Dry-Tripping: Why you should try this wellness-infused travel trend in 2024

COMO Shambhala Estate, Bali, Indonesia

Credit: COMO Shambhala Estate

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Way before everyone made an Eat, Pray, Love-style pilgrimage to Bali, COMO Shambhala Estate was already a respite for those seeking to improve their well-being. The flagship hotel of the COMO Group, this is probably the best place for a proper reset.

You’re unlikely to think of a glass of Chablis when you’re at the 23-acre property, a serene setting hugged by verdant mountains and two rivers. There’s nothing but relaxation on the agenda, thanks to its extensive selection of Ayurvedic treatments and menu of delicious, healthy food. If you don’t have time for a full-on wellness weekend, have a taste of it at their recently opened urban property, COMO Singapore.

Amankora, Bhutan

Credit: Amankora

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If you’re looking for a spiritual sojourn, look no further than this mystical Himalayan nation. Be it hiking to the Tiger’s Nest monastery or exploring its untraversed valleys, Bhutan is the perfect place to embrace the art of slow travel — and ideal for an alcohol-free holiday, too.

Last year, the country halved its Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) tourist tax to $100 per day, which means it’s a bit more affordable and accessible to visit. While there are new five-star hotels to check out like the &Beyond Punakha River Lodge, the ultimate remains the circuit of five Aman hotels known as Amankora. A stay here is a major splurge, for sure, but you’re guaranteed ultimate bliss in one of the happiest countries in the world.

Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa, Baden-Baden, Germany

Credit: Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa

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Next time you’re in Berlin or Munich, why not carve out time for Baden-Baden — one of the original wellness hubs in Europe. This UNESCO World Heritage spa town in Germany is revered for its healing thermal water promising a unique restorative escape.

If you can afford to indulge, check into the 150-year-old Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa, which is known for providing leading spa treatments and medical care in a plush setting. From Augustinus Bader facials to aesthetic dentistry, this is the self-care holiday of your dreams.

Chiva-Som, Hua Hin, Thailand

Credit: Chiva-Som

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Think of a leading Asian wellness resort and inevitably the pioneering brand Chiva-Som comes to mind. It offers guests everything they need to achieve a better version of themselves, and they also espouse the idea of “sustainable wellness”.

All this means is they encourage you to use this place to kickstart a lifestyle transformation that you can continue at home. So if your goal is to lessen your alcohol intake, they will craft a programme tailored to your goals so you can return home equipped with the tools to drink consciously.

Janu Tokyo

Credit: Janu Tokyo

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The newest brand from the Aman universe is unsurprisingly centred on wellness, but one that is rooted in connecting with yourself and others. Meaning “soul” in Sanskrit, Janu is opening its first property in Tokyo’s brand-new development, Azabudai Hills, in March.

Janu will feature a plethora of dining options—which will surely have plenty of creative non-alcoholic drinks on the menu—as well as a 4,000sqm Janu Wellness centre with hydrotherapy, thermal areas, various pools and all the exercise equipment you want. It’s sure to satisfy those keen on a stylish wellness holiday with an urban slant.