests. When you arrive you’ll receive complimentary access to daily scheduled activities like yoga, Qi Gong and circuit training, access to wellness facilities on-site and yoga equipment in your room for you. They have two healthy, on-site restaurants to choose from as well.

3. The Farm at San Benito in Lipa, Philippines

Getting there: The Farm at San Benito is roughly a 1.5-2 hour drive from Manila. Guests can take the SLEX and STAR Tollway, exiting at Lipa City. Private transfers via the resort or a car service are recommended for the final 15-20 minute drive from major Lipa landmarks.

About: An eco-luxury resort offering intensive medical wellness programs, including detox, weight management, and holistic treatment options, The Farm at San Benito is nestled into the lush mountains of Lipa, Batangas (a 90-minute drive south of Manila). They offer five core wellness programs that you can opt to do over 2-6 nights, each offering a mix of treatments from holistic diagnostics to colon hydrotherapy, IV vitamin infusions, curated body treatments, personalised fitness coaching and therapeutic massages – they even use somatic and trauma-release therapies. There is a team of resident doctors and healing experts on site, and sixteen villas that are bookable for guests to stay in.

4. TIA Wellness Resort in Da Nang, Vietnam

Getting there: TIA Wellness Resort is located on Truong Sa Street/Vo Nguyen Giap Street in the Ngu Hanh Son District of Da Nang, Vietnam, approximately 20 minutes by car from Da Nang International Airport (DAD). It is situated halfway between Da Nang city center (10 mins) and Hoi An (30 mins), near the Marble Mountains

About: Situated on a stunning private beach in Ngu Hanh Son, TIA is a purpose-built, progressive wellness centre and resort. Since 2008, they’ve pioneered the wellness space in Vietnam, taking wellness further by equipping guests with meaningful tools to restore balance, enhance vitality, and elevate everyday life long after they return home. Wellness Inclusive guests are guaranteed two wellness treatments per night (a total of 80 minutes per person), selected from an extensive, curated wellness menu. There are also daily guided practices across breathwork, yoga and HIIT. There are also higher tiers including Retreat Inclusive and Private Retreat packages.

5. Kamalaya Koh Samui in Koh Samui, Thailand

Getting there: Kamalaya Koh Samui is approximately 45 minutes by car from Samui International Airport (USM). The most convenient way to arrive is by flying into USM via Bangkok Airways, followed by a pre-booked resort transfer or taxi. Alternatively, you vsn take a ferry from Surat Thani mainland.

About: Widely recognised for its holistic focus, Kamalaya combines ancient Eastern healing traditions with Western medical research, offering programs in detox, yoga, stress management, and emotional healing set on a tranquil private beach. Guests can choose to stay in on-site rooms, suites or villas, and opt to take part in a range of wellness programmes focussed on everything from gut health to emotional resilience. Their team of over 70+ certified professionals includes naturopaths, TCM doctors, Western doctors, and healers, and the property features a “Longevity House” – a hilltop yoga pavilion, and open-air treatment spaces among natural granite boulders.

6. REVĪVŌ Wellness Resort in Bali, Indonesia

Getting there: REVĪVŌ is roughly 30 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). The resort offers private airport transfers for guests, which is the most convenient option.

About: In the breezy hills of Nusa Dua in Southern Bali, REVĪVŌ is an integrative wellness and longevity resort comprised of three scenic villas. Guests will find an on-site restaurant, free private parking, free bikes, a fitness centre, a bar and a shared lounge and outdoor swimming pool. Each retreat and program is built around certified medical and wellness practitioner expertise, clinical analysis and biohacking technologies designed for extended healthspan. Stays begin with comprehensive wellness exams, followed by a combination of emotional therapies, movement classes and vitality therapies.