Retreat and Treat Yourself

By Eldrida Yeong, 24 April 2017 1486

If the word "retreat" for you has become synonymous with checking your texts and emails while sitting next to an overly crowded pool, children screaming in your ear, it's time to take a step back and recalibrate. If you're anything like me, you might not exactly be the type who...enjoys marathons and spend 9 hours hiking up a mountain. Personally, a retreat for me basically means doing nothing and relaxing all day, be it by the pool, in a spa, or even at a bar. For the ladies and gents out there desperate for a break from the rat race, here are some locations for you to nua at.
 

1. Spa Resorts

To talk about pampering without mentioning a luxurious spa resort would be a travesty- everyone deserves a good scrub from time to time, and spa resorts provide that and many, many more.  
 

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan

Spa Resorts
Four Seasons Resort, Bali
Photo by: Sarah Ackerman

If your secret wish has always been to do some soul-searching amongst the comforts of a five-star resort, Four Seasons Resort Bali is the place for you. Settled amongst the gorgeous Ayung valley, you'll be treated to complimentary yoga classes, and get to experience Chakra ceremonies, Balinese healing rituals, and any number of body/facial treatments as your heart desires. This is the true retreat life- a deep cleansing inside out! After undergoing these rituals, you'll be rejuvenated spiritually and emotionally after countless days and nights spent worrying about work and school.
 

Royal Mansour Marrakech 

Royal Mansour Marrakech
Photo by: a.k.mcmxc, #travelmadedifferent community

I'm not going to lie, I was salivating and pinning pictures of this gorgeous spa resort in Morocco as I was doing research. The stately, majestic architecture of this resort will make you feel like true royalty as you undergo the Hammam, a traditional cleansing and beauty ritual. As compared to the Four Seasons, the Royal Mansour's spa rituals are more focused on an exquisite experience with precious minerals and a thorough purification. Of course, both are equally relaxing, but it depends on your needs!
 

2. Infinity pools

Infinity-Pool-(2).jpg
Marina Bay Sands
Photo by: Thelovetravelguide, #travelmadedifferent community

Everyone knows about the Marina Bay Sands (MBS) infinity pool, but its fame comes with a price- screaming children with water guns, and tourists (ok, and locals) galore. If you're looking for an infinity pool to relax in, check out the paths less trodden (or swam in).


Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea

Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea
Kempinski Hotel Ishtar
Photo by: Dan Lundberg

This is one infinity pool you'd be hard pressed to forget. While our own MBS infinity pool overlooks the cityscape, the Kempinski Hotel's Celestial Pool gives you a truly breathtaking view of the Dead Sea, aka the lowest known point on Earth. Honestly, I'm getting goosebumps just looking at this pool. This place is rich in heritage (and salt), making #saltbae an excellent caption for any Instagram photos here. Alright, I'm kidding, but just imagine relaxing with a view like this.
 

Wildflower Hall, Shimla in the Himalayas 

Wildflower Hall Shimla in the Himalayas
Wild Flower Hall, The Oberoi, Shimla
Photo by: Truffleandruffle, #travelmadedifferent community

If you're more of a nature lover, this is the infinity pool for you. Wildflower Hall is the former residence of Lord Kitchener, and this beautiful residence offers an unique experience like no other with its panoramic views of the Himalayas. The hotel also offers yoga classes and other physical activities such as hiking and white water rafting, so for the restless at heart, you're killing two birds with one stone. 
 

3. Bar

Bars usually conjure up images of slightly shady establishments, complete with sympathetic bartenders who will listen to your breakup troubles. However, these bars are quite the opposite, and will offer you a tranquil drinking experience. 
 

Connaught Bar, The Connaught (London) 

The Connaught LondonThe Connaught
Photo by: Deneemotion

Settled in The Connaught, the award-winning Connaught Bar is in a class of its own. With a smart casual dress code, the bar's martini trolleys are perhaps its most famous concoction. If you're all about that class, you'll definitely enjoy an evening here drinking the perfect martini. You can even channel your inner James Bond- remember, always stirred, and never shaken.


Monkey Bar, 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin

Monkey-Bar-25hours-Hotel-Bikini-Berlin.jpg
Monkey Bar, Rooftop bar at 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin
Photo by: Voyages

What's in a name? Monkeys, in this case, and for a good reason- the Monkey Bar in Hotel Bikini overlooks the Berlin Zoo, and offers a view of the monkey enclosure! With a wide range of cocktails, the terrace also has a terrific background come sunset. Take note though- this bar has been voted the best hotel bar in Europe, so it gets pretty crowded. Just don't get up to any monkey business there, and you'll have a good time.
 
With all these fantastic retreat locations spread out across the world, you can never quite tell what's gonna happen next. Income's insurance extends coverage for 14 days in case there are unforeseen delays at your destination, so you can travel with the peace of mind. Is it time to chill out with some Netflix yet?

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