Some places you don’t just visit but you arrive and are completely blown away by each detail, and by the end you’ve changed as a person thanks to this experience or place. I’ve been lucky to travel and even live in places, that carry a certain energy, something that isn’t overdone but deeply felt. My typical wellness travel isn’t the usual longevity clinic or spa trip, even though I love those too but it’s still about rehabilitation, reconnection and renewal, in different forms.

Sometimes this is in a big city like Istanbul, other times it’s on the Italian coast, or it might be further away in Mexico but it’s always about the mix of experience, presence and emotion. I need variety, and I love to do different things every day. I want to walk and explore, but also be taken care of and relax. I’ve tested many places and hotels, and these are some of my favorite wellness stays that give you everything you need in a trip (in my books!).

Nirjhara – Bali, Indonesia

Nirjhara, still sits engraved in my mind as one of the experiences that left me awestruck, far away from the traffic of Canggu but near enough that you could go visit the bustling shops and cafes in 20 minutes. It’s a perfect base to explore the Island of Gods without suffering in the tourist crowds.

I remember arriving in Tabanan, this cute empty village, to the Nirjhara property reminiscent of an Aman hotel, just as the sun had started its sunset descent. To arrive we had to take a long road surrounded by a living emerald green plant tunnel. The drive from Ubud had been long, with a lot of traffic but when we finally arrived and saw the sun, which was painting the sky in golden peach colors I literally had shivers it was so magical. Nirjhara, although the last stop of our Bali trip, was the first time we got to enjoy a proper sunset on the island.

Nirjhara sits in a cocoon of rice paddies and jungle views and is actually set on its own waterfall, which is actually where the name for the hotel comes from - “Waterfall” is Nirjhara in Sanskrit. It’s nestled near a quiet surf-area in Kedungu where a 1 km long beach is mostly empty for a few surfers, other than during sunset when locals come to watch the sky change and hang out on beanie bags. A perfect local experience I highly reccomend.

The modern stone architecture speaks for itself from the lobby to the cinema to the dining area, with each space being curated into beautiful form that flowed from one to the other seamlessly. Our villa’s second floor rooftop opened into a canopy of green, and all you could hear were those tiny insects all around you (my version of a perfect quiet!). Here, wellness is not a concept; it’s the pace of the place.

Workouts were obviously my morning routine, in the full glass gym, which had me on amazing vibe all day, thanks to the music straight out of a deep house DJ set (curated by the General Manager’s own playlist preferences). That music turned my strength training sessions into a party.

On the days we weren’t at the gym morning yoga in the treetop shala was unlike any experience I have had, with a meditation that felt like being part of the earth again (my legs literally went numb), and food that tasted like it was grown with intention. I remember sitting on the breakfast terrace in the morning, barefoot, fresh juice in hand, listening to the waterfall while we ate three different meals (savory and sweet) during breakfast. Ambu - the dining space where breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served - had local delicacies and wellness junkie favourites. I always ask myself what do the locals eat - the tropical fruits, the cooked or fresh vegetables, steamed fish - and go for those dishes.

*Wellness breakfasts, with amazing sweet and salty offerings.*

A quick interview with the General Manager of the hotel took us back to the stories about Bali many years ago as I shared my own instant love for the island. Alejandro Rueda recounted the Ecstatic Dance parties that enticed people to have some of the most amazing nights of their life in Bali - no drugs or alcohol needed! He said anything can be designed for the spiritual and wellness seekers coming to Nirjhara which is what makes the hotel unique. He recounted the vision for the hotel to be one of the most high level, connected to local roots, sustainable properties in the area. Founders, Dmitri Tran and Adrien Portier, ex-financiers have already bought more land to expand the property with 16 more villas coming and a larger wellness center.

With time, I’ve come to truly appreciate finding places that are secluded, where fewer people surround you, giving you the space to feel more connected and genuinely relaxed in a peaceful, hidden setting. This is the kind of place that brings you back to yourself. Whether you make it a full retreat or just a quick pit stop on your Bali journey, let me tell you—you’ll leave wanting more. Nirjhara doesn’t try to impress, it doesn’t need to, everything speaks for itself.

*Alejandro Rueda and I chatting about Nirjhara, spirituality and wellness, and the stories of the island of Gods.*

*The beautiful local Tanjung Kedungu Beach*

Stay: Nirjhara is a sustainable luxury resort near Tanah Lot, Bali. Designed with natural materials and a deep respect for the environment, it offers riverside and treetop villas, a holistic spa, yoga shalas, and a strong connection to Balinese culture and community. (Avg. night stay 250 CHF)

Borgo Egnazia – Puglia, Italy

It’s not a hotel. It’s a dream staged in creamy stone out of an ancient Italian storybook. Borgo Egnazia is the kind of place that feels like it was imagined by someone who wanted to bottle up Italian countryside serenity.

Off the plane we arrived in early morning, stopping in for a coffee at the breakfast terrace. The property feels like it’s a village in and of itself, with no real need to exit into the Apulian countryside (although a pity if you don’t) as villas with their own pools surround the entire complex. At breakfast, guests were welcomed by warm wait staff, that southern Italian morning glow draping everything in gold. I, of course had to start my day with my cappuccino, which arrived with some housemade honey, and I sat there savoring some gluten free and dairy free desserts brought to me by the staff. I loved how attentive everyone was. The rooms smelled faintly of lemon and sea air. Each room designed to uplift you with minimalism and cozy Italian energy.

The spa—Vair—is unlike any other I’ve seen. As you walk in, the corridor and treatment rooms were dark, the Apulian stone walls alight with candles, oversized vases around every corner. They offer treatments rooted in local tradition and psychology, alongside beauty and relaxation rituals that feel both ancient and deeply personal. During the trip I decided I needed a little highlights and a blow out, wanting to feel like a new person as I walked out. Truly their services were amazing and I was more than satisfied!

On my way out of the spa, with my “beach waves” I stumbled onto the boutique that had the most beautifully curated Italian pieces- I found a stylish pair of suede and leather sandals and a few cute accessories that I wish I had gotten but had no more luggage space (the constant struggle).

*Bottega Egnazia like out of a storybook*

*Bottega Egnazia, lots of souvenirs and goodies*

During our days we would drive around Fasano or go to different towns, such as Monopoli and Polignano, and then often further to Lecce or Matera. I had been to Puglia several times but just loved to lunch at the different beach clubs and hang out by the water. It felt like the perfect Italian summer getaway to me.

Borgo Egnazia had its own beach club, Cala Masciola, which was perfect. The beach club was ideally secluded for a swim in the most crystal clear water. While the restaurant had the perfect mix of seafood and Apulian vegetable delicacies, with my favorite meal being the local caught fish with the Borgo Egnazia olive oil, and I could clearly imagine the fisherman from the area carrying in the local catch in the morning. Italy to me is as farm to table fresh as it gets.

For those who have a husband that is obsessed with golf, let me tell you, their golf grounds were divine, even for a non-golfer like me and even in the 38 degree heat. And the fact that my husband even managed to play 18 holes of golf during that trip made sure that he was extremely happy.

Evenings in Puglia are always meant for wandering the streets of local villages, my favorite being Ostuni, but you really do not need leave Borgo Egnazia because they have everything there to enjoy as well. So whether you want the bustling and beautiful scenery of different villages or the cozy and elegant dinners at Borgo Egnazia you will find something lovely no matter where you go. Here, in Puglia, wellness is emotion., subtle, sensory, sacred. It’s a taste of family, culture, heritage, modernity and everything tied into one beautiful experience.

Stay: Borgo Egnazia is a luxurious resort inspired by traditional Apulian villages. Located along the Adriatic coast, it offers timeless elegance, a renowned spa focused on psycho-physical wellbeing, organic cuisine, and authentic Italian hospitality. (Avg. night stay 1200 CHF)

Auberge Susurros del Corazón – Punta Mita, Mexico

Auberge Susurros is a little paradise I discovered close to our family home in Mexico (my parents are Canadian snowbirds), so naturally, I had to explore the full experience of this stunning development in Punta Mita, at the time it was already over a year old. I arrived barefoot (okay, because of a broken toe), but instantly felt at home. The Pacific stretched out like a mirror, and the warm breeze carried the salty ocean air. Auberge is a larger hotel brand, yet this one feels unlike any other. It’s intimate, like being invited into a secret compound. Every corner is obviously designed with intention.

The food, earthy, fresh, playful, reminded me to slow down and savor - and don’t we all need that. We had lunch at “La Boquita”, right on the beachfront terrace, where my salad came packed with favorite local veggies like jicama, and the staff served my tacos al pastor on lettuce wraps, my fave for my gluten-free lifestyle. Despite the elegance, there wasn’t a hint of snobbiness that sometimes comes with wellness spaces. Everyone seemed to be on the same wave or “onda” of chill, radiating that shared wavelength of ease.

*La Boquita Salad with Shrimp and Jicama*

A conversation with the Head of Wellness, Anabel Ramos, left me dreaming of Onda, the spa. "Onda," meaning wave in Spanish, reflects both the ocean and the vibrations the spa cultivates. She explained they offer more than beauty treatments (though there are many); it’s mainly about energetic and spiritual wellness. Onda is the largest spa in Nayarit, with over 3,300 square meters dedicated to healing. From breathwork to visits with local healers, immersive rituals, and even interest in offering human design and numerology sessions, it’s a fusion of modern intention and ancestral roots. I loved this blend of innovation and tradition. Wellness, to me, should always honor both.

Before leaving, we stopped by the boutique, which also houses a charming little coffee shop. The matcha was delicious (a rare find in this part of Mexico), and the space offered a curated selection of beautiful souvenirs. There’s actual magic here, in Mexico in general, but specifically at Susurros Auberges, and I feel it truly speaks only to those who slow down enough to hear it.

Stay: Auberge Susurros del Corazón is an intimate luxury retreat in Punta Mita. Set on a secluded stretch of coastline, it offers soulful experiences—from shamanic rituals to wellness cuisine—designed to nourish heart and spirit. (For prices contact property)

Soho House - Istanbul, Turkey

*Alica Cafe with the view on the House (previously an American Embassy)*

Istanbul is all my favourite contrasts, ancient and modern, bold and intricate, and Soho House is its perfect echo. Hidden behind unassuming doors, the house opens into a world of velvet textures and rich history. The building previously an American Embassy converted into two parts, a hotel and the House itself, speaks comfort and class. We arrived late, due to our flights being delayed and I loved hearing the busy city humming outside near the Galata area, but as soon as we stepped inside, it was like slipping into another rhythm. The Alice Bar and Cafe on the ground floor is actually out of a storybook. Inspired by Alice and Wonderland, it felt like getting lost in the middle of the city. Breakfast which was filled with local delicacies mixed with Soho staples was to die for, I loved the local jam, olive oil, cheese, bread, hummus spread and even though I am dairy and gluten free I always find something to suit me. Soho House favourite Cecconi’s sits in the lower garden of the hotel, while Turkish food is found infused with local vibes on the upper terrace in the House restaurant so you have three different restaurants to choose from, on site, all different and unique - a foodie heaven!

Mornings were our gym and walk moments, the gym which makes up the entire basement floor of the hotel was filled with everything a sports fanatic would want, including a pilates reformer and a boxing ring. While the Galata and Beyoglu area were less than 10 minute walk away giving the city dweller in me lots to see and do. From the rooftop pool to the spa, the feeling at this Soho House was like ancient luxury with a modern twist.

*Soho House Istanbul Ottoman Style Stairway*

In the evenings, the rooftop, with its city and Bosphorous views, had a big energy, with DJs doing sunset sets and spinning till late evening where you could watch the boats coming in on the river. We even met a lovely couple that we took a trip on the river with, on a stunning boat, it was dreamy. This place was a perfect mix of good vibes and wellness, but it was more than just food and lights, it was the way the stairs housed presidents and galas, the lights that hit the the mosaic floors and Baroque painted ceilings, and this feeling of being part of something historic, something larger - it really moved me. Istanbul still remains one of my favourite cities to travel to, to this day.

Stay: Soho House Istanbul is a private members’ club and hotel set in a 19th-century palazzo. It blends Ottoman opulence with contemporary style, offering a full spa, hammam, rooftop pool, and elegant hideaways amid the city's vibrant rhythm. (Avg. night stay 500 CHF)

Les Roches Rouges – Saint-Raphaël, France

This hotel is one of my favorites on the Côte d’Azur, which has a way of making time feel optional. We visited a few years ago, but it stuck in my mind, and I’ve been dying to go back since. We arrived at Les Roches Rouges in the soft light of late afternoon, it was a quick mini-moon trip for us after our wedding, and my husband and I were so excited to relax after a year of planning a wedding, three days hosting guests, and four days after of family time. Arriving at our room, we could see the Mediterranean shining in its quiet blue; from the lobby, it felt like we were standing on top of a cliff. This isn’t a place for extravagance, though it was pure minimalist, a laid-back French Riviera vibe. Set on the edge of the water, it has that feeling of “less is more” reflected in both the architecture and interior design.

Days were basically spent barefoot, salt still drying on my skin from a morning swim, lying out for hours, just looking at the horizon. The interiors are warm, everything designed to draw your gaze outward, always to the sea and to the horizon.

We probably left the property once, to do a hike along the coastline on a beautiful day, but there was no real need. There was a rhythm to this place we didn’t want to miss.

The gym was outside, a welcome change from stuffy workout rooms, though probably less ideal on a rainy or windy day. I did my own little ab workout and a short run on the treadmill while looking out at the sea. You could also swim laps in one of their two pools which is almost olympic length or go straight for a dip into the sea. Breakfasts stretched long into the morning, my favourite summer food, fresh figs, delicious provençal jams and sourdough bread. Then pause and it’s lunch, i loved the octopus, olive oil, local vegetables and burrata on the terrace.

The spa is small but thoughtful, their treatments use locally sourced herbs, oils, and sunshine. They use Camargue salt (a local technique) for massages that leave you feeling perfectly exfoliated.

In the evening, with limited light pollution, the stars felt close enough to touch. An aperitif on the patio and dinner inside the restaurant brought closure to those perfect days. My absolute favorite, though, was waking up over those mornings to a sunrise like no other (yes I am a sunrise girl!). Truly those colors are something I have never seen anywhere else, reflected in the water and in the pool. I remember sitting on the terrace with my cup of coffee, watching the colors change, listening to the sound of the waves, and thinking: this is what wellness should feel like, unforced, connected to nature and alive.

Stay: Les Roches Rouges is a boutique hotel nestled on the Mediterranean coastline in Saint-Raphaël. With understated luxury, a natural seawater pool, locally inspired treatments, and breathtaking sea views, it’s a serene escape grounded in the elegance of simplicity. (Avg. night stay 600 -1200 CHF)

“Wellness Travel is not just Trendy it’s for the Seeking. For the ones who live for experiences.”

Each of these places gave me a memorable and unforgettable experience, between the location, the intention of the place, the architecture and no less the wellness offering. The food was so on point, it gave me the feeling that these places knew exactly what I needed in each moment, in each season.

However, the best feeling was remembering how to slow down, breathe deeper, and listen inwards. You may not travel to change something, or go looking for the promise of transformation—but when you let yourself, the right setting and that feeling of presence in your experiences, will guide you there.

Inside the Wellness Hotels to Add to Your List in 2026