Back to grid

Best wellness destinations in Asia

Back to grid
Bali
Tropical beaches, vibrant culture and adventure
8.2
Between the islands of Java and Lombok, this Indonesian island has volcanoes, rice terraces and beaches. Spas, yoga studios and retreat centres are found in the hills and along the coast. Traditional Balinese massage and herbal drinks called jamu are part of daily wellness. Daily offerings and temple ceremonies are visible everywhere.
Highlights:
  • ⛪ Visit Uluwatu Temple perched high on a seaside cliff
  • 💦 Swim beneath the cascading Tegenungan Waterfall
  • 🌋 Watch the sunrise over Mount Batur volcano
Ubud
Bali's Cultural and Spiritual Heart
7.9
Compared with the beach resorts of Bali, this inland town is cooler, greener and quieter. Yoga studios and spas are set among rice fields and river valleys. The Sacred Monkey Forest and Tegallalang rice terraces are close by. Raw food cafes and juice bars are common.
Highlights:
  • 🏯 Explore the historic Ubud Palace and gardens
  • 🌿 Walk the scenic Campuhan Ridge for nature views
  • 🐒 Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud
Beppu
Steaming hot springs and colourful 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 colourful boiling ponds for viewing. Sand baths at Beppu Beach, where attendants bury visitors in warm sand, are a local speciality.
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 snorkelling 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
Kerala
Verdant backwaters and serene spice gardens
8.9
Compared with other parts of India, this southern state is known for Ayurveda treatments and quiet backwaters. Treatments often last one to three weeks and include herbal oil massage and special diets. Many resorts are on the coast near Kovalam and Varkala. Houseboat trips in Alappuzha move slowly through palm lined canals.
Highlights:
  • 🌿 Explore the spice plantations in Wayanad
  • 🍛 Sample authentic Kerala cuisine at a local homestay
  • 🚤 Cruise the backwaters of Alleppey at sunset
Chiang Mai
Ancient temples and mountain escapes
8.1
Calm and creative, this northern Thai city is full of temples, herbal spas and retreat centres. Thai massage courses and herbal compress treatments are taught in many schools. Cafes and vegetarian restaurants are common in the old town and Nimman area. Doi Suthep and nearby forest trails are popular for walks and meditation.
Highlights:
  • 🛕 Visit the sacred Doi Suthep temple atop the mountain
  • 🍲 Join a traditional Thai cooking class with locals
  • ⛩️ Explore the ancient temples of the Old City
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
Nusa Dua
Bali’s Luxe Beaches and Calm Waters
7.4
Quiet and polished, this resort area on Bali's southern peninsula has calm beaches and large spa hotels. Many hotels have spas offering Balinese massage, flower baths and yoga classes. The beaches are protected by reefs, so the water is usually calm. A paved walking path runs along much of the shore.
Highlights:
  • 🖼️ Explore art at Museum Pasifika's diverse collection
  • 🌊 Watch powerful waves at the dramatic Water Blow
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine sands of Nusa Dua Beach
Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Fuji, Hakone, Izu and volcanic islands
8.8
Covering more than 1,200 square kilometres, 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
Mysore
Royal gardens and timeless palace charm
8.4
The Wodeyar kings ruled from this city for centuries and built the grand Mysore Palace. K. Pattabhi Jois taught Ashtanga yoga here. Today many students stay for months to study yoga in the Gokulam area. Devaraja Market sells sandalwood, jasmine and spices. The palace is lit with bulbs on Sundays.
Highlights:
  • 🌄 Climb Chamundi Hills early for sunrise view
  • 🎆 Witness the grand Dussehra fireworks in Mysore
  • 🏰 Explore Mysore Palace's opulent halls and gardens
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 specialities.
Highlights:
  • 🌸 Walk the Path of Bamboo along Shuzenji's river
  • 💧 Hike to the stunning Joren Waterfall
  • ♨️ Relax in the healing waters of Shuzenji Onsen
Rishikesh
Yoga capital meets adventure haven
7.9
Weather is mild from October to March, which suits yoga classes and walks along the Ganges. Summers are very hot. Monsoon rain falls from July to September. This town in the Himalayan foothills has many ashrams and yoga schools. The International Yoga Festival is held each March.
Highlights:
  • 🌉 Cross the iconic suspension bridge, Lakshman Jhula
  • 🧘‍♀️ Practice yoga at renowned ashrams like Parmarth Niketan
  • 🕯️ Attend the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony at Triveni Ghat
Pamukkale
Cotton Castle of Thermal Pools
7.6
Covering a hillside in southwestern Turkey, this site has white travertine terraces about 2.7 kilometres long. Warm mineral water has flowed into shallow pools here for thousands of years. Visitors walk barefoot on the terraces and soak in the Antique Pool among Roman columns. The ruins of Hierapolis are next to the pools.
Highlights:
  • 🏛️ Explore ancient ruins of Hierapolis archaeological site
  • 🏊‍♀️ Swim in Cleopatra’s Antique thermal pool
  • 👣 Walk barefoot on Pamukkale’s famous white travertines
Sri Lanka
Ancient cities, tea hills and surf beaches
7.3
Ayurveda is a traditional healing system practised across this island, with herbal oils and special diets. Many clinics and resorts around Bentota and Galle offer multi day programmes. Tea estates in the hill country around Ella and Nuwara Eliya have cool air and quiet walking trails. Buddhist temples and meditation centres 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
Feedback