From beach villas in Indonesia to hot-spring resorts in Greece, wellness destinations have diverse offerings to suit many needs and tastes. But where are the best places to go via private air travel for a health pick-me-up, and what makes them such great wellbeing tonics? Find out here.
Top Wellness Travel Destinations
Wellness travel is one of the fastest-growing segments of the tourism industry. It offers people the chance to relax, replenish, and reconnect with their sense of balance, vitality, and serenity. The focus is on holistic health – physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, and certain places are renowned for doing just that.
It’s likely that most people have experienced getting back from a vacation only to feel that they need another break just to recover. However, the “holiday hangover” can be avoided altogether by focusing your getaway on renewing your health and revitalizing your energy reserves. This type of travel recharges the body and mind while immersing you in inspiring destinations, particularly in nature, and offering healthy menus and dining experiences that leave you feeling better than before.
From personalized health programs in Indonesia to luxury wellness spas in California and hot-spring resorts in Greece, wellness destinations have a huge range of offerings, and by choosing a private jet charter to get there you’ll arrive prepped for relaxation. So where are the best places to go to get away from it all? Let’s explore five of the top wellness destinations around the world and find out.
1. Bali
Known as the Island of the Gods, Bali is one of the most popular wellness destinations in the world. From its immaculate beaches and exotic greenery to its rich culture and deep spiritual roots, it is the perfect destination for those seeking serenity.
Ubud is the cultural capital of Bali, and boasts yoga studios and gourmet restaurants on almost every corner. The island is also known for its ample and inexpensive massage and spa treatments. Whether you’re staying at one of the many luxury wellness resorts or exploring the city and all its cultural and culinary delights, you’ll always be within arm’s reach of relaxing health or beauty treatments that combine the wisdom of traditional Indonesian healing with innovative wellness concepts.
The town is surrounded by cascading rice paddies and incredible Hindu temples, and many of the hotels and retreat centres are specifically focused on wellness. Visitors can look forward to lush Balinese spas, infinity pools surrounded by palm trees, yoga classes (of many types) and flower baths.
For a personalized wellness experience, visit Fivelements Retreat, nestled along the Ayung River just a 30-minute drive from the bustling centre of Ubud. This intimate luxury resort offers a collection of holistic practices, including Balinese ceremonies, healing rituals and culinary detoxes, as well as private pools and a boutique gym.
Getting there: Your private jet will arrive at Ngurah Rai International Airport (IATA code: DPS) in the provincial capital of Denpasar. This will be followed by a scenic one-hour drive to the retreat.
2. California
The opening of the Wellness Resource Center in Mill Valley, California in the mid-1970s popularised the term “wellness,” and the US state has since been known as a “mecca” for those seeking higher levels of health, fitness, and mental wellbeing. Healthy living is something of a religion for many in California, and the Golden State is home to a large variety of retreat centres, from yoga and meditation retreats to others offering surfing, mindfulness, or fitness packages.
With natural hot springs, private beaches, redwood forests, and sun-drenched trails aplenty, California is undoubtedly an abundant wellness destination.
For an escape to the countryside, visit Cal-a-Vie Health Spa in the hills of Vista, northern San Diego County, southern California. At this luxury destination wellness spa, you’ll be treated to an organic farm-to-table culinary experience and nutrition consultations, personalized fitness packages, aquatic massages, acupuncture and craniosacral therapy at the spa. Unwind with meditation classes, stargazing in the observatory, wine tasting and more while nestled away in this picturesque European-style spa and resort, surrounded by grapevines and lavender fields.
Getting there: Cal-a-Vie Health Spa provides complimentary transportation to and from the San Diego International Airport (SAN.) Meanwhile, if you’re taking a private jet flight, a complimentary service will pick you up from McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) which is just a 25-minute drive from the resort.
3. Costa Rica
Pura Vida, meaning “pure life,” is the unofficial motto of this beautiful Central American country, rated as one of the happiest places on the planet. If you visit, you’ll see why, given the idyllic setting, which includes lush tropical rainforests, pristine beaches and an abundance of wildlife. A visit to Costa Rica is all about unplugging and immersing yourself in nature, enjoying a healthy lifestyle, and of course, adventure.
For those needing to recharge and renew their lust for life, Costa Rica has some incredible adventures on offer, from surfing in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean to whitewater rafting, exploring the primeval rainforests of Tirimbina and visiting hot springs and volcanoes.
Visit Papagayo Peninsula in the northwest of the country, home to Andaz Costa Rica Resort, to relax, reconnect, and recharge. Here you’ll have access to three private beaches, a world-class golf course, four distinct restaurants, and the natural beauty of the peninsula’s 1,400 acres. The luxury spa offers massage, body treatments, reiki, sound healing, yoga and meditation classes and more.
Getting there: Your private jet charter will fly into Liberia International Airport (LIR); from there, a private shuttle transfer will get you to the resort within 35 minutes.
4. Greece
Wellness is a deeply ingrained aspect in Greek philosophy and culture. The Mediterranean diet is renowned for being one of the healthiest ways to eat, while the warm climate and crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea provide an incredible setting for a relaxing vacation. The abundant thermal springs are at the core of this spectacular country’s wellness tourism offering.
Thalassotherapy centres and spas operate around the country, and involve heating seawater to temperatures between 35℃ and 37℃ to treat musculoskeletal, respiratory and cardiovascular ailments and more. Natural thermal and mineral springs are also popular. These therapeutic practices, in addition to the immaculately beautiful landscape, slow-living philosophy, and fresh cuisine focusing on fruit, vegetables, nuts, olive oil and seafood, create a truly tranquil experience for travellers to relax and unwind.
For an authentic experience, visit Amanzoe luxury resort and spa, situated among hillside olive groves – near Porto Heli, in the Argolis region of the eastern Peloponnese – with views of the Aegean Sea. Lounge at the resort’s private beach club, enjoy the sauna, massages, sea bathing, and natural treatments at the spa, and indulge in the traditional Greek, Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine at the signature restaurant, Nama.
Getting there: A private aircraft rental will save you the 2.5-hour drive from Athens International Airport (ATH). Browse our aircraft guide to choose a helicopter of your liking.
5. Hawaii
Hawaii offers a breathtaking tropical landscape as the backdrop to your wellness vacation, and has an abundance of healthy activities such as snorkelling, beach yoga, hiking, traditional massage, and more. The diverse natural wonders, culture, and “Aloha” spirit of these islands give them their name as the healing islands.
Visit Grand Wailea resort on the island of Maui for a truly luxurious experience. Enjoy a volcanic foot scrub, hydrating coconut scalp massage, and traditional lomilomi full-body massage at the award-winning spa. You can also go kayaking, snorkelling, and paddleboarding at the beach, as well as experience traditional music, ceremonies and dishes in the evening and take some time to explore the island.
Getting there: If you’re flying private via Air Charter Service (ACS), you’ll be flying into Kahului Airport (OGG). A private shuttle will await your arrival, and then it’s just a quick 35-minute drive to your destination.
Charter a private plane with ACS
Air Charter Service makes getting to and from your chosen wellness destination easier than ever with our private jet flights. Contact us to charter a plane, whether it’s a light jet charter or another aircraft that meets your requirements.