Wellness rethought

Six extraordinary hideaways that surprise body and soul
Photo provided
Photo provided
Alexandra Gorsche © Conny Leitgeb Photography
29. May 2025 | 
Alexandra Gorsche
29. May 2025
|
Alexandra Gorsche

From inhalation bars to moon phase treatments and wine ceremonies: These six innovative wellness concepts show how far modern relaxation can go today – and what the industry should learn from them.

Wellness as an experience: six hideaways redefine relaxation

Whether on the Adriatic coast, in North America or in the tropical rainforest - wellness has long been more than just a classic massage with scented oil. Six extraordinary hotels, curated by Genusspunkt, show what holistic relaxation can look like today: bold, sensual and surprisingly profound. Those who switch off here will be recharged - with concepts that appeal to body, mind and curiosity at the same time.

1. Lošinj Hotels & Villas, Croatia - Inhalation bar on the island of scents

The island of Lošinj is known for its healing microclimate - and makes this an integral part of its spa offer. At Lošinj Hotels & Villas, the inhalation bar is not just for breathing in, but for conscious regeneration. Natural essential oils from pine, lavender and immortelle fill the air, while special breathing rituals strengthen the immune system.

2. One&Only Cape Town - energy from the moon

The luxury resort One&Only Cape Town at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor combines ancient wisdom with modern science. The spa works with moon phase rituals and individual biohacks. Guests experience detox programmes tailored to the cycle of the body and the moon - a fusion of nature, astrology and personalized care.

3. GoldenEye, Jamaica - regeneration in the jungle

In this iconic retreat on the Caribbean Sea, once the retreat of Ian Fleming, the FieldSpa is located directly on the water - embedded in tropical vegetation. The treatments at GoldenEye are inspired by Jamaican herbal medicine and are carried out in harmony with the elements - sometimes outdoors, sometimes on floating platforms.

4. Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, USA - High-tech meets body awareness

Carillon Miami combines state-of-the-art medical diagnostics with one of the largest spa offerings in North America. AI-based analyses, muscle response tests and personalized programs turn the classic spa visit into a data-based, individually tailored experience. Wellness 4.0 - with visible results.

5. Aman New York - urban spa of superlatives

In the middle of Manhattan, Aman has created a refuge that promises deep relaxation on 2,300 square meters. In addition to the 20-metre pool and a spa menu that combines Western and Far Eastern healing methods, the atmosphere is particularly impressive: subdued, reduced, almost sacred - a retreat at the highest level.

6. The Ranch at Hudson Valley, USA - The power of slowing down

New from 2025: The Ranch, known for its retreats in Malibu, is expanding to New York. The historic property in Hudson Valley is all about detox, exercise and mindfulness. Strict cell phone-free zones, a planned daily structure and plant-based cuisine ensure real transformation - physically and mentally.

Our conclusion for the future:

The future of wellness lies in differentiation. What used to be a "spa" is now becoming an experience with depth - individual, curated and deliberately different. For the industry, this means that guests are not just looking for relaxation, but meaning. Those who score points here stand out. The hotels presented here show how to reinvent wellness - with concepts that surprise and inspire.

A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît!
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Design Darling

Products that show character

Character is created through attitude, awareness of form, and details that say more than a thousand words. Whether stylishly presented in the best light, porcelain with attitude, or four legs, there are many possibilities.

Guest chef at Ikarus: Álvaro Salazar

A culinary journey from Andalusia to Mallorca

When Mediterranean lightness meets Andalusian temperament, the result is a menu that is more than just an arrangement of courses: it becomes a narrative about origins, freedom, and the longing for new perspectives. In December 2025, two-star chef Álvaro Salazar from VORO in Mallorca will take over as guest chef of the month at Restaurant Ikarus – and take Salzburg on a sensory journey between Andalusia and the Balearic Islands.

Book tip: Porto – The Cookbook

A love letter to flavors, the Atlantic Ocean, and authenticity

“Porto – The Cookbook” by Sylvie Da Silva brings the flavors of the Atlantic city to life in book form. The focus is not only on the food, but also on the culture behind it – from hearty home cooking to delicate monastery desserts.

The work captivates with its mixture of recipes and travel impressions. Each chapter takes readers on an enjoyable journey of discovery – including stories about ingredients, regions, and people. The balance between culinary depth and emotional closeness is particularly successful.

INFO
Porto – The Cookbook
Author: Sylvie Da Silva
Publisher: Südwest Verlag
192 pages, approx. 120 color photos
ISBN: 978-3-517-10389-1
Price: €24.00 (Germany) / €24.70 (Austria) / CHF 33.50

quick & dirty
Wellness rethought, photo provided
Wellness rethought

From inhalation bars to moon phase treatments and wine ceremonies: These six innovative wellness concepts show how far modern relaxation can go today – and what the industry should learn from them.