The Best Wellness Retreats in the Philippines

Located just an hour’s drive from stunning El Nido, in the world-renowned island of Palawan, is Qi Palawan. Far from the noise and crowds of El Nido town proper, with only seven rooms, and no other neighboring resorts, the location is absolutely serene. Early each morning, free yoga classes are held at their open-air rooftop studio, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the ocean, views of treetops and the morning sky. For complete relaxation, their spa offers both Swedish and traditional Filipino massages, as well as herbal baths. At meal times, enjoy delicious Spanish-Filipino cuisine and fresh salads straight from the resort’s own organic garden. Not only sustainable, their rooms are also a perfect balance between comfort and charming Filipino style so guests are reassured absolute relaxation from yoga hour ’til bedtime.

The epitome of luxurious wellness retreats can be experienced within the tropical jungles of Batangas, a mere hour and a half away from busy Manila. The Farm at San Benito boasts of holistic wellness services for the mind, body, and spirit. With its numerous programs such as detox cleanses and mind and body restorations, and its truly extensive list of all kinds of treatments, this wellness resort has something for absolutely everyone. Making all these possible is their large team, which also includes numerous medical doctors, a nutritionist, a fitness coach, and a yoga instructor. Encompassing 50 hectares of lush acreage, the resort houses several deluxe villas, a massive spa, a vegan restaurant, organic gardens which provide for the restaurant, a gym, swimming pools, and ample greenery. Perhaps the most upscale in the country, and though quite hefty on the budget, The Farm at San Benito provides a one-of-a-kind, luxurious wellness escape.

Over on the island of Visayas, within an old coconut plantation in the province of Negros Oriental, is Atmosphere Resorts and Spa. Situated near the sea and amongst nature, Atmosphere boasts a beautiful, relaxed environment. Within its grounds are pools, a tree house for daily yoga sessions, and their Sanctuary Spa where they offer a long list of treatments. They have several types of massages, facials, detox treatments, and body treatments (try their body wraps and experience the solace of being wrapped in banana leaves). They also boast a heated pool for water shiatsu treatments. Even better, this wellness resort is family friendly, making available a list of treatments especially for the little ones. But the most amazing part about this establishment is that the owners behind it make conscious efforts towards local community and environmental responsibility, as well as sustainability. Their facilities and accommodations are designed accordingly, they source products locally, they minimize consumption and regulate waste, and they’ve even established a soup kitchen for children in need, open five days a week.

Another luxurious wellness escape rests on the adored island of Boracay. The Mandala Spa & Resort Villas was tastefully designed to blend in with its lush natural environment. This tropical hideaway allows guests to begin every morning with a soothing yoga session and to spend the rest of the day trying out their renowned spa treatments. These include massages, body wraps and scrubs, and facials which, though pricier than most on the island, are consistently referred to as sublime. They also offer spa treatments specifically designed for men. For a more luxurious healing treatment, they offer water therapy in the form of watsuor water shiatsu. The resort houses 15 luxurious villas which, despite the world-renowned beach waiting right outside, make it difficult to leave its comforts.