Wellness Travel: What's New

June was a month of rediscovery. I returned to Vietnam for the first time in several years, revisiting TIA Wellness Resort while also experiencing the Namia River Retreat for the first time. I also spent time back in Bali, visiting COMO Shambhala Estate alongside some much-enjoyed time with family.

One of the biggest takeaways from this trip was seeing how much wellness travel continues to evolve. Whether in Vietnam or Bali, the focus is shifting towards experiences that feel more personalised, immersive and sustainable. Guests still want better sleep, less stress and more energy, but increasingly they're looking to integrate wellness and make lasting changes rather than simply ticking off a wellness program.

These visits have also inspired me as I continue designing bespoke wellness journeys throughout Southeast Asia.

Looking a little further ahead, enquiries for Japan continue to grow. From October, the weather becomes cooler, the autumn colours begin to appear and it's the perfect time to experience one of Japan's greatest wellness traditions – its onsen culture. Combining hot spring stays with traditional ryokans, forest walks and exceptional food creates a wellness journey that feels both restorative and deeply connected to place. Stay tuned, as I'll be sharing some exciting new offers and itinerary ideas for this increasingly popular destination soon.

I'm also delighted to share that The Wellness Travel Expert has been shortlisted for Travel Agency of the Year in the Destination Deluxe Awards – our second industry nomination in this category this year. Thank you to everyone who has booked with me, referred a friend or simply cheered me on from the sidelines. Your support means more than you know.

With that in mind, here are a few wellness retreats, offers and updates worth exploring this month.

Featured This Month

• The Wellness Travel Expert shortlisted for Travel Agency of the Year

• Pilates Reformer & Wellness Escape at Absolute Sanctuary

• DATU introduces new boutique retreats in Italy and Goa

• Zulal Wellness Resort welcomes guests back from 1 July

• Current offers from leading wellness retreats around the globe

Another Exciting Nomination

I'm delighted to share that The Wellness Travel Expert has been shortlisted for Travel Agency of the Year in the 2026 Destination Deluxe Awards. Being recognised alongside some of the world's leading names in luxury and wellness travel is an honour, and it's a reflection of the wonderful clients and industry partners who continue to support my business.

If you'd like to read more about the nomination, you can do so on the blog here.

New Wellness Direction for Absolute Sanctuary

One of the biggest updates this month comes from Absolute Sanctuary in Koh Samui, which has introduced a refreshed wellness philosophy centred around four pillars: Movement for Vitality, Healing from Within, Nourish to Flourish and Live the Change.

It's a natural evolution for the resort and reflects a broader trend I'm seeing across the wellness industry. Rather than focusing on a single objective such as detox or fitness, more retreats are helping guests build sustainable habits that support long-term health and wellbeing.

Alongside the rebrand, Absolute has launched two new signature programs:

• Gut Rejuvenation, designed to support digestive health through personalised nutrition, targeted therapies and lifestyle coaching.

• Sports Recovery & Reset, combining recovery therapies, yoga, Pilates and contrast therapy to improve mobility and support active lifestyles.

The resort has also added several new wellness facilities, including a contrast therapy zone, an infrared hot yoga studio and a new rhythm cycling studio.

If you're considering a stay later this year, there is also an excellent Summer Promotion available for bookings made by 31 October 2026, with savings on both accommodation and wellness programs.

Pilates Reformer & Wellness Escape

25–27 July 2026

One of the first retreats to showcase Absolute's renewed focus on movement is the upcoming Pilates Reformer & Wellness Escape.

Led by senior instructor and physiotherapist Jean Paolo "JP" Alminar, this three-day retreat combines reformer Pilates, postural assessment and private coaching with restorative experiences including meditation, sound healing, massage and contrast therapy.

Although the retreat itself runs for three days, I'd recommend extending your stay. Koh Samui is an easy destination to settle into, and a few extra nights gives you time to enjoy the resort's wellness facilities or simply relax.

For travellers looking for a more comprehensive wellness holiday, this retreat could also be combined with a stay at another excellent wellness property in Thailand, such as RXV Wellness Village near Bangkok. Combining these two resorts could create a fantastic multi-centre itinerary - exactly the kind of personalised wellness journey I enjoy designing for clients.

What's New from DATU Wellness

I featured DATU earlier this year, and they've since confirmed a number of new retreats and departure dates for the remainder of 2026. If you're looking for a smaller, more intimate wellness experience, they're well worth considering.

A Return to Balance

Amalfi Coast, Italy
13–20 September | 18–25 October | 16–23 November 2026

DATU's signature Ayurveda retreat combines personalised consultations, treatments, yoga, meditation and nourishing cuisine in a historic palazzo overlooking the Amalfi Coast.

The final departure in November also welcomes special guest Tulku Lobsang Rinpoche, who will lead sessions in Tummo and Dzogchen meditation.

A Monastic Meditation

Umbria, Italy

One of DATU's newest retreat concepts, this contemplative experience is held within a restored monastery surrounded by protected woodland. It's designed for guests seeking silence, meditation and the opportunity to disconnect from everyday life.

Dimora di DATU Goa

Launching late 2026

Later this year, DATU expands into Goa with a new retreat inspired by the traditions of Ayurveda, yoga and meditation in the country where these practices originated.

Whether you're drawn to Italy or India, I'd be happy to help you compare the different retreats and find the one that best suits your wellbeing goals.

Zulal Wellness Resort Reopens

After temporarily closing earlier this year, Zulal Wellness Resort will reopen its adults-only Serenity side from 1 July 2026.

This is welcome news for anyone considering a wellness retreat in the Middle East. Serenity has always been the heart of Zulal's adult wellness offering, combining Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine with contemporary wellness programs in a peaceful coastal setting.

The family-focused Discovery side is expected to reopen in October following scheduled maintenance, making this a good option to consider for later in the year.

Want to know what it's really like to stay at Zulal? Read my full review here.

Current Wellness Offers

If you're currently planning your next wellness getaway, there are some excellent promotions available at the moment. Here are a couple that caught my eye this month.

SHA Wellness Clinic (Spain & Mexico)

• Book by 31 August 2026

• Stay four nights and receive a complimentary fifth night

Absolute Sanctuary

Book: Now – 31 October 2026
Stay: 1 August – 31 October 2026

• Save 20% on Room & Breakfast bookings.

• Save 25% on accommodation plus 15% off wellness programs.

Discover all the latest offers on our offers page here.

Where to Go in July: Chasing the Sun

If you're dreaming of warmer days, July is a wonderful time to escape to Bali or Vietnam, both of which offer warm weather, plenty of sunshine and an impressive range of wellness experiences.

Bali remains one of the world's best-known wellness destinations, whether you're looking for a transformational stay at COMO Shambhala Estate, a personalised wellness program at REVĪVŌ, or a quieter retreat tucked away in the hills around Ubud.

Vietnam continues to surprise many travellers. Properties such as TIA Wellness Resort and Namia River Retreat are showcasing a different style of wellness—one that's deeply connected to Vietnamese hospitality, local culture and a slower pace of life.

Having recently spent time in both destinations, I came home reminded that there isn't one "best" wellness destination. The right choice depends on what you're hoping to achieve, and helping clients find that fit is one of my favourite parts of the job. Request More Details

Ready to Plan Your Wellness Journey?

Whether you're considering a dedicated wellness retreat, a luxury wellness holiday or a bespoke journey combining multiple destinations, I'd love to help you find the right fit. I work closely with carefully selected wellness partners around the world and have personally visited many of the properties I recommend, so every itinerary is tailored to your individual goals, travel style and budget. If something in this month's round-up has inspired you, let's start planning your next wellness journey.

You can email hello@thewellnesstravelexpert.com or request a call back at a time that suits you here.