The Retreats
Nestled deep within the lower foothills of the Indian Himalayas, Vana Malsi Estate (pictured above) is as far from life’s daily distractions as it gets. When the property officially opens early this month, founder Veer Singh is confident it will be “the most prolific offering of wellness in the world.” So confident, in fact, that the New Delhi–based entrepreneur invested $155 million—out of pocket—to transform his holistic-wellness dream into a reality. The 21-acre property, designed by a contemporary Spanish design studio, has 90 rooms, 4 yoga studios, 50 treatment rooms, and 2 restaurants. Singh spent nearly five years executing a concept that he says, “doesn’t indulge you, but doesn’t feel like an asylum.” Vana’s team of wellness consultants creates a bespoke program for each guest, incorporating Ayurvedic practices. The approach is a stark contrast to the extreme boot camps or silent retreats you’ll find elsewhere, but the overarching message is the same: Take time to recharge, rid the body of stress and toxins, and you’re guaranteed a transformative travel experience.
From colonics in Austria to meditation massages in Arizona, find out what to expect at four of the world’s most prominent detox destinations.
VIVA MAYR
Lake Wörth, Austria
viva-mayr.com
Best Suited For: Masochists
What to Expect: Laxatives, nasal cleansing, blood tests, colon hydrotherapy, austere lodging
You’ll Sacrifice: Phones, Wi-Fi, caffeine, sugar
But You’ll Leave: With glowing skin, a flatter stomach, clear sinuses and a desire for fresh, unprocessed food
Rumored Guests: Sarah Ferguson, Alber Elbaz, Qatari princes
ESALEN INSTITUTE
Big Sur, California
esalen.org
Best Suited For: Burning Man attendees, yogis
What to Expect: Periods of silence, a lack of eye contact, yoga, naked hot-spring bathing, farm-to-table food
You’ll Sacrifice: Being able to speak or look at people
But You’ll Leave: Well on your way to self-transformation and personal development
Rumored Guests: Deepak Chopra, Penélope Cruz, Orlando Bloom
MII AMO
Sedona, Arizona
miiamo.com
Best Suited For: Spiritual seekers
What to Expect: Metaphysical spa treatments, meetings with healers, putting your worries in a “worry box”
You’ll Sacrifice: Being grounded in reality, but not much else
But You’ll Leave: Feeling centered and de-stressed with a renewed sense of inner peace
Rumored Guests: Mariah Carey, Mel Gibson, wealthy hippies
THE RANCH AT LIVE OAK
Malibu, California
theranchmalibu.com
Best Suited For: Type A’s
What to Expect: 5:30 a.m. wake-ups, 5-hour hikes, ritzy accomodations, muscle spasms, food dreams, occasional vomiting
You’ll Sacrifice: Your watch, meat, alcohol, caffeine, dairy, gluten
But You’ll Leave: A slimmer waist and thighs (down an average of 5 pounds and 9.5 inches)
Rumored Guests: Patrick Dempsey, Kate Spade, Carolyn Murphy
