Last Updated:August 26, 2025, 17:06 IST

From royal forts to Himalayan wellness retreats, this list spotlights venues where weddings become soulful stories, not just celebrations.

Wedding planning has shifted dramatically over the past few years. Couples are opting for smaller guest lists but bigger experiences. The focus is no longer on impressing hundreds of people but on creating something meaningful and memorable for those who matter most.

Interestingly, the venues getting booked months in advance aren’t necessarily the biggest or flashiest they’re the ones offering something unique: heritage properties steeped in history, wellness-focused retreats, or destinations where you can host an outdoor ceremony without worrying about backup plans.

Here are seven venues that capture this shift and deliver exactly what couples want right now.

Six Senses Fort Barwara: Redefining Sustainable Luxury Weddings

Six Senses Fort Barwara, a restored 14th-century fort near Jaipur, is among India’s most distinctive wedding destinations. Blending regal heritage with mindful luxury and sustainability, it offers cinematic yet conscious celebrations. Couples can host multi-day events across the Zenana Courtyard, Stepwell, or temple lawns, with just 48 suites making exclusive buyouts ideal for privacy.

Eco-conscious practices, biodegradable décor, zero-plastic policies, and farm-to-table dining ensure purpose-driven weddings. Guests can also immerse themselves in experiences such as block printing, nature walks, and wellness rituals like yoga and Ayurveda. At Fort Barwara, weddings transcend occasions, becoming soulful journeys that honor tradition, celebrate love, and create lasting legacies.

InterContinental Jaipur Tonk Road: Modern Palace Sophistication

On the cusp of Jaipur, InterContinental Jaipur Tonk Road combines architectural grandeur with modern luxury to create unforgettable wedding moments. With over 51,000 sq. ft. of event space including the airy, pillarless Convergence Ballroom and the expansive Indulge Lawn accommodating up to 2,500 guests the venue is designed for polished yet grand celebrations.

From intimate mehendis to lavish pheras and receptions, each function flows seamlessly, supported by IHG’s signature “Your Day, Your Way” ethos. With 218 chic rooms, specialty dining, a spa, and an open-air pool, the hotel caters effortlessly to multi-day weddings and guest well-being. More than a venue, it’s a cinematic stage for modern love stories wrapped in the Pink City’s contemporary elegance.

Six Senses Vana: Wellness Weddings in the Himalayan Silence

Set in a serene Sal forest near Dehradun, Six Senses Vana offers a transformative twist on destination weddings blending mindful pre-nuptial retreats with the celebration itself. Guests begin with personalized wellness screenings and Ayurvedic-led guidance, extending into curated experiences such as breathwork, Tibetan therapies, and raga sound journeys.

Here, digital detox is a rule: phones are restricted in public spaces, meals are crafted to balance doshas with locally sourced produce, and sustainability runs deep with rainwater harvesting, solar energy, and zero-plastic practices. Whether exchanging vows beneath the Bodhi Tree or enjoying a reflective prelude to the wedding, Vana frames love through mindfulness and reverence, turning “I do” into a soulful, holistic experience.

Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa: Nature Meets Celebration

Nestled in the Malani Hills along the Kosi River, Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa Marriott’s first wildlife property in Uttarakhand emerges as a captivating 2025 wedding destination. With 99 rooms under one roof, it’s ideal for families celebrating both grand and intimate occasions.

Couples can choose from a 450 sq. mt. pillarless ballroom, expansive forest-framed lawns, or the poolside lawn for starlit pheras. Pre-wedding indulgence awaits at Quan Spa, while dining spans hyperlocal Kumaoni thalis, global cuisine, riverside teas, and starlit grills. Weddings here unfold as journeys of love, blending nature, culture, and luxury into unforgettable memories.

Udaipur Marriott Hotel: A Regal Setting for Your Dream Wedding

At Udaipur’s first Marriott property, royal grandeur meets modern indulgence against the backdrop of the Aravalli Hills and Fateh Sagar Lake. With 227 elegant rooms, ornate jharokhas, hand-painted Pichwai art, and a grand chandelier staircase, the hotel offers both splendor and comfort for destination weddings.

Venues range from the pillarless Grand Crystal Ballroom to the scenic Crystal Lawn and Mewar Royal Rooftop, hosting everything from intimate mehendis to lavish receptions. Exclusive features include Udaipur’s only dedicated Bridal Room, pre-wedding wellness at Quan Spa, alfresco gatherings at Okra, and after-parties at Opal Lounge ensuring a seamless blend of tradition and indulgence.

Cinnamon Life Colombo: South Asia’s Integrated Wedding Wonderland

Cinnamon Life Colombo, South Asia’s first integrated resort, redefines destination weddings with over 160,000 sq. ft. of versatile venues. From the iconic Lumina Ballroom for 1,500 guests to dramatic “events in the sky” overlooking the Indian Ocean and skyline, every celebration feels cinematic.

Easily accessible with visa-friendly policies and seamless connectivity, the resort offers unmatched facilities including a dedicated event entrance and 2,500+ parking spaces. Couples and guests can indulge in wellness at Kurundu Spa and a global culinary journey across 12 restaurants. Weddings here become effortless experiences intimate or grand where South Asia meets the world in style.

voco Jim Corbett: Wilderness Weddings with a Touch of Whimsy

Spread across 13.5 acres of mango groves and framed by the Kosi River, voco Jim Corbett—IHG’s first voco property in India reimagines destination weddings as moments of serene grandeur. With just 70 rooms, it balances exclusivity with accessibility, creating wedding weekends that are intimate yet unforgettable.

Couples can choose from indoor halls like Flamingo (150 guests) or Finch (100 guests), or opt for the open-air Rudraksh Lawn (up to 400 guests). Curated touches such as riverside starlit dinners, spa rituals at Tattva, and guided stargazing make celebrations magical and personal. At voco Jim Corbett, weddings don’t just happen they unfold like stories whispered in the wild.

Six Senses Con Dao: Oceanfront Romance in Vietnam

For couples seeking an overseas escape, Six Senses Con Dao offers a private, oceanfront wedding venue against Vietnam’s breathtaking coastline. Packages include floral décor, photography, a wedding cake, and a candle-lit dinner in the Wine Cellar or via an in-villa barbecue.

The celebration continues with a post-wedding indulgence: a top-to-toe spa ritual for the bride and groom, leaving them radiant inside and out. Here, weddings are intimate, romantic, and luxuriously unforgettable.

Life can feel like an endless loop of deadlines, lectures, and doomscrolling. If your brain’s fried and your body’s running on kopi and bubble tea, it’s time for a reset. Wellness tourism is your excuse to pause, recharge, and treat yourself – think yoga by the sea, spa days, meditation retreats, nature escapes, and full-on digital detoxes.

What is wellness tourism?

In short, wellness tourism is travelling with the main goal of feeling better physically, mentally, and emotionally. Instead of holidays that leave you needing more days off to recover, you’re choosing trips that restore balance and boost your energy. 

Why wellness tourism is trending

Self-care isn’t just a hashtag anymore; it’s a lifestyle. We’re more upfront about mental health and want getaways that heal, not just entertain. After years of pandemic stress and economic uncertainty, people are craving slower mornings, nature escapes, and real recharge moments. Plus, wellness experiences like tea rituals and hot springs are totally Instagram-worthy, so you can flex your self-care journey online.

Here are a few wellness getaways in Asia that hit all the right notes for a Gen-Z traveler looking to escape the daily grind.

Best destinations to experience wellness tourism

1. Bali, Indonesia – Best for holistic vibes

Bali’s Ubud region offers lush rice terraces, jungle retreats, and authentic Balinese spa therapies. Daily yoga and meditation classes, combined with organic, locally sourced meals, create the perfect environment to recharge your mind, body, and soul, leaving you refreshed and reconnected with yourself in a tropical paradise.

Where to stay:

Fivelements Retreat Bali – An award-winning eco-wellness sanctuary by the Ayung River, famous for its healing rituals, plant-based cuisine, and yoga pavilions.

COMO Shambhala Estate – A luxury wellness resort set amidst lush jungle with personalised wellness programmes including yoga and Ayurvedic treatments.

2. Chiang Mai, Thailand – Best for meditation and mindfulness

Chiang Mai is home to serene temples, meditation retreats, and traditional Thai herbal massage experiences. Quiet streets, spiritual workshops, and local wellness practices make it an ideal destination for slowing down, reflecting, and finding inner calm while immersing yourself in rich Northern Thai culture.

Where to stay:

The Pavana Chiang Mai Resort – Known for meditation, yoga, and detox programmes with serene surroundings in the Mae Rim Valley.

Pa Pae Meditation Retreat – Nestled in the mountains north of Chiang Mai, this retreat is run by monks and offers guided meditation, mindfulness practice, and simple living in nature.

3. Kyoto, Japan – Best for mindful culture

Kyoto blends tranquillity and tradition with Zen temples, peaceful gardens, and ceremonial tea experiences. The city’s serene streets encourage mindful wandering, while meditation sessions and cultural immersion help you cultivate patience, focus, and calm. It’s perfect for those seeking both inner peace and authentic Japanese experiences.

Where to stay:

Hoshinoya Kyoto – A riverside retreat blending ryokan traditions and tea ceremonies with zen hospitality and guided walks through bamboo groves.

Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel – Located in Arashiyama, offering traditional tea ceremonies, zen gardens, and onsen-style baths.

4. Siem Reap, Cambodia – Best for spa and detox

Beyond Angkor Wat’s iconic temples, Siem Reap has luxury wellness resorts offering spa treatments, yoga programs, and nutrition-focused detox experiences. Combining comfort and relaxation, the city is perfect for those looking to reset their energy levels, pamper themselves, and enjoy holistic wellness in a culturally rich environment.

Where to stay:

Navutu Dreams Resort & Wellness Retreat – Cambodia’s only dedicated resort and wellness retreat with two yoga shalas, a serene atmosphere, and a variety of vegan, vegetarian, and health-oriented dining options.

La Résidence D’Angkor, A Belmond Hotel – One of the first luxury hotels to open in Siem Reap with traditionally-designed suites, Khmer-inspired spa therapies and holistic wellness experiences like yoga. Reopening in Q4 2025.

5. Kerala, India – Best for Ayurvedic healing

Kerala’s tropical landscape and Ayurvedic retreats offer herbal therapies, customised wellness programmes, and beachside yoga. Ancient wellness practices paired with serene surroundings help you restore balance, reduce stress, and rejuvenate both mind and body.

Where to stay:

Somatheeram Ayurveda Village – World’s first ayurvedic hospital with a resort ambience offering traditional Ayurvedic treatments, Panchakarma detox programmes, yoga, and meditation.

Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra – A cliffside retreat with panoramic views of the Arabian Sea that blends luxury with traditional Ayurveda. The resort features the award-winning Niraamaya Spa with authentic Ayurvedic treatments, yoga, meditation, and an ocean-facing pool.

6. Hokkaido, Japan – Best for nature therapy

Hokkaido’s snowy landscapes, hot springs, and forest trails provide the ultimate natural therapy. You can soak in onsen baths, hike scenic trails, and enjoy quiet winter retreats that refresh the mind, rejuvenate the body, and allow for peaceful reflection away from urban chaos.

Where to stay:

Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Resort Spa Mizu No Uta – A water-inspired resort hotel on the shores of Lake Shikotsu. It features soothing hot spring baths, fine dining using local organic produce and the natural wonders of the Lake Shikotsu area.

Hoshino Resorts KAI Poroto – Located by Lake Poroto in Shiraoi, this ryokan draws on Ainu culture and nature therapy. It features indoor and outdoor hot spring baths with panoramic lake views.

7. Siargao, Philippines – Best for active self-care

Siargao is perfect for wellness that combines movement and fun. Surfing, paddleboarding, and beach yoga sessions are complemented by eco-conscious resorts and tropical scenery, making it an energising escape. It’s ideal for those who want to recharge physically while connecting with nature and embracing an active lifestyle.

Where to stay:

Nay Palad Hideaway – A barefoot luxury all-inclusive resort offering surfing, island-hopping, yoga, and spa therapies.

Soultribe Beach Retreat – A surf and yoga lodge with beachside cabanas and jungle loft villas, offering yoga, massage and outdoor activities like stand-up paddleboarding and island hopping.

Wellness tourism is a glow-up for your mind, body, and soul. Whether you’re meditating in the mountains, soaking in hot springs, or stretching by the sea, you’ll come home lighter, calmer, and more you.

KUALA LUMPUR, 26 August 2025: The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) introduced the first edition of its MH Wellness Fair 2025 series on 23 August, themed “Young & Healthy Champions.” 

Held at The Campus, Ampang, MH Wellness Fair 2025 featured a line-up of activities, exclusive wellness packages, and engaging sessions designed to encourage preventive healthcare, fitness, and mental well-being.

Health Insights

Dental Care: Oral Health for Kids and Teens” by Dr. Tracey Lau Phui Yi, Kheng Dental Clinic.

Heart Disease: If We Know the Enemy, Why Are We Still Losing?” by Dr. Abdul Arif Shaparudin, Cardiologist, Institut Jantung Negara (IJN).

“Stop the Progression: Myopia Control for Children” by Dr Ng Chun Wai, OPTIMAX Eye Specialist Centre.

Recovery: Mental & Emotional Health with Aromatherapy & Cakra Energy by Redzuan Sabar, AMSPA member from Treat Me Wellness Centre.

Fitness & Fun: Babel Fit’s “MoveQuest Adventure Park,” immersive workouts, family dance sessions, and recovery lounge experiences.

Wellness Experiences – Complimentary massages, posture checks, spa vouchers, and a marketplace featuring over 20 local health and lifestyle vendors.

Culture & Tradition: A captivating performance of Anggalang Magunatip, the traditional bamboo dance of Sabah, alongside the Integration of Malaysian traditional games like Congkak and Batu Seremban that promote coordination, reflexes, and intergenerational bonding.

The fair also emphasised inclusivity, providing a welcoming environment for both locals and expatriates of all ages to explore Malaysia’s healthcare and tourism offerings. As MHTC prepares for the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026, this initiative served as a platform to showcase Malaysia’s strengths in healthcare and wellness, while fostering community engagement and promoting healthier living for all. For more information, visit https://malaysiahealthcare.org/.