Wellness, Reimagined: How to Switch Off in the Indian Ocean

Wellness doesn't look the same for everyone. Sometimes it's a structured retreat, sometimes it's a long walk somewhere beautiful, and sometimes it's simply a poolside drink with nowhere else to be.

We asked the Hummingbird team what wellness means to them and picked out a few of the properties where they've found it easiest to switch off; from dedicated wellbeing islands to some of our favourite places simply to slow down.

If wellness is the reason for the trip, JOALI BEING takes the concept seriously. As a dedicated wellbeing island, everything from the movement programme and nutrition to sleep and treatments is designed around restorative living. The impressive facilities include hydrotherapy, Watsu, sound therapy and a huge range of movement experiences.

Dean, our Reservations Manager for the Americas, particularly loved the spa facilities, noting: “You can actually go and use the sauna and open jacuzzi in the spa area complimentary without having to book a treatment, so nice to go to after the gym.”

At Hideaway, wellness can be as structured or unstructured as you like. There’s a dedicated Wellness Studio, complimentary yoga and meditation, a fitness centre with a resident trainer, plus Ayurvedic and Balinese treatments at the spa. For those who prefer to stay active, tennis, cycling, jogging trails and watersports offer plenty of options.

But perhaps the best part is having the freedom to do absolutely nothing. As Via from our team puts it, “Turns out my favourite form of self-care comes with palm trees and a poolside drink, taking time to simply exist in a place like this!” Sometimes, that really is the perfect reset.

Tucked away in the mountains around an hour from Kandy, Santani is somewhere you can really slow down. Ayurveda sits at the heart of the experience, alongside personalised treatments, yoga, meditation and wonderfully fresh food. Outside of the spa, daily nature walks head into the surrounding Knuckles Mountain Range, so there's plenty of opportunity to get out and explore too.

Sanka, one of our Sri Lanka experts says:

“Santani is the place to be in terms of wellness.” And it's easy to see why. The mountain-view chalets are beautifully peaceful, with clouds seemingly beneath your feet in the morning, while the minimalist design and remote setting make it wonderfully easy to switch off. It won't be for everyone, but for clients looking to properly disconnect and immerse themselves in nature, Santani is a very special place.

Wellness at Raffles Seychelles is as much about the setting as it is about the spa. Nestled on Praslin, the resort makes it easy to combine spa treatments, yoga and fitness with time spent exploring the island, whether that's walking through the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai, heading out on the water or simply enjoying the beach.

For Lucy from our team, the scenery was a real highlight: “My favourite thing about the Seychelles was the incredible scenery, from dramatic granite boulders to lush, tropical landscapes, and Raffles Seychelles is perfectly placed to take it all in – it's got the best views!”

She particularly recommends getting out and exploring before returning to the resort to relax, describing it as “a chance to slow down, get outside and really make the most of the beautiful surroundings.”

Wellness at Viceroy Riviera Maya is centred around slowing down and reconnecting with yourself and your surroundings. The resort's spa offers a range of treatments inspired by Mayan traditions, while the setting lends itself to a more relaxed approach, with private villas, individual pools and plenty of space to spend time outdoors. Guests can also take part in activities such as yoga and fitness sessions, or simply make the most of the beach and surrounding jungle.

For Pip, our Head of Caribbean & Mexico, it's the latter that makes Viceroy particularly appealing. “Wellness means to me pure relaxation! A lazy morning where no alarm has been set, a walk along the beach, no notifications on and perhaps a massage in the afternoon!” With a private pool, hammock and secluded villa to retreat to, it's an easy place to disconnect from the outside world, and, as Pip says, perhaps with a margarita or two as well.

At LUX* Belle Mare, wellness feels less like a retreat and more like something you can naturally build into your stay. The LUX* ME Spa offers personalised treatments alongside yoga, Pilates, fitness and other ways to stay active, while the beach and lagoon are always close by when you simply want to slow down.

That balance is part of what makes Mauritius so appealing. As Andreea from our trade partners discovered on a recent trip, even a simple massage at one of the island's resorts can become a real highlight. With its beautiful beach, excellent food and plenty to explore beyond the resort, LUX Belle Mare works particularly well for clients who want to feel refreshed without making wellness the sole focus of their holiday.