While places like Ubud and the Alps have long held the wellness spotlight, a new wave of transformative retreats is emerging in destinations you might never expect. From the Himalayan highlands of Mustang to the coastal cliffs of Costa Rica, these under-the-radar havens offer the same level of luxury, healing, and soul-soothing serenity—with far fewer crowds. Whether you’re seeking ancient rituals, biohacking therapies, or total digital detox, these ten under-the-radar wellness retreats prove that wellness can thrive in the most surprising corners of the world.
Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som — Al Ruwais, Qatar
Set along Qatar’s peaceful northern coast, Zulal Wellness Resort is the country’s first full-immersion wellness destination and a pioneer in the Middle East’s transformative retreat landscape. Operated by Chiva-Som, the globally acclaimed Thai wellness brand, Zulal uniquely integrates Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine (TAIM) with modern diagnostics, herbal remedies, movement therapy, and immersive rituals. It’s a place where guests don’t just relax — they realign body, mind, and spirit through deeply personal healing journeys.
What it feels like: A serene desert oasis meets holistic wellbeing, with thoughtful service and meaningful rituals.
Shinta Mani Mustang – A Bensley Collection — Jomsom, Nepal
Towering above the clouds in the Lower Mustang region of Nepal, Shinta Mani Mustang offers a rare blend of high-altitude healing, dramatic landscapes, and Tibetan-inspired wellness rituals. From holistic treatments rooted in Buddhist philosophy to sacred hikes and energy work, this retreat is designed to elevate the spirit as much as the body.
What it feels like: A majestic and mystical portal — where ancient energy meets frontier luxury.
The Retreat Costa Rica — Atenas, Costa Rica
Perched on a crystal-rich mountain an hour from San José, The Retreat is the brainchild of celebrity chef and wellness expert Diana Stobo. Its signature approach fuses Ayurveda, crystal therapy, hormone balancing, and clean garden-to-table cuisine. Costa Rica’s famously balanced climate and rich biodiversity serve as the backdrop for elemental healing designed to restore your light — physically, emotionally, and energetically.
What it feels like: Whimsical yet grounded — you’ll feel held by the land, the team, and the energy of the space.
See also: Into the Wild: The Best Jungle Hotels Around the World
Aro Ha Wellness Retreat — Glenorchy, New Zealand
Tucked into a remote valley near Queenstown, Aro Ha is an off-grid eco-retreat where guests detox through hiking, breathwork, communal dining, and plant-based nutrition. Purposefully minimalist in both architecture and programming, it invites introspection, movement, and awe — powered by the dramatic energy of the Southern Alps.
What it feels like: Wild, clean, minimalist luxury — for those who want a mind-body reset through nature.
See also: Welleisure is the New Wellness: 8 Resorts That Perfect the Balance
EcoHotel El Agua — Tenerife, Canary Islands
Sculpted from volcanic stone on the sun-drenched southern coast of Tenerife, EcoHotel El Agua is a raw-yet-luxurious haven focused on hydrotherapy, raw vegan cuisine, and elemental healing. Water, silence, and light are used as primary tools for detoxification and renewal. Every detail reflects a commitment to sustainable luxury and spiritual restoration.
What it feels like: Elemental and immersive — a deeply grounding experience with ocean views and volcanic air.
Sangha Retreat by Octave Institute — Suzhou, China
Just outside Shanghai, Sangha Retreat is a futuristic wellness village that blends ancient Eastern wisdom with Western integrative medicine. Designed for deep transformation, programs include DNA testing, sound therapy, holistic diagnostics, and spiritual mentoring. The retreat reimagines what wellness can be — clinical, communal, and contemplative all at once.
What it feels like: Clean, modern, and cerebral — a conscious city of wellness in its own right.
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat — Cederberg, South Africa
Set within a vast UNESCO-protected wilderness, Bushmans Kloof offers healing that’s elemental and ancestral. Think indigenous African botanicals, rock art meditation walks, and outdoor spa treatments powered by nature. This is wellness that connects you not just to yourself, but to the land and its lineage.
What it feels like: Untamed yet sacred — like being wrapped in the soul of the earth.
See also: 10 Medi-Wellness Retreats for Precision Health & Bio-Individual Healing
