An Escape to Wellness

Tired of the wintery weather bringing you down and longing for an escape to revitalise in the sun? Yep – us too. So we’re making it official; this year is all about travelling and taking care of the most important person in your life – YOU. And if there’s one thing that helps get your self-care regime on track, its sun, sea and some serious pampering in a crazy-beautiful beach haven.

Enter Aruba. This postage-stamp Caribbean island has long been a wellness getaway in our books. Primed with all the castaway island benefits and a host of hotels offering programmes to help you meditate and relax your way to a well-balanced life – it’s ideal for giving yourself the ‘me time’ you deserve. So get ready to whisk yourself away to one of the island’s finest boltholes.

Manchebo

Manchebo has been literally made for wellness living. Enclosed in tropical flora and fauna, the open- air spa offers an oasis from buzzy Eagle Beach where treatments take a leaf out of Bali’s book. Our tip? Start the morning working up a sweat with your personal trainer before refuelling on the healthy seasonal fare; superfood smoothies, rainbow hued salads and immune-boosting dishes are all menu staples. Then, after some sun-soaking on the beachfront thatched palapas, plump for some afternoon yoga or Pilates and get your fingers and toes evening ready with a manicure and pedicure as you soothe your mind gazing at a clear-blue Caribbean sea. Sounds like the perfect self-care routine to us.

Aruba Ocean Villas

There’s no denying the healing qualities of being near to water, and these villas hidden far from view near San Nicholas couldn’t get you any closer. If you just want peace and quiet, and channel your inner Eat Pray Love story to feel at one with the ocean, these villas offer a more rustic choice. Rich mahogany furnishings and hammocks set the tone while your private chef will be on hand to arrange your personal wellness-inspired menu. Then it’s just a choice of learning to surf on sparkling seas, taking a dip in the bright blue ocean, or just settle on a plush lounger on your private deck and enjoy some sun-soaked reflection. Inner bliss, here we come.

Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort

Want your wellness all planned out for you? Sign up for the Bucuti & Tara wellness program and have your daily schedule completely tailored to your needs by a wellness specialist. Whether your holiday goal is getting in shape with a custom-made fitness regime, finally going vegan with a menu of hand-crafted dishes of fresh island ingredients, or cultivating mindfulness with nature hikes, yoga and meditation; you’ll be feeling balanced in no time. Even the air in your room is purified and comes stocked with products from the Purun Spa. Your view? Nab a suite here and you’ll have the palm-fringed Eagle Beach just a short sandy stomp from your room.

Ocean Z

Design lovers in search of a chic stay should head to this boutique gem on quieter Malmok Beach. Venezuelan architect Óscar Enrique Bracho Malpica had relaxation and serenity in mind when he designed this modern abode, complete with infinity pools, huge open-air showers topped with Deluxe SPA Bvlgari products, and rooms dressed in sophisticated shades of slate grey. If you’re someone who finds Zen in minimal design and uninterrupted ocean views, then this is bound to benefit your mood (as well as your Instagram feed).