Asia

Every holiday needs good preparation. This includes wellbeing holidays. Wellbeing Escapes is an internet-tour operator, meaning the latest up to date information can be found on our live website. We always suggest our clients are fully briefed before departure. Our wellbeing sales specialists are highly familiar with the various hotels and wellness programmes we  offer. Please contact us directly by phone or email with any questions or queries you may have. Please see our contact us page for details of our office hours.

You can book either through our website, by email or by phone. On our website you can book 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Select your Wellbeing Escape and follow the steps to book and pay. If you would prefer to book by phone, please contact our wellbeing sales specialists during our office hours.

NB: If you would like us to arrange your flights, please bear in mind that you are responsible for providing correct name(s) and dates of birth of all travellers, as detailed in your passports.

On booking, please be sure to check the details on your confirmation/invoice. Any inaccuracies will be at the expense of the person who submitted the booking.

The online booking form includes a ‘Comments’ field where any special requests (e.g. dietary requirements, room preferences, etc.) can be listed. Certain types of treatment programmes require that you provide us with a list of any medical issues, your height and weight for example. This information will be passed on to the hotel for the purposes of delivering appropriate treatments. Please be assured that your personal information is kept strictly confidential.

After filling in all your personal details, you will be provided with an overview of your travel request. You automatically receive an acknowledgment of your booking by email. Please note that this is not final confirmation. All programmes are complied on an individual request basis - please await final confirmation that we have received and can process your request, particularly when you are arranging your own flights.

Can I hold an option on a specific holiday?

Yes, it is possible to hold an option for a holiday. An option is valid for a maximum period of 3 days and will expire if we have no further contact from you

Is my booking on request?

Yes, all bookings are on request until we advise of of confirmation. We do work with some small boutique properties with limited accommodation. That requires us to check availability for your requested dates. Within one working day you will receive a final booking confirmation. If you have any additional requirements, such as a flight proposal, extra nights and/or a different room type, we will contact you directly within one working day.

Do I pay a booking fee?

No, additional fees are not required.  

Can I change my booking?

Yes, you can make changes to your booking. There may be limitations or conditions that apply. Airlines in particular have more strict terms when it comes to changes. If you are thinking of making a change, please contact one of our wellbeing sales specialists to advise you.

Is a fare for the flights included in my booking?

Since the 1st of January 2012, all programmes and prices published on this website are without flights. We decided to offer our programmes without flights to give you the option to select the flights which suit you best. Of course, you can also book your flights through us. We can also reserve you a Business or First Class ticket, or even a combination of both. A tailor-made ticket!

Please contact our wellbeing sales specialists for the best flight options and our special rates.

What are the benefits of booking a ticket via Wellbeing Escapes?

We book and research flights on a daily basis, meaning we are  well placed to inform you of the various airlines and their conditions. As your entire trip is arranged with one firm, you receive just one invoice and have one immediate point of contact. We will keep you informed of any changes to schedules and will liaise with the airlines directly regarding alternative options. If you have arranged cancellation insurance and booked your ticket with us, your cancellation policy also conveniently covers your ticket. 

Changes made by the airlines

We book both scheduled flights and charter flights to destinations. Airlines occasionally change the type of aircraft used on particular flights without advance warning. Scheduled flight timings and days of operation are subject to change by airlines.

Within at least one week before departure, you will receive your travel documents and tickets. It is advisable to look a day in advance on the website of the airport you are departing from to check the current departure time of your flight.  

Payment of your flights

Please be aware, that if your booking includes flights, we ask that you to pay the cost of the flights immediately (we will provide you with receipt of purchase). After receiving payment, we will book and bill for your flights at the current fare. Flights are subject to changes in price and availability if they are not purchased promptly.       

Can I book flights myself?

Of course you are free to book your own flights directly. We would, however,  like to draw your attention to the following:

Please wait to receive final confirmation of your accommodation before booking any flights. You will receive this final confirmation within 24 hours after booking.

You remain responsible for keeping us updated about any flight changes. We can of course contact your hotel to inform them of the flight changes and amend transfer times accordingly.

Any additional accommodation costs resulting from the flight change should be paid directly to Wellbeing Escapes. Please read the airline’s conditions very carefully prior to your trip.

When booking flights directly, we recommend you insure your tickets. Please print out your flight details and provide us with all your flight details so that we can arrange your transfers. 

Extra fees for the flight?

There is a possibility that an airline unexpectedly charges you an extra fee of some sort. In this case, we will charge you for these extra costs only. 

How do I check in for my flight?

On the day of departure you need to be at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight departs.

You will need to register at the check-in desk. On your ticket you will find your flight times. You can also check these times prior to departure on the airport’s or airline’s website. 

What is my baggage allowance?

Baggage allowances can depend on the airline as well as the cabin in which you are booked, i.e. First, Business, Premium or Economy. Our wellbeing specialists will advise you of both your checked babbage and carry-on allowances. 

Please note that it is advisable to put important documents, travel documents and medicines in your hand luggage. If your baggage exceeds the weight allowance, a fee will apply. For babies under 2, there is a maximum baggage allowance of 10 kg. Airlines are very strict on baggage allowance, so please do not risk any overweight baggage. 

Check in online?

Several airlines allow you to check in online in advance. The online check in process is available 24 hours before departure. You can select a seat of your preference. At the airport you have then only to drop your baggage at the drop-off point. Group online check in is possible for parties of nine and under. For disabled passengers and families with babies, suitable seats will be reserved by the airlines in advance. The online check in system is the responsibility of the airline you are flying with.

Every programme on our website provides a clear breakdown of what is included and excluded. Almost all programmes advertised include transfers from the airport to the hotel. Please check our website or call our wellbeing specialists and they can explain exactly what is included with your booking, including transfers, meals, wellness treatments if applicable.

We kindly ask that you respect the following conditions of payment.

Upon booking your trip, you should pay either a deposit of full amount of the booking, dependent on your departure date.  If your departure date is within 60 days of the booking date, full payment is due  to confirm the booking. If the departure date is more than 60 days from the booking date, a deposit of 25% of the total price is due. In the case where a flight is included, the deposit will be the full cost of the flight plus 25% of the other booking arrangements.  In the case of a so-called ‘last-minute booking’, whereby the departure date falls within the aforementioned six week period, full payment should be completed immediately after confirming the booking.

Important! For bookings including flight tickets, we request pre-payment of the the full price of any flight tickets be made immediately (we can provide receipt of payment). We cannot guarantee either the price or availability until the payment is received.  Where payment for the trip is not received in time, Wellbeing Escapes reserves the right to withdraw from their contract with the client. In this instance, stipulations applying to ‘cancellation by the client’ become effective.

What are the possible means of payment? You can pay for your booking by debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You can pay immediately over the phone with the wellbeing sales specialist, or alternatively, you can be sent a secure payment link. If you prefer to pay by bank transfer, the details will be provided to you.

After making a booking, you will your confirmation documents within 24 hours, or 48 hours if booked over the weekend. 

What travel documents do I receive?

You will receive a booking invoice which also served as your itinerary. Your flight details with the airline booking reference will be on your invoice if we have booked the flights for you. You will also receive an information document or 'Know Before You Go', with details about your destination and other useful facts.an information letter, your e-tickets (if you have booked your flights with us) and general information about the treatment programme and the destination. If you live in the UK and we arrange your flights as well as your ground arrangements, you will also receive an ATOL certificate. As an ATOL bonded company, your booking is covered against the unlikely event that Wellbeing Escapes becomes insolvent.

Passport and visa

It is your responsibility to identify all passport and other official requirements for your trip and to ensure you allow adequate time to obtain the required documentation. Please note that many countries require that your passport is valid for six months beyond the period of your stay. Requirements can change and it is your responsibility to ensure that you comply with applicable passport and visa requirements and take all necessary documents with you to gain access to any country or region to which you make travel arrangements. If you fail to do so, you will be solely responsible for any cost, loss, or damage which you or Wellbeing Escapes incurs as a result of your failure. For regular updates on visa requirements or any conflictions in particular regions, see the Foreign Commonwealth Office Website www.fco.gov.uk

Vaccinations

Please consult your local GP or visit the relevant Embassy websites for information on immunisation and other necessary precautions.

Seventy per cent of our wellbeing and treatment holidays are booked by solo travellers. That is why we do the best we can to get good deals for solo travellers. Some holidays are very suitable for solo travellers, avoiding, for example, a single supplement. Call and speak to one of our wellbeing sales specialists. They can advise you of the best destinations for people looking to travel on their own.

A yoga retreat centres on asana practice and meditation, often with a broader wellness programme around it. A Balinese healing retreat draws more specifically on local traditions - energy work, herbal treatments and ceremonies rooted in Balinese Hindu culture - and the two are often blended together.

Ubud, inland and surrounded by rice terraces, tends to suit those wanting a jungle, yoga-focused retreat, while coastal areas suit those who want to pair wellness with beach time. Both have well-established retreat scenes.

No - Bali's retreat scene caters heavily to beginners, with many programmes specifically designed to introduce yoga and meditation gradually alongside spa and detox elements.

Days often start early with sunrise yoga, followed by a plant-based breakfast, treatments or workshops through the day, and an evening meditation or ceremony. Exact structure varies by retreat and programme.

Generally, yes - Bali's retreat costs, particularly for accommodation and treatments, tend to be lower than comparable options in the Maldives or parts of Europe, even once the flight is factored in.

Many retreats include an optional visit to a local temple, where you may witness or take part in a purification ceremony involving holy water. Modest dress is expected, and your retreat will usually brief you beforehand.

Yes - several retreats offer dedicated digital detox programmes or simply encourage phone-free days as part of a broader wellness schedule, particularly in more remote jungle locations.

Very much so - plant-based and vegan menus are the norm at most Balinese wellness retreats, reflecting both the local cuisine and the detox focus of many programmes.

Bali is tropical year-round, with humidity higher during the wet season (November to March). Most retreats are designed with this in mind - open-air yoga shalas, fans and shaded areas - but it's worth packing accordingly.

Tipping isn't obligatory but is appreciated and increasingly common at higher-end retreats. Some properties add a service charge automatically - worth checking your booking terms.

The Sustainable Development Fee is a per-person, per-night charge applied to all foreign visitors, used to fund healthcare, education and environmental conservation. It reflects Bhutan's 'high value, low volume' approach to tourism, and the exact rate can change, so check current figures before booking.

Bhutan's tourism model channels visitors through licensed local operators, so an independent, guide-free trip in the way you might do elsewhere isn't really how it works here - though this also means a smooth, well-supported experience.

Gross National Happiness is Bhutan's official development philosophy, prioritising wellbeing alongside economic growth. For visitors, it shows up in the pace and intention behind retreats here - mindfulness isn't a wellness add-on, it's part of the national ethos.

Many parts of Bhutan sit at significant altitude, and some retreat itineraries include trekking. It's worth discussing your fitness level with your advisor, as programmes can usually be adjusted to suit.

Bhutanese Buddhism shapes much of the country's approach to mindfulness and meditation, and many retreats include time at monasteries or with monks as part of a broader wellbeing programme, rather than treating meditation as a standalone spa activity.

Bhutan tends to be more expensive than neighbouring Nepal or northern India, largely due to the Sustainable Development Fee and the guided tourism model, but this reflects a more curated, less crowded experience.

Most itineraries here naturally blend the two - visits to monasteries, dzongs and the iconic Tiger's Nest are often built directly into wellness-focused trips rather than treated as separate excursions.

Bhutan can suit families, though the pace, altitude and trekking elements of some itineraries are better suited to older children and teenagers than very young ones.

Photography inside monasteries and temples is often restricted, and modest dress is expected throughout religious sites. Your guide will typically brief you on specific etiquette as you go.

Because Bhutan limits and channels visitor numbers, popular periods can book up well in advance - particularly spring and autumn. Planning several months ahead is advisable.

Panchakarma is a traditional Ayurvedic detoxification programme involving a sequence of therapies designed to cleanse the body according to Ayurvedic principles. It can be intense, so many centres offer shorter introductory versions for those new to the practice.

In India, Ayurveda is typically practised by trained physicians as a genuine medical system, with diagnosis and treatment plans tailored to your individual constitution - a different level of depth from the Ayurveda-inspired treatments sometimes offered at spas outside India.

Kerala, in southern India, is widely regarded as the heartland of authentic Ayurvedic practice and hosts many of the country's most established retreat centres.

India is where yoga originated, and many retreats here are led by teachers trained in traditional lineages, often with a stronger spiritual and philosophical grounding than a typical Western studio class.

It varies by centre and individual plan, but Panchakarma can involve significant dietary restriction and detoxification therapies - it's worth discussing your health history and expectations with the retreat before committing to a full programme.

Most established retreat centres provide filtered or bottled water as standard, and reputable properties take this seriously as part of guest wellbeing - worth confirming with your specific retreat.

Kerala has the longest continuous Ayurvedic tradition and the highest concentration of specialist centres, while northern regions like Rishikesh are better known for yoga and meditation-focused retreats rather than clinical Ayurveda.

Often notably cheaper, even at high-quality centres, though this varies by property - India remains one of the more cost-effective destinations for authentic, physician-led wellness treatment.

Requirements vary by region and individual health history - it's worth checking current NHS or travel clinic guidance well ahead of your trip, as recommendations can change.

Yes - many retreats offer purely physical Ayurvedic treatments and detox programmes without requiring participation in yoga or meditation, though the two are often naturally woven together.

The Maldives' resort model, built around private islands and overwater villas, tends to suit couples and honeymooners best, though many resorts do welcome solo guests for spa-focused stays.

Most resorts require a seaplane or speedboat transfer from the main airport, which can take anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour depending on how remote the island is - worth factoring into your overall journey time.

Overwater villas offer a level of privacy and direct ocean immersion that's genuinely hard to replicate elsewhere, and many retreats incorporate treatments in overwater spa pavilions specifically designed around this setting.

The Maldives leans firmly towards the luxury end, reflecting the logistics of private island resorts - it's not typically considered a budget wellness destination, though pricing varies significantly between properties.

Many Maldivian resorts sit directly on house reefs, and some retreats incorporate marine conservation activities or reef-safe wellness practices as part of their programme.

Given the transfer logistics involved, most visitors base themselves at a single resort for their entire stay rather than island-hopping, which is more the exception than the norm here.

Given the transfer logistics involved, most visitors base themselves at a single resort for their entire stay rather than island-hopping, which is more the exception than the norm here.

Alcohol is generally available at resort islands (which operate under different rules to local inhabited islands) but not on islands with local communities - this rarely affects resort-based wellness stays.

Given the roughly 10–11 hour flight plus onward transfer, most people build in enough nights (5–7 minimum) to properly justify the journey and allow time to settle into resort life.

Yes - given how much of the retreat experience revolves around the surrounding reef, using reef-safe sun protection is a genuinely meaningful way to minimise your impact on the marine environment.

Spain's thalassotherapy tradition is similarly well established, particularly along its Mediterranean coast, offering broadly comparable seawater-based treatments to its Mediterranean neighbours.

Sri Lanka has its own distinct Ayurvedic tradition, influenced by but separate from India's, often incorporating local herbs and practices specific to the island - both are considered authentic, physician-led approaches.

The west and south coasts are best visited December to March, while the east coast has its better weather window from April to September - Sri Lanka's two monsoon systems mean timing depends on which coast you choose.

Yes - several retreats sit within reach of the island's hill country tea plantations, making it possible to pair Ayurvedic treatment with visits to this genuinely distinctive landscape.

Sri Lanka is often considered a gentler entry point - its retreat scene tends to be slightly more geared towards international visitors and shorter stays, while India's tradition runs deeper and more intensive, particularly around Kerala.

Similar in principle to India's, Panchakarma here involves a structured sequence of detoxification therapies, though centres often offer more flexible, shorter introductory versions suited to visitors with limited time.

Yes - authentic, physician-led Ayurvedic treatment in Sri Lanka is generally notably cheaper than comparable Ayurveda-inspired treatments at European spas, even once the flight is factored in.

Beach-based retreats pair Ayurvedic treatment with coastal relaxation, while hill country retreats, set among tea plantations at higher altitude, offer a cooler, more contemplative setting - both styles are well represented.

Yes - Sri Lanka has a well-established, welcoming Ayurvedic retreat culture that's generally comfortable for solo travellers.

Around 10–11 hours, usually with one stopover, putting it in a similar bracket to other South Asian long-haul destinations.

Modest dress and removing shoes are expected at temples, and many retreats include an optional cultural visit to a nearby temple as part of a broader itinerary.

Traditional Thai massage involves assisted stretching, pressure-point work and joint mobilisation, performed on a mat rather than a table - a more active, physically involved treatment than most Western massage styles.

Chiang Mai in the north offers a more spiritual, meditation and jungle-focused retreat culture, while southern islands like Koh Samui or Phuket lean towards beach-based luxury spa resorts - both are well established for different styles.

Thailand has one of the longest-running and most developed wellness tourism industries globally, combining deep-rooted Thai healing traditions with world-class luxury resort infrastructure across a wide range of price points.

Yes - Thailand hosts several internationally renowned detox and fasting clinics, some of which are considered among the most established in the world for this type of programme.

Both offer strong meditation and yoga retreat cultures, though Chiang Mai leans more specifically into Buddhist meditation traditions given Thailand's religious heritage, whereas Bali draws more on Hindu-influenced practices.

Yes - Thailand offers a particularly wide range of price points, from more affordable retreats to ultra-luxury resorts, making it accessible across different budgets.

Days often combine morning yoga or meditation, traditional Thai massage or spa treatments, and structured, healthy Thai cuisine - a well-honed rhythm reflecting the maturity of the country's wellness industry.

Direct flights are available, taking around 11–12 hours, putting it in a similar bracket to other long-haul Southeast Asian destinations.

Very much so - Thailand's wellness industry is exceptionally well set up for international visitors, with a wide range of programme intensities suited to complete beginners through to more experienced retreat-goers.

Modest dress and respectful behaviour are expected at temples, and many retreats include an optional temple visit as part of a broader cultural and spiritual itinerary.

Vietnam's wellness tourism industry is younger and less saturated than Thailand's, offering a still relatively undiscovered coastline and mountain interior, though it draws on some similar Southeast Asian wellness traditions.

Danang offers a well-developed central coast retreat scene with easy access to nearby historic towns, while Phu Quoc, an island in the south, leans towards a quieter, more beach-focused wellness experience.

Vietnamese food is notably fresh and herb-forward, built around ingredients like lemongrass, mint and coriander, which naturally aligns with wellness principles without needing significant adaptation.

Regions like Sapa, in the north, offer dramatic mountain terraces and a cooler climate, and some retreats incorporate hiking or homestay-style experiences with local ethnic minority communities.

Yes - Vietnam's still-developing wellness tourism industry generally offers strong value relative to more saturated markets like Thailand or Bali.

Vietnam's considerable north-south length means weather varies by region - broadly, February to April and August to October offer the most reliable conditions across the country, though it's worth checking your specific destination.

Yes - Vietnam's retreat regions, particularly around Danang and Phu Quoc, are increasingly popular and well set up for solo wellness travellers.

Typically around 12–13 hours with one stopover, putting it in a similar bracket to Thailand and other long-haul Southeast Asian destinations.

Modest dress and respectful behaviour are expected at temples and pagodas, and many retreats include an optional cultural visit as part of a broader itinerary.