10 wellness retreat trends to know about – Cond Nast Traveller

1. All-out lagoons

Sure, its cold outside in Iceland, but bubbling below the surface, geothermal energy is turning up the heat on wild-water dips in the land of fire and ice. Since the 12th century, Icelanders have soaked in silica-rich pools and hidden hot springs. But a new generation of super-spas is delivering greater comfort without making the experience any less rugged. By the same architects that created Keflaviks Blue Lagoon and the recent Geosea baths, Forest Lagoon, ensconced in rock and wood, is a timber-clad complex that seems to have emerged out of the sap-scented deep. Overlooking Valaskogur forests birch and pine, the Eyja fjord and the city of Akureyri, it includes a restaurant, two infinity pools, two swim-up bars, a cold tub and sauna. An hours drive north-east in the town of Husavik, Geoseas cliff-side seawater pools overlook a bay visited by humpbacks; while further east, near Egilsstair, Vok Baths have two pools suspended in a lake with water clean enough to drink. Down south, Reykjaviks Sky Lagoon has mastered the holistic hot-spring experience. A seven-step ritual includes a circuit of sauna, rain room and body scrub, waterfall shower and drinks at a swim-up bar: good vibes all round. Sarah Marshall

At the new Chenot Molecular Lab at Chenot Palace Weggis in Switzerland, epigenetics has gone up a notch. New mRNA-based technology at the brands sleek flagship on Lake Lucerne analyses gene activity, determines biological aging and prescribes treatment via supplements, nutrition, stress control and lifestyle changes. Inflammation, oxidative stress, hormonal imbalance and the structural integrity of tissue are highlighted. Its a modern approach, says Dr George Gaitanos, Chenots chief scientist and COO, where health is defined as what is unseen. Plus, its not all doom and gloom, because the epigenetic picture is dynamic and totally malleable, he promises. DNA is static, the 21,000 piano keys you were born with. But then you play the piano and create the melody. Are you hitting good notes, or are you too aggressive? The idea is to uncover the causes of aging and health issues years before the onset of decline. Lydia Bell

Healing Holidays can arrange a seven-night Advanced Detox programme from 6,449 per person full board; healingholidays.com. The Chenot Molecular Lab costs an extra 1,050

Sophie Delaporte / Trunk Archive

The meditation of the future is about diving deeper, a plunge into existential fathoms rather than a fey skip through the shallows of mindfulness. Mandali, a seductively minimalist new retreat in Italy, slides a side order of sybaritic comfort alongside pristine meditation instruction, with stunning views over Lake Orta inspiring guests into awed silence. At Eremito, Umbrias monastery-meets-eco hotel, meditators sleep in celluzze, or hermit cells, and the aura of peace here is palpable. Zenways life-shifting and intensive three-day retreats (in the UK, mainland Europe and the USA) are definitely not for the faint-minded. The schedule runs from dawn to nudging midnight, with 13 sessions every day. As you sit in pairs, it kicks off with a simple question: Tell me who you are? The idea is that the ego plays Twister with itself before finally giving in and settling into Zen awakening, or satori. It works and its often the beginners who get it first. Jane Alexander

Having honed Hollywoods highly insured bodies, The Ranch, known for its earthy fitness small, zesty-fresh plant-based portions and ferocious group hikes in nature has been airlifted to the sylvan surrounds of Palazzo Fiuggi. This frescoed haven outside Rome is best known for pristine medical attention and Heinz Becks carnivorous cuisine. The Ranch Italy at Palazzo Fiuggi is an unusual pairing but the proof is in the pudding. A 5.30am wake-up call heralds a stretch class followed by homemade granola and almond milk before a gruelling four-hour mountain hike that has some quitting after day one (theres more cardio and optional yoga later). Vegan fare such as macadamia Parmigiana is on the table throughout, with zero caffeine and alcohol. Daily deep tissue massages and restorative plunges into Kneipp pools take the edge off. For those who last the ride it is game-changing, with inches lost around midsections and bottoms hewn as lithe as lazio oak. Jemima Sissons

Healing Holidays can arrange a seven-night programme from 7,519 per person full board; healingholidays.com

Yoga as a gymnastic ego trip is losing its grip, while somatic movement, embodiment, fascial unwinding and pandiculation are edging in. At Yobaba Lounge in south-east France, embodiment pioneer Gertrud Keazor guides you to inhabit that soft animal of your body rather than bludgeoning you into the perfect Warrior II. Eyes are kept shut, all the better to enjoy birdsong and the soft breeze. Forget rigid adjustments follow your unfurling. You twist and twine around the mat, working deep into the fascia; its as much an emotional as a physical workout. Malabar Retreats centres on the Tibetan healing practice of Lu Jong at its outposts in Spain, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Its a stringent practice but doesnt require bendiness or strength so works for beginners, or anyone sick of yoga-sculpt. Gone are the days of gurus, lineages and the same set of pre-defined poses, says trailblazer Gillie Sutherland, who runs retreats in Croatia and online workshops. Its about working with the bodys natural intelligence, wild and free. JA

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10 wellness retreat trends to know about - Cond Nast Traveller