For centuries, traditional medicine has been based on a holistic approach to well-being, caring for body and mind through ancestral practices. Ayurveda in India, traditional Chinese medicine, Amerindian shamanism, Balinese treatments… Each culture has its own healing rituals, handed down from generation to generation. Today, some luxury establishments have incorporated these practices into their wellness offerings. In this article, we have selected eight prestigious hotels that sublimate ancestral treatments and offerunforgettable traditional wellness retreats.
1. Ananda in the Himalayas, India
Perched in the majestic foothills of the Himalayas, Ananda in the Himalayas is a veritable institution of well-being in India. Housed in the former palace of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal, this exceptional hotel is steeped in spirituality. A cradle of Ayurveda, yoga and meditation, it attracts visitors from all over the world in search of physical and mental rebalancing.
Traditional Ayurvedic medicine
At Ananda, Ayurveda takes center stage. Each wellness treatment is personalized according to the visitor’s doshas, thanks to an initial consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor. The aim: to purify, detoxify and revitalize the body in accordance with the age-old principles of this science of life.
Read also: We tested Ananda in the Himalayas for you
Treatments include traditional massages (Abhyanga, Pizhichil, Udwarthana, and dozens more!), herbal baths and targeted treatments. In addition, Ananda is particularly renowned for its Panchakarma program, a three-stage Ayurvedic cure designed to eliminate toxins and restore the balance of the doshas. This deep purification therapy, which lasts a minimum of 21 days, is supervised by specialized doctors and includes numerous Ayurvedic treatments and adapted diets. Each program is complemented by a daily practice of yoga and meditation, as well as pranayama exercises to harmonize vital energy.
This hotel’s little plus for exploring traditional medicine
Breathtaking views of the Ganges Valley and the spiritual city of Rishikesh. Highly qualified doctors (Vaidyas) and an impressive range of Ayurvedic treatments. Discover Ananda in the Himalayas.
2. Palmaïa, The House of AïA, Mexico
Set beside the crystal-clear waters of the Riviera Maya, Palmaïa, The House of AïA offers a spiritual retreat inspired by shamanic and Mayan traditions. Its AïA\Wellness concept aims to reconnect soul, body and spirit through ancestral practices and total immersion in nature.
Don’t miss: We tested for you Palmaïa, The House of AïA
Shamanic rituals and Mayan teachings
This sanctuary is directly inspired by the sacred Mayan texts of Popol Vuh and is structured around the four AïA houses, each dedicated to a specific aspect of well-being:
- The Nourishing Biome (plant-based nutrition and detoxifying treatments).
- The Architects of Life (personal and spiritual development practices).
- Rituals of Sound (sound and vibration therapies to align energies).
- La Maison d’AïA (the backbone of inner transformation and reconnection with nature).
The Atlantis Spa, nestled in the heart of the jungle and cenotes, is a space dedicated to indigenous healing traditions. It features treatments by experienced healers, integrating natural elements and sacred ceremonies. For example, the Temazcal experience, a steam purification ritual. Or the Fire Ceremony, a powerful rite to release stagnant energies and manifest new intentions. And finally, the Mezcal Ritual, combining the virtues of agave and medicinal plants.
This hotel’s little plus for exploring traditional medicine
Palmaïa’s strength lies in its holistic approach, integrating shamanic rituals into every aspect of the stay. A true accompaniment towards spiritual awakening. Discover Palmaïa, The House of AïA.
3. Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain, China
At the foot of Qing Cheng Mountain, at the entrance to the UNESCO World Heritage Dujiangyan Nature Reserve, Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain fuses local architecture with eco-responsible design. This haven of peace invites you to immerse yourself in the principles of traditional Chinese medicine and Taoism.
Traditional Chinese medicine and Taoism
The hotel’s award-winning spa draws on the foundations of Taoism to realign qi (vital energy). From treatment rooms overlooking waterfalls and gardens to Tai Chi sessions in the Puzhao temple, each experience aims to strengthen the connection with nature and theuniversal energy of Tao.
Among the emblematic treatments, Tui Na, a manual therapy based on martial arts principles, rebalances the body in depth. Moxibustion, using heated moxa to stimulate the meridians, and Gua Sha, which improves blood circulation by applying specific pressure to the skin, complete the therapeutic approach.
This hotel’s little plus for exploring traditional medicine
Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain is distinguished by its location at the foot of a sacred Taoist mountain. The historic setting, combined with the expertise of the resident masters of traditional Chinese medicine, offers a particularly authentic experience of these ancestral practices. Discover Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain.
4. Layan Life by Anantara, Thailand
Rooted in the age-old heritage of traditional Thai medicine, Layan Life by Anantara offers a unique holistic approach based on the four fundamental elements : earth (Din), water (Nam), wind (Lom) and fire (Fai). This ancestral philosophy is embodied in their signature ” Life Method”, in which each treatment is designed to harmonize vital forces.
An immersion in traditional Thai medicine
The Anantara spa deploys the art of ” phaet phaen boran thaï ” (traditional Thai medicine) through targeted treatments. Therapists work on the Sen Sib, the body’s ten essential energy lines, during traditional nuad boran massages. The experience is enhanced by hammam rituals incorporating local medicinal herbs (ya samun phrai) and aromatic hot compresses (luk pra kob). Each protocol is meticulously personalized according to the visitor’s energetic diagnosis, respecting the traditional precepts of balancing the elements.
This hotel’s little plus for exploring traditional medicine
Layan Life is distinguished by its pavilions above lotus ponds. This unique configuration creates a multi-sensory experience that amplifies the benefits of ancestral Thai treatments, particularly by harmonizing the “Nam” (water) element with other vital forces. Discover Layan Life by Anantara.
5. Amanemu, Japan
Nestled in the wooded hills of Ise-Shima, overlooking Ago Bay, Amanemu is a haven of peace inspired by Japanese ryokans. This luxurious resort features onsens, mineral-rich hot springs that have been used for centuries for their therapeutic virtues.
Onsen spa and traditional Kampo medicine
In Japan, the healing power of mineral baths has been recognized since the days of the samurai, who regenerated in them after battles. Amanemu’s 2,000 m² spa is designed around a vast onsen bath, fed by the natural springs of Ise-Shima. What’s more, spa services combine Aman Skincare organic blends, local essential oils and traditional techniques. Each treatment is designed to restore harmony to the body through a holistic Japanese approach.
Introduced to Japan in the 4th century, traditional Chinese medicine evolved into Kampo, a system of herbal healing emphasizing the balance between body and mind. Amanemu incorporates this ancestral practice into its treatments, using Kampo herbal formulas prepared by experts and tailored to the needs of each visitor.
This hotel’s little plus for exploring traditional medicine
Amanemu stands out for its total immersion in the onsen tradition, where Kampo medicine and spa therapy combine for complete regeneration. Discover Amanemu.
6. Fivelements Retreat Bali, Indonesia
Nestled on the banks of the sacred Ayung River, Fivelements Retreat Bali is an ecological sanctuary rooted in Balinese spiritual traditions. It offers a holistic approach to healing, combining purification rituals, energy therapies and plant-based cuisine.
An immersion in Balinese spirituality
The center embraces the Sekala-Niskala philosophy, in which the visible and invisible worlds coexist. Traditional Balinese healers apply this age-old wisdom in water purification rituals, energetic and vibratory treatments designed to unify body and mind. The Tri Kaya Parisudha program, inspired by purity of thought, speech and action, encourages an aligned and balanced lifestyle, a natural healing process.
Read also: We tested Fivelements Retreat Bali for you
The hotel also places great emphasis on the sacred arts, which combine movement, meditation and creative expression to promote inner harmonization.
This hotel’s little plus for exploring traditional medicine
Fivelements Retreat Bali stands out for its purification rituals and deep spiritual approach. The combination of Balinese healing and sacred arts, for an authentic immersion in local traditions. Discover Fivelements Retreat Bali.
7. One&Only Palmilla, Mexico
Located on the Baja California peninsula, One&Only Palmilla is a luxurious oasis that integrates Native American spiritual and healing traditions into its wellness offering. Here, every treatment is inspired by local medicines and shamanism for a deeply regenerating experience.
Traditional Native American healing medicine
One&Only Palmilla offers ancestral treatments guided by a Mexican spiritual healer. One of the highlights is temazcal, a Mayan purification ceremony held in a heat hut, where chanting, percussion and herbal steam create a ritual of rebirth.
Other exclusive treatments include the cleansing copal ritual, combining aromatic incense and deep massage, and the sacred cocoa ceremony, designed to open the heart and release blocked energies. In addition, conscious breathing sessions, accompanied by the vibratory sounds of quartz bowls, promote intense relaxation and chakra harmonization. Finally, the hotel organizes a sunrise ceremony where meditation and energy purification are accompanied by the sounds of waves and shamanic drumming.
The little + this hotel for exploring traditional medicine
The use of local ingredients with beneficial properties in our skin care products. Like Melipone honey, a rare and precious honey produced by indigenous Yucatán bees. Ancestral ceremonies are also exceptional. Discover One&Only Palmilla.
8. Lefay Resort & Spa, Italy
Set in the hills overlooking Lake Garda, Lefay Resort & Spa embodies the harmony between man and nature. Its approach to well-being is based on traditional Chinese medicine, integrating energy, movement and natural elements into a holistic healing philosophy.
Don’t miss: We tested Lefay Resort & Spa on Lake Garda for you
An immersive experience in traditional Chinese medicine
The Energetic and Therapeutic Garden is one of Lefay Spa’s special features. Inspired by the five movements of Chinese medicine, this garden offers a journey through stations symbolizing the stages of life:
- The Green Dragon (spring) balances agitation and renewal.
- Red Phoenix (summer) stimulates the senses and joy.
- The White Tiger (autumn) encourages introspection.
- The Black Tortoise (winter) refocuses energy.
- The Center links all these stages for total well-being.
Energy rebalancing activities include Qi Gong sessions, meditation and massages inspired by the principles of Yin and Yang, to restore vital energy.
This hotel’s little plus for exploring traditional medicine
Lefay Resort & Spa is distinguished by its Energetic and Therapeutic Garden, a unique course aligned with the Chinese philosophy of the five movements. A great European alternative to TCM. Discover Lefay Resort & Spa.
Traditional medicine calling you? Book your stay
These eight destinations perfectly illustrate the renaissance of traditional medicine in the world of luxury wellness. Much more than just a trend, this fusion of ancestral practices and contemporary comfort responds to a growing need to reconnect with time-tested healing methods. An invitation to travel, both physically and spiritually, to rediscover the age-old wisdom of traditional medicines in an exceptional setting.
Take advantage of our expertise and contact us for a personalized quote. Call us for the USA on +1 (646) 980 6652 or for the UK on +44 20 4577 3258
