Cathay Members’ Choice Awards 2024: World’s best wellness destination

Welcome to the Cathay Members’ Choice Awards: our flagship awards which celebrate everything that makes the world so amazing – as voted for by you, our global community of members. Discover the winner that captured your hearts – and your votes – as well as the contenders that made it to the shortlist. 

Not a member yet? It’s free to sign up and unlock a world of benefits, rewards and experiences – not to mention the chance to vote in next year’s awards. 

Winner: Switzerland

Ever since the Romans discovered Switzerland’s mineral-rich springs around 20 AD, the country has been a magnet for wellness enthusiasts. In addition to an abundance of top-notch medi-spa resorts for yoga, guided meditation, cosmetic services and tailored nutrition packages, the country also offers wellness with a side of adventure. Soak in Leukerbad’s thermal baths, hike the Eiger Trail or paraglide over Interlaken for the ultimate wellness journey.

Phuket, Thailand

With its tropical scenery, clear water, fresh food and year-round sunshine, Phuket has all the ingredients for a healthy and relaxing gateway. Add soul-rejuvenating resorts like Amatara Wellness Resort in Cape Panwa and Thanyapura Sports & Health Resort to the mix, and it’s no surprise the Thai island has become such a sought-after wellness destination. With new projects like the ground-breaking Tri Vananda Wellness Resort in the works, the future looks even brighter. 

Tasmania, Australia

Just about as remote as it gets, Tasmania is a natural choice for anyone seeking uninterrupted me-time. Known for its raw natural scenery, this idyllic island off Australia’s southern coast has more than 2,800 kilometres of walking trails, including the famed Overland Track, not to mention cliffside resorts and windswept beaches. Plunge into secret swimming holes, unwind at an alpine spa and dine on fresh-caught seafood and local cheeses. No matter what type of wellness experience visitors seek, they’ll find it here. 

Dali, the Chinese Mainland

Nestled between bamboo forests, lush mountains and peaceful Erhai Lake, Dali boasts stunning natural scenery and brilliant weather. But the Bai people’s rich culture and an enduring sense of spirituality give Dali something more significant – a unique character that can be felt from the well-preserved old town to the Three Pagodas, a towering 9th-century Buddhist site. It’s little wonder this ancient Yunnan city has attracted travellers seeking inner peace for millennia.

Bali, Indonesia  

At the epicentre of the wellness world, Bali is home to a serene natural environment, ancient healing practices and a profound sense of spirituality. In recent years, contemporary spa resorts and yoga retreats have been popping up across the island. But there’s more to Bali’s wellness scene than just sun salutations and vegan cuisine. Spiritual spaces like Ubud’s Pyramids of Chi offer everything from sound healing to cacao ceremonies, while luxury hotels such as Como Shambhala Estate provide personalised paths to peace. Anyone looking for silent meditation, all-inclusive yoga packages, cleanses or new-age therapies will find their sanctuary on the Island of the Gods.