New Year, new leaf, that’s what’s top of mind for most of us when 1 January rolls around.
If you’re looking to get a clean start on healthy living, a detox for mind and body could be the right choice for you. Especially after the excesses of the festive season.
There are a few reasons why you shouldn’t try this at home. DIY detoxes aren’t nearly as effective as those offered by centers that specialize in that kind of thing.
Besides, it’s so hard to stick with the program when your family and friends are maxing out on fast foods and fizzy drinks.
The only way to detox is to get away from it all.
Here’s a rundown of the best detox destinations in some of the world’s most beautiful places.
Choosing the Best Detox Destinations
It’s important to note that these aren’t the kind of places you go for medical detoxes, like an opioid detox. For that kind of thing, you need specialized care such as anesthesia assisted detoxification or similar.
Here’s where to go if you want to reboot your system and get back on track.
1. Esalen Institute
Go off grid and offline at this plush Pacific Coast retreat in Big Sur, California.
You’ll feel like you’re about to drop off the end of the Earth as you soak in your cliffside jacuzzi, gazing over purple-hued beaches and the shimmering ocean.
The hardest part of the time spent at Esalen is the digital detox.
Meals are healthful, organic and nourishing, crafted from the freshest locally sourced fish and eggs. A wide range of greens hails from the onsite garden.
Between meals, keep busy with life-changing workshops, massages and free access to the fully-equipped gym.
This is the perfect gentle detox to kick start your resolutions.
2. Amangiri Canyon Point
If anyone knows about living your best life in tune with nature and spirituality, it’s the native American Indians.
At Amangiri, you’ll experience total seclusion, wrapped in the warm heart of southern Utah’s Grand Circle.
Here you can hide away from it all or immerse yourself in a range of activities. Horseback riding, hikes, yoga or poolside relaxation are all on the cards, but you can also chill out in your private suite with canyon views and escape from it all.
Amangiri base their spa treatments on the traditional Navajo concepts of earth, fire, and water to rejuvenate you both inside and out.
A personal trainer will ensure you’re fighting fit when you leave here.
3. Absolute Sanctuary Thailand
Should you want to go the whole hog during your detox retreat, head for Thailand’s balmy shores. Thailand is an amazing destination, and Absolute Sanctuary offers the best detox cleanse for all kinds of purists.
Are you into fasting, clay drinks, colonics or abdominal massages? This is the place for you. If you’d rather take it a little slower with gentle massages, pilates, yoga, and anti-stress activities, you’ll be right at home too.
Thai cooking is well-known for its light, clean and spicy flavors. That’s exactly what you’ll get if you do opt for the traditional menu.
4. Phuket Cleanse
This is another Asian treat for those who take this kind of thing seriously.
You can look forward to a detoxifying raw vegan diet and intense daily workouts. Raw food, juices, and smoothies are the order of the day, as well as a hearty helping of meditation and yoga.
Your treatment includes doctor assessments and health tests to find the perfect anti-aging, de-stressing and re-rejuvenation treatments for you.
These could include hydration clay, ice baths, oxygen, and ozone therapy.
Despite the deprivations, those who’ve been there describe this place as the best way to detox and change your life for good.
5. The Farm at San Benito
The Farm offers more of a tropical escape than a rural holiday.
Nestled in clearing deep in a dense jungle, this resort gives you every opportunity to take a deep breath and a long hard look at your life.
Here, you’ll encounter the science-based Five-Pillar approach which includes the following steps:
- Diagnose
- Cleanse
- Nourish
- Repair
- Sustain
A dedicated team of spa therapists, nutritionists, yoga instructors, fitness instructors, and doctors will guide you along this journey toward self-fulfillment.
6. New Zealand’s Aro Ha
This is one of the world’s most picturesque detox destinations, with a strong emphasis on fitness.
Programs center around mindfulness, good eating habits, healing, and activity. Meals are gluten and dairy free, consisting of vegetarian and paleo eats thoughtfully prepared to ease you into your new lifestyle.
If these gentle methods and delicious eats don’t lure you into a better state of mind and body, the glorious views over Lake Wakatipu surely will.
7. Haramara Retreat
Clients flock to this blissful Mexican paradise to revel in the healing ocean breeze, uplifting yoga drills, and traditional spiritual exercises to purify the spirit.
Organic gourmet meals, a private beach, and secluded thatch chalets seal the deal for lovers of this tropical paradise escape.
You’ll learn to appreciate sipping on healthful juice cocktails as you watch the sun sink into the ocean, and revel in alfresco spa treatments by expert therapists.
In the evenings, you’ll retire to the bliss of your private candle-powered suite far from the ravages of technology at this eco-friendly resort.
8. Montego Bay Spa at Round Hill Resort
As the playground of the rich and famous, this Montego Bay retreat has it all.
Experience tailor-made menus to assist your personal detox requirements, wonderful outdoor spa treatments overlooking the ocean, and magnificent views all around.
Indulge in an outdoor Vichy shower under the palms after your workout in the state-of-the-art fitness center. Take a stroll among the beautiful gardens and emerge the best version of yourself.
Montego Bay Spa is consistently rated as one of the best spa retreats by leading travel magazines.
Plan Your Escape
Although retreating to a luxury spot far from your daily stresses will do a lot to improve your mindset, they’re not a cure-all for everyone.
If you need more help than these best detox destinations can offer, take a look at the top luxury rehab centers in the world.