Wellness retreats and luxury health spas have always been popular but typically require a full commitment to mind-body experience. A growing trend in the luxury boutique travel industry spotlights the restorative health and wellness opportunities built into the environment of these destinations. Like “quiet luxury”, “quiet wellness” whispers, not screams. Below are three distinctly unique experiences where you can curate your own idyllic wellness journey while enjoying all the amenities.
Mustique, the if-you-know-you-know Caribbean escape for those who value discretion over ostentation, has always attracted A-listers who book far in advance to secure their favorite villa or suites in the island’s one five-star hotel, The Cotton House. Days in Mustique are idyllic, exploring the unspoiled beaches around the island preparing for buzzy evenings filled with cocktail parties and music at the internationally renowned Basil’s Bar, a seaside watering hole where Mick Jagger and Bon Jovi have spontaneously taken the stage. What many have yet to explore on this island are the numerous picturesque hikes at various levels of challenge.
Wake up early to beat the heat and drive your “mule” (the golf carts used on the island as the primary source of transportation) to the top of Rutland Bay for a hike exploring the island’s Northeastern tip. Pass the grazing horses in the Island Sanctuary with mountains and ponds in the foreground. The path leads into a glistening bay reflecting the morning sun. Follow the marked trail, wind up the hill on the clay path, and curve around the island’s uninhabited, lush and rocky perimeter. You are greeted along the way by turtles, frogs, herons and butterflies; each clearing exposes jaw-dropping and expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean
Follow the hike with a yoga class held at the exercise pavilion, a plein air structure. Enjoy your practice while gazing out at the sea, a thatched roof shielding the direct sun and the sound of the waves meditative.
One of the newest additions to the island is a state-of-the-art gym boasting full range of Life Fitness equipment and floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of the adjacent lilypond. The full-service spa is steps away, with customized treatments also available in room or villa.
If you want to channel your inner Yellowstone, The Ranch at Rock Creek is the perfect pick to hang your hat and immerse yourself in a luxurious version of the Western lifestyle. The only 5-star hotel in Montana, the Relais and Chateaux property is set on 6,600 acres of Big Sky country. An impressive roster of activities, from horseback riding to clay shooting, fly fishing or archery, can keep almost anyone entertained from sunrise to sunset. But if it is respite you require, The Ranch at Rock Creek is fully equipped to support your self-care journey. It is an ideal setting to explore the terrain on a horse, on foot, or on your bicycle, which all guests are given to navigate the property. Climb to the foothills of the surrounding Sapphire Mountains to peer across endless expanses of land or meander alongside the Blue-Ribbon Rock Creek and meditate surrounded by the therapeutic benefits of nature.
The spa is fully loaded with a range of sustainable products that reflect their commitment to the environment. Detox in the sauna or submerge in the tub for Medicinal Springs Mineral Therapy treatments using the same minerals that fill Montana’s geothermal springs. Combat the drying effects of travel and elevated climate with a hydration body wrap or take your massage in Mother Nature, creekside in one of the covered wagons–no spa music needed, the running river outside serves as your serene soundtrack.
In Ireland, an hour and a half drive from Dublin, Ballyfin is a lavish historic Relais & Châteaux five-star hotel on an estate built in the 1820s. One-of-a-kind rooms feel like guest suites in an episode of Bridgerton, reflecting the charm and details of the decade of restoration, art collection, and love that went into the property’s refurbishment.
The perfect setting for scenic walks, you don’t need to worry if you want to travel lightly, no hiking gear is needed. Ballyfin provides Dubarry boots, waterproof jackets and walking sticks for all guests to roam the 614 acres of perfectly manicured property.
Amble along the trail, around the 30-acre lake and under the umbrellas of mature trees into a forest of bluebells. Continue past the lookout castle, fields of horses, the hen house and into the two on-property gardens where the kitchen reaps fresh ingredients for the clean and impeccably prepared menus daily. Six full-time gardeners grow nearly anything one can think of that comes from the earth. Apples, pears, figs, peas, potatoes and herbs like fennel, chamomile, horseradish, mint, parsley and verbena. The cutting gardens are resplendent with exquisite flora from dahlias to daffodils, roses to ranunculus. Over 15,000 tulips alone grow in the Ballyfin garden each spring The in-house floral designer artfully uses the blooms in each suite, common space and dining table.
The cerulean and serene indoor pool invites a swim or some quiet time relaxing in the loungers, with the reflection of the surrounding greenery spilling in from more than six pairs of French doors. Visit sauna, hot tub, and small gym in the adjacent rooms. Full spa services happen discreetly in two treatment rooms decorated with Fornasetti cabinets and antique mirrors.
For further information:
Mustique
Ballyfin
The Ranch at Rock Creek
