Cut-copy-paste holiday itineraries are so passé! Luxe travel is all about stimulating your senses with experiences that are as exhilarating as they are rejuvenating. From the grounding benefits of forest bathing to the thrilling calm induced by
a night-dive amidst colourful marine life, the multisensory excursions at these luxury resorts will make you feel truly alive.
BY SHIBANI BAWA
Bathing in the Blue Lagoon, The Retreat, Iceland
Named one of the 25 wonders of the world by National Geographic in 2012, the Blue Lagoon and its geothermal waters are truly a sight to behold, and experience! Set amid dramatic volcanic environs, these warm, turquoise-hued pools are rich in skin-nourishing minerals, algae, and silica. Experience the revitalising and nourishing properties of these waters at The Retreat, a luxury hotel known for its transformative therapies at their subterranean spa and mineral-rich lagoon. Check into the Blue Lagoon Suite, which has two bedrooms,
a spacious living room, private spa, sauna, and steam room, for
a relaxing holiday. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer uninterrupted views of the surrounding pearlescent pools and moss-covered lava plain. The private lagoon shimmering with steaming waters, a magical mist, and unending healing benefits is definitely the highlight here. Pure indulgence for all the senses! bluelagoon.com
Snorkelling at Night, W Maldives
If you’re enamoured with the wonders of the underwater world during the day, then this experience is sure to take you to new depths. Literally! Jump into crystal-clear blue waters after the sun goes down to see the world-class house reef of the W Maldives come alive under starry skies. While the luxury resort offers several water-based activities, their night snorkelling programme is truly remarkable. The hour-long expedition includes an experienced diver who takes you on a personalised tour around the reef, sharing fascinating stories and views of some of the most amazing aquatic creatures. Armed with
a black light that clips on to the snorkelling mask (all the gear is free here), witness the stunning fluorescent coral and marine life in colours that stretch the spectrum of reality. If you’re lucky, you may even enjoy the rare experience of spotting the Maldivian tuna fish as they begin their night food hunt. marriott.com
Forest Bathing, Tenuta de lʼAnnunziata, Italy
Tapping into the ancient Japanese culture of embracing trees, Tenuta de l’Annunziata, a green oasis in the province of Como, offers an expanse of 32 acres of different bioenergetic landscapes. The vast area boasts 40 trees identified as being particularly beneficial to the human body. When placed in certain magnetic conditions of our planet, these trees spread their healing powers across several metres, creating ‘bioenergetic areas’. Lasting 90 minutes, the experience encourages guests to regain their physical and mental balance by opening their sensory channels—sight, hearing, touch, smell—to nature. The bioelectromagnetic signals emitted by the trees have intense beneficial effects on specific organs of the body and simply spending time in these spaces increases the sense of overall well-being. A meditation teacher offers dedicated paths through the forest. All you need to do is savour the gentle silence amid the rustling leaves of the surrounding trees. tenutadelannunziata.it
Multisensory Dining, Hard Rock Hotel, Spain
Located on the island of Ibiza, Sublimotion is one of the most expensive restaurants in the world, and for good reason—it offers, possibly, the most surreal and futuristic dining experiences created
till date! Helmed by double-Michelin-starred chef Paco Roncero, the unique enterprise offers a 20-course tasting menu that combines food, art, and illusionism in a bold, awe-inspiring concept designed
to stimulate all your senses. The avant-garde cuisine is served in
a high-tech, interactive space called the ‘capsule’, where a spectacular three-hour banquet takes diners—only 12 guests per night—on a journey through different times, places, and emotions, traversing
from a sensual 20th-century cabaret to the bottom of the ocean to
a futuristic sci-fi setting in 2050. The extravaganza combines the genius of famous film directors, award-winning music composers
and DJs, and a brilliant illusionist. sublimotionibiza.com
Swimming with Horses, NIHI Sumba, Indonesia
Arguably, the perfect vacation for equestrian enthusiasts!
A paradisiacal escape, the scenic NIHI Sumba resort in Bali offers exceptional riding excursions, thanks to their Sandalwood Stables, which host a team of local sport horses. While these include sunrise and sunset beach rides, a must-try here is their remarkable ‘swimming with the horses’ programme. As the high tide wanes, the stunning Nihiwatu Beach offers an idyllic setting to enjoy a ride into the blue waters. An experienced groomsman will find a suitable horse for you, equipped with a bareback pad for a comfortable grip, and lead you into the ocean. Start with a gentle stroll and pick up the pace while splashing through the shallow waters. As you go in deeper, the horses begin to swim and you find yourself floating weightlessly on their backs—it’s an exhilarating experience, to say the least! nihi.com
Stargazing, Ayers Rock Resort, Australia
The Australian Outback is considered to be one of the best places in the world to explore the galaxy of stars in the night sky. And Uluru,
an ancient sandstone monolith rising dramatically from the Central Australian desert, is one of the country’s most iconic tourist attractions. Formerly known as Ayers Rock, Uluru is about half a billion years old and is famous for its inimitable auburn hue that changes with seasons and times of the day. The Ayers Rock Resort offers
a stargazing tour designed for people of all ages, and divided into three segments: Past, Present, and Future. Besides gazing at the stars and constellations, guests learn stories of the Aboriginal people who have inhabited this land for millennia. In the Past section, you’ll learn how the night sky was used for mythology, orientation, and to predict upcoming seasons. The Present involves spotting different constellations, stars, and planets, while the Future offers thought-provoking insight into the forthcoming era for astronomy and humankind. Add to this the romance of gazing at the stars with your significant other, and you have all the makings of a memorable night out! ayersrockresort.com.au
Laughter Yoga, Breathwork, and Healing Music, Euphoria Retreat, Greece
Located in the charming hilly village of Mystras, the tranquil Euphoria Retreat offers a variety of programmes combining holistic Hippocratic medicine with Taoist spirituality—all designed to ensure guests experience a state of sensory euphoria! The luxe property’s ‘Feel Alive Again’ programme is a wonderful antidote to the effects of the recent pandemic. It aims to release negative emotions, anxiety, pent-up stress, and tension through a combination of meditation, breathwork, body movement, journaling, and symbolism. Activities such as laughter yoga, breathing techniques, and music sessions are used as healing tools that work at a deep-rooted level. You will learn new self-care, coping mechanisms and everyday rituals to make you feel safe, refreshed, and ready to reconnect with your inner spirit. euphoriaretreat.com
Himalayan Singing Bowls Treatment, The Oberoi Rajvilas, India
Housed in a restored 280-year-old Rajasthani haveli in Jaipur, The Oberoi Spa is the perfect space to indulge in sensorial treatments
that harmonise the mind and body. And one of the most calming is
the Himalayan singing bowls therapy. Placed strategically over the body’s energy points, these bowls are used to create sound vibrations that impact your energy meridians and help promote deep relaxation, release emotional trauma, and relieve stress. The repetitive motion of the mallet around the bowl is highly meditative, as well, and bestows
a feeling of tranquillity. Outside, beautiful peacocks frolicking in the lawns complete the picture of paradise. oberoihotels.com
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