The best places to relax and recharge in South-East Asia

Not all that long ago, the term ‘wellness holiday’ was boxed off as a trip to a health farm or a strict detox retreat. But travelling to pursue wellbeing is now a booming trend, and thankfully, health-focused holidays have become more accessible.

It’s rare to find a four-or-five-star resort that doesn’t have at least a spa, and many are offering innovative ways to combine travel with good-for-you activities. But which are the best? We’ve homed in on a few of our favourite self-care sanctuaries in the homeland of holistic wellness, the Far East, and tell you why you should head here for a restorative holiday.

Tia Wellness Resort, Vietnam

If you’re starting your Vietnam holiday in one of the gateway cities, your first impression may be one of a fast-paced and frenetic country. But away from the built-up locales there are plenty of tranquil pockets, from the emerald hill stations of Sapa to the boutique spa retreats scattered along golden coastlines. In Danang, you’ll find TIA Wellness Resort, Asia’s first ever spa-inclusive resort. As part of your stay, you can choose two daily spa treatments from an extensive menu (we love the Himalayan heart stone therapy) and join in breathwork masterclasses and yoga sessions. The food is on par with their healthy ethos and there are a wide range of nutritious plant-based dishes and fresh fruit smoothies, as well as the freedom to eat breakfast anywhere, anytime you like. For an unforgettable day out, get a taste of rural life on a countryside cycling adventure before returning to the serenity of your private pool villa. 

Silavadee Pool Spa Resort, Thailand

With its spiritual vibes, ancient healing traditions and soul-calming scenery, it’s not surprising that Thailand has earned the title of Asia’s spa capital. You’ll have no trouble unwinding at Silavadee Pool Spa Resort, a scenic hillside haven on Koh Samui. Spend your time here doing laps in the clifftop infinity pool, basking on a cushioned lounger by the sand or hiding away in your private paradise – whether that be a room with a sunken jacuzzi tub or a breathtaking villa with an infinity-edged pool.

To channel your zen zone, there are inspiring activities such as pranayama (ocean breathing), mindful origami and making merit with monks at local temples, as well as familiar favourites such as meditation and pampering in the spa. But wellness comes in many forms, and we love that there’s a more indulgent side to your stay. Start the day with a sparkling wine breakfast and homemade bakery treats, and after dark, head to the rooftop bar to enjoy cocktails and chilled DJ beats under a blanket of stars.

The Samaya Ubud, Bali

The spa mecca of Bali is a top choice with travellers looking to rejuvenate their body and mind. If you're looking to switch off among the island's most iconic landscapes – jade rice paddies, sacred forest and lush valleys, then Ubud is the spot for you. You can't get a more restful setting than at The Samaya Ubud, which sits beautifully on the banks of the Ayung River.

There's a contemporary twist on the spacious villas (all with private pools and butlers) and yet the modern design doesn't distract from the surrounding nature. Your stay can be as relaxed or adventurous as you like – from the morning guided nature walks, cycling excursions and yoga to cooking classes and Ayurvedic massages in the riverside spa. Dining here is a unique experience. Breakfast is served with a view of mountains and rice terraces (or in the comfort of your villa if you prefer), and daily afternoon tea and after-dark dining is down by the river. For the ultimate fairy-tale evening, book a special table by the water's edge, lit by 100 candles.

Oasia Hotel Downtown, Singapore

You may be puzzled why Singapore, a thriving and fast-paced metropolis, has made it onto our list of top places to relax. But this is more about the delightful digs you'll return to after exploring the city streets. Oasia Hotel Downtown is a sleek urban oasis with a fresh take on city living. From the outset, it's easy to see that this hotel differs from its neighbouring skyscrapers, with a leafy, vertical garden cascading down its poppy-red façade. Inside is just as impressive, with open-air sky gardens, gorgeous rooftop pools and soothing spaces.

We recommend opting for a Club Room to fully embrace this hotel's 'refresh, refuel and recharge' philosophy. You'll have a minibar loaded with refreshments, a yoga mat in your room, and exclusive access to the Club Floor, Club Lounge and infinity pool. Plus, you'll have complimentary access to wellness activities, such as weekly yoga, aqua spin, fitness classes and a nightly neck and shoulder massage – the perfect way to end a day's sightseeing.

Gaya Island Resort, Malaysia

If you’re wondering why life feels so much better on the beach, there’s more to it than those toes-in-the-sand cocktails. Spending time by the sea has been proven to do marvels for your health. There aren’t many sounds that still your mind as much as the hypnotic flow of the ocean’s waves, and the colour blue is linked to feelings of peace and serenity. So there’s no better place to reap the benefits of a blue space than an escape to a tropical isle surrounded by a marine park.

Gaya Island Resort in Borneo is set on picturesque Pulau Gaya, a rainforest-rich island with a back-to-nature feel. Spend your days snorkelling with turtles and tropical fish on the house reef, kayaking in mangroves or trekking in the forest to spot the resident wildlife – oriental hornbills, flying squirrels and proboscis monkeys are just a few of the curious creatures that call this island home. As you’d expect from a Small Luxury Hotel of the World, the spa offerings are exceptional, with guided meditation and yoga on offer as well as treatments inspired by the healing practices of Sabah’s indigenous people.

This article was updated on 18th December 2025. The information is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. Feature by Heather Flanagan.