1. STORYTELLING IN PARADISE
Add a little culture to your tropical island hiatus, with the Jaipur Literature Festival at Soneva Fushi in the Maldives. Taking place between May 13-22, guests can enjoy a full-board experience at Soneva Fushi when staying four nights, as well as complimentary domestic transfers and full access to the festival programme. This year, the festival invites world-acclaimed authors to Soneva’s shores, from Elif Shafak and Mira Nair to Marcus du Sautoy and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, to share stories and poetry readings, alongside panel discussions, workshops, music and film screenings. Once you’ve had your literary fill each day, retire to your overwater suite and curl up with a good book on your private deck or whilst dipping your toes in your private pool, and indulge in some story escapism to the backdrop of the magical Indian Ocean.
2. FROM LAKE COMO WITH LOVE
One of the most breathtaking properties around Lake Como, Mandarin Oriental Lago di Como, is open again for the season. Nestled in a blooming botanical park, overlooking the sparkling waters, the elegant resort is the perfect blend of dynamic and glamorous, traditional and contemporary. For spring, its Reactivate Your Senses offer gives guests a night in the hotel, along with a lakefront breakfast for two, a 30-minute private consultation with the resort’s Sport and Adventure Manager, a guided three-hour hike to the top of Monte Boletto from lake views from above, 10 per cent discount when booking a second sports experience, a three-course lunch at CO.MO Bar & Bistrot, daily access to The Spa’s heat and water experiences and complimentary in-room minibar. Bella Italia, indeed!
3. WILDERNESS & WELLNESS
For some wildlife with a side order of wellness, book the Adventure & Rejuvenation package at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, for an immersion into the worlds of both nature and nurture. The four-day programme includes three signature wellness experiences and safari excursions by both land and sky, with game drives and a once-in-a-lifetime hot-air balloon safari. When you’re ready for some pampering, the Tree of Life Journey, a signature facial, and the Sunset Kopje Meditation will bring your mind, body and soul into alignment. The lodge sits next to a watering hole, where you can watch a family of elephants stop for their morning drink, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
4. ITALY, BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
COMO Castello del Nero reopens for the summer season this month, with a raft of new rituals, retreats and cultural experiences to tempt guests to the undulating hills of Tuscany. Wellness seekers can succumb to the holistic healing powers of the new COMO Shambhala Retreat, with a three-night escape featuring yoga, Pilates and signature treatments. If you’re a foodie, try the food-based experiences courtesy of COMO Shambhala Cuisine, with curated dishes that will boost your concentration, balance blood sugar and enhance general wellbeing. And for the culture vultures among you, the new Art & Architecture tours will take you to local hotspots, from Florence and Pisa to Lucca and San Gimignano, to explore hidden treasures and unexpected corners known only to locals.
5. NURTURE IN NATURE
With a views over lake Zurich and the Alps, a spa that spreads out over a whopping 4,000 square metres, and a medical and wellness team of professionals on hand that specialises in internal medicine, sports medicine, dermatology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, few hotels offer as such a luxury-meets-integrated medical offering as The Dolder Grand in Zurich. One of Zurich’s most famous landmarks, the hotel pairs wellness with world-class accommodation and holistic fine dining, meaning a retreat here is tonic for mind, body and soul.
Book the Sweet Escape to enjoy the property at its max, with breakfast, a voucher of CHF 100 to spend at the Spa or restaurant, unlimited access to the Dolder Grand Spa, and complimentary shuttle to the city, and use of the hotel’s guest cars. Time to relinquish control and relax.
6. MOVING MOUNTAINS
Take yourself off to Morocco for a magically immersive holiday at Kasbah Tamadot, which will see you discover, learn and love more about the Berber culture. The Authentically Berber Experience takes guests on a journey with a one-hour mule trek, tea in a local Berber house, a one-hour Berber cooking lesson, a Berber bread-making session and a visit to the Eve Branson Foundation. Set in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, nature is everywhere you look, as is privacy and serenity. With just 28 individually-designed rooms, you’ll feel virtually alone in this magical setting. Stay in a Berber Tent to enjoy a private deck and hot tub set to views of the valley, enjoy dinner on the roof terrace under the stars, and spend days languishing by this beautiful pool.
7. CAPITAL (WELLNESS) GAINS
A new-build property on the banks of the River Thames, The Westin London City is a beacon of cool, calming, sculptural design. Just opened this year, it has already made waves for both its location overlooking Shakespeare’s Globe and the Tate Modern, and for reinvigorating the wellness scene in the capital. The hotel’s wellness experience comes to life across six pillars – Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well and Play Well – letting guests personalise their stay and engage in programming to best suit their needs. The Feel Well Heavenly Spa City Break has all you need to, well, feel well! Stay the night and enjoy a 60-minute massage or 60-minute luxury facial, as well as a dinner prepared in consultation with your spa specialist, breakfast and early check-in/late check-out.
