Wellness
Restorative Retreats
By Melissa Liebling-Goldberg
A woman sits in meditation under a thatched-roof palapa on the beach
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Moments of tranquility are a must while traveling, and these spots for solitude are the ultimate in relaxation. Discover the restorative properties of the Earth’s elements at one of these global destinations.

Finding moments to enjoy peace and quiet alone while traveling are essential for reconnecting. As you revel in the serenity of secluded environments, you can feel the stress and tension melting away. Let uniquely tranquil spa environments heighten your sense of inner peace while treating your body to enhanced wellness.

Ritz Carlton Hotel image
Ritz Carlton Hotel image

Discover the Quiet Magic of Water

Belief in the healing power of water dates back to ancient times, and the spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali offers a multitude of flowing features to recharge your mind and body. The Serenity Zone features an air-bubble bench, which is meant to both stimulate muscles and relax the body. To get to all the parts that are holding tension at all once, move to the Rejuvenation Zone with its vertical massage jets. The De-Stress Zone targets stiff necks with a Waterfall Shower that is as relaxing as it is beautiful. Listen to the sound of the water falling as your muscles slowly release. As you sip a traditional Indonesian herbal drink, inhale the fragrant lemongrass, ginger and clove to open your senses to the moment.

The Creek Native Americans of the Lake Oconee region have believed that "water washes everything new again" for hundreds of years. The 27,000-square-foot spa at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee offers ample opportunity to find yourself renewed by the power of water. The Oconee Rain treatment combines the four key elements of Fire, Earth, Air and Water to open energy pathways while softening the skin and leaving you utterly relaxed. Afterwards, take a solo dip in the indoor pool located inside the spa and dry off in quiet at the poolside fireplace with an herbal tea in hand. Or take a canoe out into the lake and float, simply soaking in the beauty of the nature surrounding you.

A woman with long dark hair gazes out over the desert
Woman performs a tree pose in an outdoor setting featuring rainforest views and a pool

Deepen Your Connection to Nature

Another ancient healing technique is to harness the innate energy of stones. At The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Dove Mountain, you can choose from several luxurious spa treatments that combine gemstones with the peace and quiet of the mountains to soothe the physical being as well as the mental. Feel yourself returning to a peaceful equilibrium as the stones are used in energy work, massage and healing placements. After your treatment, you can finish soaking up the sounds of the desert while lying by the serene pool.

At Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the focus is on finding tranquility through inner peace. The Mandapa Spa is designed to be a secluded temple for wellness, drawing on the ancient philosophies of Bali and its natural healing traditions. Choose one of the many yoga classes on offer to connect your breathing to your body and move in a peaceful flow. Take the lessons you learn in the meditation classes and move out to the open-air vitality pool overlooking the Ayung River. Clear your mind as you unwind with air and water massage jets in the pool. Wander through the surrounding rice paddies and temples for a true connection to the unique landscape around you.

A room with two marble fountains leads to a lounge area
Intricate stained glass lamps hang from the ceiling

Revel in Rare Moments of Peace

The hammam is a long-held tradition in Turkey, and The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Istanbul honors that heritage. In the Turkish hammam, escape into a relaxing steam bath or sauna, followed by deep cleaning and ultra-soft moisturizers. Following your treatment, finish unwinding in a private candle-lit relaxation zone, with a selection of local delicacies, fresh juices and Turkish teas. For couples who are looking to share a moment of peace together, there is an exclusive hammam room for two — the only one of its type in Istanbul. It's impossible not to give into the relaxation of the quiet, punctuated only by the sound of the steam and the warm baths. Unwinding and de-compressing are key elements to a wonderful trip, and finding the quiet moments of reflection to let your mind wander are the ultimate luxuries. Enjoy the silence and solitude that a truly unique spa experience can afford.