Cover Ibiza, Spain is one of the best places to go in the world to escape to (Photo: Getty Images)
Ibiza, Spain is one of the best places to go in the world to escape to (Photo: Getty Images)
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Embark on a journey of self-discovery and renewal with these relaxing travel destinations—some of the best places to go around the world
To many, the image of a serene escape conjures a seaside retreat replete with nature’s sights and sounds, savoured with a cool cocktail in hand. Today, however, a vital factor plays a major role in the travel landscape: wellness is now taking centre stage, with peace of mind as the ultimate destination.
Actress and yoga instructor Maxene Magalona knows this well and opens up about her journey through anger management struggles—a path of introspection and profound self-discovery. Acknowledging a pattern of overthinking and overreaction that plagued her past, Magalona recognised the need for a transformative shift.
Read more: When mindfulness and chaos meet: Maxene Magalona on self-healing
“I realised if I’m experiencing problems with anger, I might as well do the exact opposite: quiet myself, breathe, silence the noise around me and connect with my emotions,” she says. It was more of a realisation—an inner reflection that came to her when she got tired of the vicious cycle of getting angry, apologising after lashing out, and then doing the same a week later. She started yoga and dove deep into her meditation practice in 2019. “It took a while, but I’m happy to say I am now calmer,” she shares. “In 2020, I became a certified meditation teacher.”
The actress learnt from Daniella Mandela at the School of Healing Arts and rediscovered herself during her stay in Bali, Indonesia. Bali, alongside other wonders around the world, offers healing and the need for our well-being. Scientific studies affirm the positive impact of a natural environment on mental health and its efficacy in reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being.
For this article, Tatler rounds up the best places to go, which serve as sanctuaries for rejuvenation where one can immerse in tranquillity and embark on a journey of self-discovery and renewal—just like Magalona did.
More from Tatler: 5 Alternative beach destinations near Metro Manila 2024
Ibiza, Spain
Above Aerial view of Ibiza town, Castell de Eivissa. Balearic Islands, Spain (Photo: Getty Images)
Aerial view of Ibiza town, Castell de Eivissa. Balearic Islands, Spain (Photo: Getty Images)
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After the COVID-19 pandemic, Ibiza went past its reputation of being the life of the party; it has become known to tourists as a renowned wellness hot spot, too. While the other half of the island kept to its partying side, the other catered to travellers looking for rejuvenation through yoga retreats, healing centres and wellness facilities, as well as those seeking to plan corporate events, weddings, family reunions and romantic escapes.
Above Ibiza old town with flowers on summertime (Photo: Getty Images)
Ibiza old town with flowers on summertime (Photo: Getty Images)
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The Sound Healing and Kundalini Yoga Retreat—by yoga instructors Erica Monti, Jeremie Quidu and Chiara Ulivieri—is one of the many retreat areas the island offers. The team want to share their way of life and evoke the feeling of “nourishing each other”. They also do Kundalini yoga, an ancient yogic practice that is called the “yoga of awareness”. It has been described as the most comprehensive yogic practice in existence, combining meditation mantra and physical and breathing exercises.
Apart from Kundalini, guests can also experience sound healing with crystal singing bowls and crystals to purify, open and balance the energetic system, together with mantras and meditation, sound and silence to guide them into their sacred inner space.
Mustang, Nepal
Above The 29-suite hotel offers one of Nepal’s best scenery (Photo: Shinta Mani Mustang)
The 29-suite hotel offers one of Nepal’s best scenery (Photo: Shinta Mani Mustang)
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Renowned designer Bill Bensley has brought his creative genius to the magical district of Mustang, Nepal. Nestled on the hillside above town is Shinta Mani Mustang, it is one of the best places to go to—a perfectly positioned haven for experiencing the hidden gems of nature and enlightenment.
Above It is a showcase of local textiles and materials (Photo: Shinta Mani Mustang)
Above Inside Shinta Mani Mustang (Photo: Shinta Mani Mustang)
It is a showcase of local textiles and materials (Photo: Shinta Mani Mustang)
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The area is of Bensley design, with the orchestration of Jason Friedman and the local knowledge and years of hospitality experience of Namgyal Sherpa, CEO of Sherpa Hospitality. It boasts elegantly designed interiors, local materials, hand-picked art and rich textiles, creating an ambience of luxury and comfort.
As part of its all-inclusive, five-night programme, the hotel rates include modern Nepalese meals with a new dinner menu daily. It also has treatments and privately-guided day trips that can cover a myriad of activities—from archery, cycling, trekking and horse riding to rock climbing.
Da Nang, Vietnam
Above Yoga in Da Nang, Vietnam (Photo: Tia Wellness Resort)
Above Tia Wellness Resort is a must-visit wellness destination (Photo: Tia Wellness Resort)
Yoga in Da Nang, Vietnam (Photo: Tia Wellness Resort)
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Da Nang is one of Asia’s top destinations for holistic healing. Smaller and less crowded than Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, it’s popular with travellers in search of a far-flung escape while being close to both the beach and jungle.
Tia Wellness Resort in Da Nang, in particular, integrates the concept of holistic well-being into your stay through treatments and wellness activities that are imperative to activating your core creative energy. Customised and private retreats for single guests and groups, are available upon request. For a choice of four or seven nights, the focus can be on specific goals such as emotional healing and growth or body and mind cleansing.
Related: ‘Miss Saigon’ in Manila—a passionate spectacle that illuminates the grim aftermath of Vietnam war
A secluded island in Palawan
Above Palawan is home to myriad secret lagoons (Photo: Getty Images)
Above Mornings in Hiraya are perfect for yoga and meditation (Photo: Hiraya Wellness Resort)
Palawan is home to myriad secret lagoons (Photo: Getty Images)
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Nestled on the serene shores of Palawan, Hiraya Wellness Retreat offers an immersive six-day odyssey dedicated to mental wellness—an experience that transcends its picturesque scenery.
Designed to address the root causes of mental health issues and emotional burdens, each session guides a guest towards inner peace and emotional well-being. By blending ancient wisdom and modern techniques, their team empowers individuals to embrace life with clarity, strength and purpose.
Above Hiraya Wellness Resort from the outside (Photo: Hiraya Wellness Resort)
Hiraya Wellness Resort from the outside (Photo: Hiraya Wellness Resort)
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The team considers themselves more than just facilitators; they are a support system, one’s partners on the path to root cause healing. Dr Noreen Molina brings over 20 years of experience to the table, with a storied career in psychiatry that has allowed her to experience a spectrum of healing modalities, from traditional to holistic. Joining her are Ziggie Gonzales and Marina Bulaong, who are dedicated to provide guests with unwavering support and guidance.
Panglao Island, Bohol
Above An aerial view of the pristine shores of Dauis, Bohol (Photo: Mithi Resort and Spa)
An aerial view of the pristine shores of Dauis, Bohol (Photo: Mithi Resort and Spa)
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When people get asked what place they want to visit in the Philippines, answers will usually revolve around Palawan, Siargao and Boracay. Yet, unbeknownst to many, Bohol stands as an uncharted island awaiting recognition, a hidden gem boasting the pristine white sands of Panglao Island.
One of the best places to go in the area is Mithi Resort & Spa, formerly Panglao Island and Nature Resort. It is a 14-hectare wellness paradise featuring mountainside and North Zen Villas—a fellow wellness and relaxation spot. The resort offers a range of unique massage treatments inspired by different countries, including the Japanese Shitao Stone Massage, a head-to-toe treatment using volcanic stones, and the African Khanya Energy Balance Body Massage which uses wooden African rattles on the body. Guests can also participate in yoga classes, kayaking and caving.
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is a digital editor at Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
