5 Destinations For A Voyage Of Renewal

For rejuvenation, contemplation, or simply to idle around—your journey has only just begun. So, just check in and tune out.
revitalise holiday

42 Acres

42 Acres, United Kingdom

Nestled in the tranquil landscape of eastern Somerset lies 42 Acres, a restorative haven born from the vision of siblings Lara and Seth Tabatznik. What once was a 13th- century hermitage has now transformed into an expansive regenerative estate, inviting guests to reconnect with nature, themselves, and with each other.

At 42 Acres, time slows to a rhythm dictated by the seasons and the soul. Guests indulge in self-catered stays in quaint cottages surrounded by gardens that inspire contemplation or participate in immersive retreat packages, experiencing every moment crafted for renewal. Picture yourself cocooned in country comforts, enjoying sessions in the forest-fringed sauna and leisurely strolling through the estate’s walled gardens and farm.

Each day here unfolds uniquely. From self-guided thoughtful retreats to curated Wild Weekends featuring educational wildlife walks and foraging adventures, each experience guides guests on a journey inward and outward. The seven-acre lake is no doubt perfect for recreation, while rewilding projects under skilled facilitation deepen connections to the natural world.

revitalise holiday

Accommodations range from spacious converted barns and cosy cottages to coach houses and the intimate Tiny boat nestled by the lake’s edge are designed to inspire peaceful dreams. The estate’s calendar is as varied as its offerings, with activities catering to all interests and paces—whether planting bulbs in the gardens, foraging for wild teas, or attending workshops on miso-making and plant-based cooking, there’s something enriching for every visit.

Dining at 42 Acres is a departure from the ordinary, with a ‘soil-to-gut’ menu that reflects the land’s bounty and evolves with the seasons. Dishes like shiitake mushroom bourguignon and rosemary-infused cashew cheesecake, crafted to be spellbound and linger indefinitely.

Venture beyond the estate to the nearby village of Bruton, where culinary treasures tempt. Enjoy the renowned Sunday roasts at the Three Horseshoes pub, or savour at Osip, where Michelin-starred chef Merlin Labron-Johnson conjures up farm-to- fork delights based on daily arrivals. At the Chapel, housed in an 18th-century listed building, serves West Country classics infused with Mediterranean flair, including their celebrated sourdough pizzas.

San Luis, Italy

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San Luis

In the heart of South Tyrol, where the Mediterranean sun kisses the Alpine peaks, San Luis emerges as a retreat unlike any other. Nestled around a shimmering 5,800 sqm lake within a sprawling 40-hectare alpine park, it harmonises natural splendour with understated luxury.

San Luis Retreat Hotel & Lodges reveals itself amidst pine forests and towering mountain vistas, a sanctuary of 42 cabins ranging from intimate studios to expansive chalets. Crafted from untreated Mondholz wood and adorned in a palette of putty and slate grey, each dwelling blends rustic charm with modern comfort and sustainable ethos.

Recycled timber and dark stone tell tales of local craftsmanship, where crackling fireplaces, panoramic terraces, and private saunas invite guests to unwind. Upgraded chalets offer hot tubs under starlit skies and freestanding bathtubs, enveloped in crisp mountain air and the warmth of pristine waters—an invitation to savour every moment.

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Following a day of exploration through hillside trails, guests indulge in lakeside hot tubs easing weary limbs, or barn-style spa treatments beside indoor and outdoor pools boasting Dolomite mountain vistas. At the lively clubhouse, handcrafted elegance meets culinary artistry, blending alpine traditions with Mediterranean finesse. Locally sourced ingredients by Michelin- starred chef Artuto Spiocchi adorn plates, a celebration of locality and seasonality.

Yet, the heart of San Luis lies in its essence. Beside a swim-in, swim-out heated pool, a sense of liquid serenity awaits, with poolside fireplaces casting gentle glows over plush sofas. In winter, the lake transforms into an enchanting ice-skating rink, echoing with laughter amidst the crisp Alpine breeze.

Six Senses Ibiza, Spain

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Nestled in its lush surroundings, Six Senses Ibiza is anything but a wallflower. This venue has earned international praise for its eco- friendly architecture and design, making a stay here beneficial for both the environment and the soul.

The hotel offers a welcoming retreat with 137 accommodations set across a lush 20-acre site. Whether you prefer elegantly appointed suites, unique Cave Suites, expansive three to seven-bedroom residences, or the grandeur of five and ten-bedroom mansions, each space is thoughtfully designed into the beautiful contours of Xarraca Bay on Ibiza’s northern tip.

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Among these, the Cave Royale suite epitomises contemporary chic. Carved into the cliffside with a hint of secretive sophistication, this space transforms the notion of a dim, dank cavern into a realm of opulence. It features a lavish hot tub, wet bar, grand piano, and a secret door leading to a professional recording studio—perfect for those moments when inspiration strikes in the middle of the night.

The family-friendly outdoor infinity pool, heated by eco-friendly solar panels, offers breathtaking views of Cala Xarraca. Adorned with sleek sun loungers and elegant parasols, it provides the perfect setting to relax and bask in the sun’s warm embrace.

revitalise holiday

Spanning 13,000 square feet, the spa at Six Senses Ibiza is a sanctuary of wellness and tranquillity. It features a vitality pool, hammam, steam room, sauna, cryotherapy chamber, and an ‘Alchemy Bar’ where guests can create their own custom essential oil blends. Treatment rooms, nestled within serene catacombs, offer direct access to organic gardens, ensuring the freshest ingredients for spa botanicals.

Fitness facilities include an outdoor yoga shala with breathtaking sea views, a boxing ring, and a state-of-the-art gym. The weekly schedule includes complimentary yoga classes, meditation, sound healing sessions, and guided hikes. Additionally, the hotel hosts special retreats throughout the year, featuring guest practitioners focused on fitness, detox, or shamanic healing, making the spa a true destination in itself.

Pasta enthusiasts will feel at home at the Orchard, which offers a trattoria-inspired menu with Italian favourites. La Plaza features traditional Spanish dishes, while The Farmers’ Market and The Beach Caves provide relaxed dining with custom cocktails and light bites, served to a lively Ibizan beat.

The poolside Pharmacy Bar is worth a try.

With an array of onsite activities, guests can immerse themselves in the infinity pool, peruse the permanent photography gallery, explore the sustainable Agora boutique, or indulge in yoga or spa treatments. Cala Xarraca beach is a short walk away, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. while Cala Xuclar bay offers tranquil paddling just around the point.

Venture to San Juan village for its vibrant hippy market, featuring art, handmade treasures, live music, and cosy cafes. Sundays at Cala Benirras resonate with sunset drum circles—a cherished local tradition.

For the intrepid, the hotel arranges island excursions like cliff jumping, snorkelling, scuba diving, and cave exploration, ensuring every guest finds their perfect Ibiza adventure.

The Brando, French Polynesia

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The Brando rests as a secluded island sanctuary where luxury merges with environmental harmony. As an exclusive retreat, it reveres the region’s stunning landscapes, promising an experience that embodies a sense of tranquillity and awe, quietly awaiting discovery.

Imagine descending towards the island on a private plane, the lagoon below shimmering in the clearest, most ethereal shades of blue. The view is breathtaking, akin to stepping into a dream—a slice of paradise promising serenity and breathtaking vistas.

The story of this property is as intriguing as the island it graces. Discovered by Marlon Brando during the filming of Mutiny on the Bounty in 1963, this atoll holds a rich history. Once a haven for Tahitian royalty seeking solace, it later passed into the hands of an American dentist. Brando‘s acquisition of the island is steeped in charm—a tale that includes cash and a homemade apple pie gifted by its lone inhabitant.

At The Brando, accommodations are meticulously crafted for privacy and comfort. Villas discreetly nestled among lush trees provide exclusive access to pristine pink- white sands. Each villa features modern architecture with sleek lines, glass accents, and natural materials. The renowned Obamaville , a three-bedroom villa, offered solace to the former president during reflective moments. All villas boast luxurious amenities, private pools, and refined Polynesian-inspired décor, strategically positioned inland to preserve the island‘s ecological harmony and enhance the sense of seclusion.

Dining at The Brando unfolds as a journey of culinary delight. Guests embark on a sensory adventure at Japanese and European restaurants, where exquisite fish-based dishes are artfully prepared with herbs, fruits, and vegetables cultivated on the atoll itself. Breakfast becomes a cherished ritual, featuring honey harvested from stingless bees drawn to vibrant bougainvillaea. The Beachcomber Café offers a taste of Polynesia‘s flavours, while Les Mutinés, with its hull-shaped design, serves up French delicacies. Nami excels in sushi and teppanyaki, complemented by a curated selection of fine sakes.

Te Manu, with its suspended vantage point over the beach, offers mesmerising views of the lagoon. Meanwhile, Bob‘s Bar, formerly known as Dirty Old Bob‘s, honours Brando‘s loyal companion with a refined ambience. Signature cocktails and lively ukulele tunes amidst a palm-fringed roof and sandy floor give off an island-inspired vibe.

Seeking ultimate relaxation? Follow the path to Varua Te Ora spa—an oasis nestled within a tropical grove surrounding a lake adorned with lotus flowers and lily pads. Here, indulge in rejuvenating rituals like seashell massages, coconut wraps, and invigorating scrubs. Guests unwind in the hammam, cool off under cascading waterfalls, and savour herbal infusions at the salon. For a unique experience, the ‘fare manu’ cabin, a charming retreat crafted from mikimiki wood, perched high amidst the treetops.

Marlon Brando‘s cherished atoll has metamorphosed into a sanctuary of peace and opulence, standing alone amidst untouched islands, offering an unparalleled sense of privacy. Honeymooners, Tahitian wildlife experts studying the island‘s unique ecosystem, cultural historians, and occasional groups revelling under the starlit sky all find solace at The Brando. As private yachts occasionally grace the lagoon, guests luxuriate in its pristine tranquillity, embraced by unspoiled luxury.

The Lodge at Blue Sky, Utah United States

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In the quaint Utah settlement of Wanship, with a population of approximately 400, The Lodge at Blue Sky, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, is an idyllic retreat amidst vast acres of pristine ranchland. Here, guests are welcomed by rescue horses, meandering moose, and falcons gracefully roaming overhead.

The romantic allure of vast landscapes has always been deeply rooted in American tradition, and this Auberge property captures that essence beautifully. Owned by Michael and Barbara Phillips, it has become one of the country‘s most coveted luxury resorts since its opening. Once recognised by The World’s 50 Best Hotel Awards as “ one to watch,” the resort’s 46 guest rooms are thoughtfully integrated into the sprawling 3,500-acre ranch.

A picturesque creek meanders through the property, conjuring tranquil scenes. Revelling a modernist simplicity with bespoke details and a European design sensibility, its architecture harmonises with the majestic mountain backdrop, speaking volumes of natural elegance.

For the ultimate in seclusion, couples can retreat to the adults-only Creek House nestled along the tranquil banks of Alexander Creek. These rooms are designed with fly fishers in mind, as they come equipped with their own rods and tackle. Families will appreciate the spacious Two-Bedroom Signature Suites in the main lodge, providing plenty of room to ensure everyone can relax without feeling crowded.

revitalise holiday

With such an expansive property, there‘s a myriad of experiences to discover. Guests can enjoy aerial yoga amidst fields of butter- yellow wildflowers surrounding serene alpine pools, all while soaking in breathtaking vistas of the Wasatch Mountains, with Deer Valley visible on clear days. Midway along the trail system, an old one-room schoolhouse from the 19th century awaits exploration. Perched atop a mountainous peak sits a charming yurt, where guests can partake in whiskey tastings or indulge in fondue dinners. The Lodge’s activity program also features fly- fishing, shooting sporting clays, exploring on horseback and excursions to Park City for skiing, ensuring every moment is filled with adventure and relaxation.

For those seeking tranquillity, The Lodge at Blue Sky embodies a philosophy that celebrates the healing essence of nature. Nestled at the precipice overlooking Alexander Creek, the state-of-the-art Edge Spa beckons with its sauna, hammam, and five treatment rooms offering rejuvenating rituals. Utilising natural ingredients, some sourced from the ranch itself, these treatments aim to rejuvenate guests after a day spent exploring the great outdoors.

Dining at The Lodge is a highlight, featuring the Yuta restaurant led by Jason Franey, an alumnus of Eleven Madison Park. Much of the produce is sourced from the on-site Gracie’s Farm. Chef Galen Zamarra artfully combines influences from Utah’s diverse cultural heritage—Chinese, Irish, and Spanish traditions meld seamlessly to offer a truly exquisite culinary experience.

This story was first published in The Peak Malaysia August 2024 issue.

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