The search for physical and mental well-being has led to the emergence of a new type of tourism: wellness tourism. Similar to the historical thermal cures and ‘thalasso’ health resorts, wellness tourism has evolved into a more holistic and high-end dimension. The objective of a wellness stay is to improve physical and mental well-being through a combination of several elements based on physical activity, treatments, nutrition, but also the spiritual dimension, with the practice of meditation and the development of spiritual retreats.

Here is a review of our 4 dreamiest wellness destinations:

1. Lily of the Valley, Saint-Tropez

Located near Saint-Tropez, this intimate Philippe Starck-designed hotel blends into the Mediterranean environment of the Bay of Gigaro. Positioned as a wellness destination in its own right, the hotel offers the Shape Club, a 2,000 m2 space featuring a semi-Olympic outdoor swimming pool, a fitness room with the latest generation of Technogym equipment, a coaching room and a room for group classes, treatment and consultation cabins, saunas and a hammam, a relaxation room and a healthy restaurant. Specific programs are offered for weight loss, sports performance, 'better ageing' and 'burn out'.

2. Equinox, New-York

Inspired by the famous group of high-end sports clubs, Equinox, Equinox hotels offer a reinterpretation of well-being and fitness applied to luxury hotels. Every element of well-being has been thought through down to the smallest detail: rooms are equipped with a 'quiet mode' to guarantee restful sleep and a mini-bar stocked with vitamins and food supplements, a health club offers the latest fashionable courses on an individual or group basis, a high-tech spa offers the latest treatments and healthy restaurants complete the dietary aspect.

3. Joali Being, Maldives

The Joali Being hotel, located on its own atoll in the Maldives, is run by Turkish businesswoman Esin Güral Argat. It is the only hotel in the country run by a woman. The hotel has built its wellness philosophy around 4 pillars: mind, skin, microbiome and energy. The establishment offers natural holistic retreats designed with Gerry Bodeker, professor at Oxford University and expert in traditional and integrative medicine. Fitness, yoga and meditation classes are held daily. The aim is to restore physical strength and vitality, and rebalance hormones, sleep and the digestive system.

4. SHA Wellness Clinic, Alicante (Spain)

Located in an idyllic setting between sea and mountains, the SHA Wellness Clinic offers 6 themed treatment programs: professional stress management, global well-being, fitness, sleep restoration, anti-aging program and weight control and detox. The 'SHA' method focuses on 8 main areas: healthy eating, natural therapies, preventive medicine and healthy ageing, advanced aesthetics, cognitive stimulation and emotional health, inner well-being and balance, and physical performance. Renowned as the best wellness clinic in the world, SHA Wellness uses an infinite range of techniques in the most luxurious surroundings.