SIDE CREDIT
SUMMER 2026 ༠ 55
Slow and meditative or sharp and invigorating therapies 
can offer powerful contrasts. In Mexico, resorts such 
as Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa offer the temazcal 
ceremony. This Mesoamerican sweat lodge ritual is held  
in a dome-shaped structure, where heated stones and 
herbal steam, accompanied by a shaman’s chanting, create 
an environment that heals, promotes emotional release, 
and a mental reset. In contrast, cryotherapy and ice-based 
rituals, ranging from ice fountains to cold plunge pools, 
are found at wellness-forward resorts worldwide. Short 
but intense exposure to sub-zero temperatures through 
cryotherapy is believed to stimulate circulation, reduce 
inflammation and aid recovery. This is available as part 
of advanced wellness programmes at resorts such as 
Amanpuri in Thailand.
For the ultimate mental reset, try Yoga Nidra. This “yogic 
sleep” therapy is offered at world-class retreats around the 
world. Ananda in the Himalayas and Shreyas Yoga Retreat 
in India, Londolozi Varty Camp in South Africa, Six Senses 
Zighy Bay in Oman and the Six Senses resorts in Bhutan, 
offer this guided meditation that brings you to the blissful 
edge between wakefulness and sleep. It clears mental 
clutter so effectively that a short session can leave you 
feeling as rested as if you’d slept through the night.
All of these rituals are more than just spa appointments; 
they are moments of peace or bliss. By looking beyond 
the massage table, you’ll find that the joys of luxury travel 
include how wonderfully renewed you feel when you  
return home.
Cupping
Yoga nidra
Floating sound healing 
PHOTOS: MIKHAIL NILOV ON PEXELS (YOGA NIDRA), 
GISELLEFLISSAK/GETTYIMAGES (FLOATING SOUND BATH)
SUMMER 2026 ༠ 55

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