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Best wellness destinations in Asia

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Beppu
Steaming hot springs and colorful Hells
8.1
People have bathed in the hot springs of this Kyushu city for well over a thousand years. Eight main hot spring areas, called Beppu Hatto, are spread around the city. The Beppu Hells are colorful boiling ponds for viewing. Sand baths at Beppu Beach, where attendants bury visitors in warm sand, are a local specialty.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Try a traditional sand bath at Beppu Beach Sand Bath
  • 🌋 Watch the spectacular steam vents rise at Umi Jigoku
  • ♨️ Bathe in the famous Beppu hot springs known as “onsen hells”
Maldives
Coral atolls, lagoons and overwater villas
9.2
Scattered across the Indian Ocean southwest of India, this island nation has about 1,200 coral islands. Most resorts occupy their own small island, so quiet and privacy are easy to find. Spas here have overwater treatment rooms and offer yoga, massage and meditation. Warm shallow lagoons are good for snorkeling and floating.
Highlights:
  • 🌌 Watch a glowing beach at night on Vaadhoo Island
  • 🦈 Snorkel with reef sharks and manta rays at Hanifaru Bay
  • 🏝️ Stay in an overwater villa surrounded by turquoise lagoon
Hakone
Onsen town with Fuji views and lake cruises
8.6
Autumn is a pleasant time for outdoor hot spring baths, when leaves turn red and gold. Mount Fuji is often visible across Lake Ashi on clear winter days. This mountain town has many ryokan inns with private baths and multi course meals. The Hakone Open Air Museum and Owakudani volcanic valley are easy day trips.
Highlights:
  • 🚠 Take a scenic ride on the Hakone Ropeway
  • 🖼️ Explore stunning sculptures at Hakone Open-Air Museum
  • ♨️ Soak in relaxing waters of Hakone Onsen hot springs
Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Fuji, Hakone, Izu and volcanic islands
8.8
Covering more than 1,200 square kilometers, this national park includes Mount Fuji, Hakone, the Izu Peninsula and the Izu Islands. It is close to Tokyo and under two hours away by train. Hot springs, lakes and forests suit gentle walks and soaking. Views of Mount Fuji can be seen from many onsen baths.
Highlights:
  • 🥚 Explore volcanic vents and black eggs at Owakudani
  • ♨️ Relax in Hakone’s renowned hot spring baths
  • 🗻 Climb iconic Mount Fuji for sunrise views
Izu
Shuzenji hot springs, wasabi and Amagi hikes
8.1
Free public footbaths, called ashiyu, are a local custom in many hot spring towns on this peninsula. Shuzenji and Atami are well known onsen towns. Kawazu cherry trees bloom here in February, earlier than in most of Japan. Fresh seafood and wasabi grown in the Amagi mountains are local specialties.
Highlights:
  • 🌸 Walk the Path of Bamboo along Shuzenji's river
  • 💧 Hike to the stunning Joren Waterfall
  • ♨️ Relax in the healing waters of Shuzenji Onsen
Sri Lanka
Ancient cities, tea hills and surf beaches
7.3
Ayurveda is a traditional healing system practiced across this island, with herbal oils and special diets. Many clinics and resorts around Bentota and Galle offer multi day programs. Tea estates in the hill country around Ella and Nuwara Eliya have cool air and quiet walking trails. Buddhist temples and meditation centers are common.
Highlights:
  • 🚂 Take a scenic train ride through the tea plantations to Ella
  • 🐘 Spot elephants on safari in Minneriya National Park
  • 🪨 Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress and admire its ancient frescoes
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