Cathay Members’ Choice Awards 2024: Asia’s best wellness retreat

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: RAKxa Integrative Wellness, Bangkok, Thailand

Opened in 2020, RAKxa has made waves along the Chao Phraya River near Bangkok thanks to its innovative approach to wellness. This integrative retreat blends state-of-the-art medicine with ancient Thai traditions to address health concerns. Guests can choose from plans targeting goals like detox, weight management and gut health, or create a custom journey based on assessments. They have access to a wealth of experts and services, including IV vitamin drips, cryotherapy, DNA analysis and more.

Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, Thailand

As Bangkok’s first urban spa, The Oriental Spa at the Mandarin Oriental is considered an authority on Thai healing traditions. The journey begins with a meditative boat ride across the Chao Phraya River, where the secluded spa resides inside a lovingly restored teakwood building. In this tranquil space, ancient practices and local ingredients power the comprehensive menu of massages, facials and scrubs, while yoga, muay Thai and tennis help travellers stay fit on the go.

Como Shambhala Estate, Bali, Indonesia

Lush jungle surrounds, luxurious suites with private pools, an army of resident health experts. In Bali, a destination that’s chock full of wellness retreats, Como Shambhala Estate stands out from the pack. A favourite among celebrities, the retreat provides personalised wellness “paths”, such as stress management, rejuvenation, cleansing or Ayurvedic healing, alongside a calendar full of yoga, Pilates, outdoor activities and cultural rituals. All the while, dine on bright Southeast Asian dishes packed with nutrients.

The Farm at San Benito, Philippines

Long before wellness resorts entered the mainstream, The Farm at San Benito was pioneering its holistic brand of healing in the jungles outside of Manila. Upon arrival at this pioneering retreat, guests undergo non-invasive tests. Based on the results, The Farm at San Benito’s integrative physicians craft bespoke journeys that include meditation, yoga, spa treatments, hydrotherapy, medical services and nutritional advice. Alternatively, guests can simply enjoy a rejuvenating escape with morning sun salutations, workouts at the “jungle gym” and award-winning cuisine.

Kamalaya Koh Samui, Thailand

Founded in 2005 by a former Buddhist monk and a Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor, Kamalaya Koh Samui centres around an ancient Buddhist cave used for meditation. There’s plenty of zen to be found with the serene wellness resort’s nature-inspired rooms, private beach, world-class cuisine and extensive holistic spa and healing therapies. Here, guests can enjoy tailor-made wellness programmes for issues like burnout and weight management or choose a la carte experiences to suit their needs, ensuring a truly relaxing and restorative stay.