The Best Wellness Resorts for an Autumn Escape

As the nights draw in and the weather in the UK turns grey, damp and cold, November is the perfect time to plan an escape. Wellness travel is about more than rest – it’s about recalibration, whether through Ayurveda in the Himalayas, medical longevity treatments in Dubai, or oceanfront yoga in Mexico. Around the world, this is a month of seasonal sweet spots: the Middle East cools to a comfortable warmth, Europe is calmer and more affordable, and long-haul destinations balance sunshine with fewer visitors. Here are some of the world’s best wellness resorts to consider this November.

Oman – Six Senses Zighy Bay, Musandam Peninsula

Six Senses Zighy Bay is one of those destinations that defines escapism. Fly direct to Dubai, then transfer through dramatic mountain landscapes to a hidden bay where rustic stone villas meet the turquoise Gulf of Oman. For those seeking exclusivity, this is one of the ultimate choices. November is the start of high season here, when the summer heat has eased into a perfect balance of warm days, cooler nights, and clear skies – ideal for wellness in the sun.

The Six Senses philosophy blends spa, movement and sustainability, with a heavy focus on emotional balance and rejuvenation. Guests can take part in wellness screenings, yoga, meditation, and nutrition guidance, alongside the simple joy of a villa with private pool overlooking the water. What makes Zighy Bay stand out in November is the range of outdoor experiences that complement the wellness programmes: sunrise hikes in the Hajar mountains, paragliding into the bay, or simply dining under the stars. It’s a restorative retreat that also celebrates the natural beauty of Oman.

France – Lily of the Valley, French Riviera

Set above the Mediterranean near Saint-Tropez, Lily of the Valley is one of the Riviera’s most stylish wellness resorts. While the area is famous for its summer crowds, November transforms it: soft weather, empty roads, and lower rates make it one of the best-kept secrets in European wellness.

The resort’s Shape Club and spa focus on weight management, fitness, and long-term wellbeing, guided by experts in nutrition and sports science. Guests can enjoy daily classes, personalised training, and therapeutic spa rituals, paired with exceptional Mediterranean cuisine. Beyond the programmes, the setting itself is a tonic – sea views, wooded hills, and a calm Riviera atmosphere. For UK travellers wanting an easy escape with serious wellness credentials, November at Lily of the Valley is an exceptional choice.

Morocco – Selman Marrakech

Selman Marrakech blends Moroccan elegance with world-class wellness, thanks to its Chenot Spa. Just a short flight from the UK, it’s an easy-access retreat for those who want a reset without long travel times. November is a particularly good month to visit Marrakech – warm days, cooler evenings, and fewer crowds compared to peak tourist months.

The Chenot method focuses on detoxification, energy balance, and anti-ageing, offering structured programmes that deliver tangible results. At Selman, these are combined with refined dining, striking interiors, and landscaped gardens framed by the Atlas Mountains. Guests can spend mornings in wellness consultations and afternoons exploring the souks or simply unwinding by the pool. It’s a balance of cultural immersion and serious wellness, all within easy reach of home.

UAE – One&Only One Za’abeel, Dubai (Clinique La Prairie Longevity Hub)

Dubai is well-known for its luxury hotels, but One&Only One Za’abeel brings something genuinely different. The property is home to a Clinique La Prairie Longevity Hub, an extension of the world-leading Swiss medical spa. For those interested in medical wellness, anti-ageing, or advanced longevity treatments, this is one of the most exciting new openings. With direct flights into Dubai and consistent November sunshine, it’s an accessible option for combining medical precision with luxury.

Clinique La Prairie’s programmes go beyond the typical spa experience, offering tailored diagnostics, cutting-edge treatments, and personalised plans designed to achieve measurable results. The wider resort balances this medical edge with the indulgence of One&Only: great food, incredible architecture, and the buzz of Dubai at your doorstep. November is particularly appealing for UK travellers - an easy city break that doubles as an investment in health and long-term wellbeing.

Qatar – Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, Al Ruwais

The sister property to the world-renowned Chiva-Som in Thailand, Zulal is the Middle East’s first dedicated destination spa. Just a direct flight from the UK and a short transfer from Doha, it’s an easy way to access serious wellness without long-haul travel. November is the ideal time to visit, with perfect daytime temperatures for outdoor movement and treatments, and cooler evenings to enjoy the desert air.

At Zulal, the wellness programmes draw on both Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine and Chiva-Som’s decades of holistic expertise. Guests can expect over 400 treatments, covering everything from detox and stress management to sleep therapy and tailored nutrition. The property is split into two sections: Serenity, for adults seeking transformation, and Discovery, a rare family-friendly wellness retreat where children can be included in the journey. Add in the desert-fringed setting, architectural nods to Qatari heritage, and the focus on mindful technology use, and Zulal stands out as a genuinely immersive experience.

Caribbean – BodyHoliday, St Lucia

BodyHoliday is one of the Caribbean’s most established wellness resorts and has a loyal following worldwide. Located on a private beach in St Lucia, it combines spa treatments, fitness classes, water sports, and healthy cuisine in a way that makes wellness engaging and sociable. November is prime time, with warm sunshine, good sea conditions, and a calm lull before the festive season begins.

Guests at BodyHoliday can be as active or relaxed as they wish. The daily schedule includes everything from sailing to yoga and spinning, while the award-winning wellness centre offers hundreds of treatments. It’s one of the few retreats that works equally well for solo travellers, couples, and groups, with a social atmosphere that sets it apart from more introspective spas. For those looking to balance wellness with the vibrancy of the Caribbean, this is the top choice.

Mexico – SHA Mexico, Costa Mujeres

SHA Wellness Clinic has brought its world-leading reputation from Spain to the Caribbean coast of Mexico. Opened recently in Costa Mujeres, just north of Cancún, this is one of the most advanced medical spas globally. November is an excellent time to visit, with warm, dry weather and calmer seas compared to the winter high season.

SHA focuses on evidence-based programmes: longevity, detox, weight loss, cognitive health, and sleep improvement, all guided by a team of doctors and specialists. Guests can expect tailored nutrition, advanced diagnostics, and a structured routine designed to deliver measurable results. The setting, however, is pure indulgence: contemporary suites, beachfront views, and access to the turquoise Caribbean. For those who take wellness seriously, this is the place to go for precision-led transformation with a luxury backdrop.

Mexico – Chablé Yucatán (with the option to pair with Chablé Maroma)

For something more holistic, Chablé Yucatán is one of Mexico’s most unique wellness retreats, set in a restored 19th-century hacienda deep in the Mayan jungle. The property is built around a natural cenote, which becomes the spiritual heart of its spa and healing rituals. Wellness here feels authentic and grounding, with treatments inspired by Mayan traditions, integrated with yoga, meditation, and contemporary therapies. November is one of the best months to visit the Yucatán, with warm, dry weather, lush landscapes, and fewer crowds than the winter peak.

The resort balances cultural immersion with luxury: casita-style villas each have private pools, the cuisine celebrates organic ingredients, and the atmosphere encourages both rest and exploration. For travellers who want to extend their journey, Chablé Yucatán can be paired with its sister property, Chablé Maroma on the Riviera Maya, just a few hours away. It’s the perfect combination – jungle heritage and spiritual healing inland, followed by barefoot luxury and wellness by the Caribbean Sea.

Indonesia – REVĪVŌ Wellness Resort, Nusa Dua, Bali

REVĪVŌ, located in Nusa Dua, Bali, is designed for total immersion into wellbeing. It offers bespoke programmes that combine yoga, meditation, fitness, spa therapies, and nutrition into a cohesive journey. November is the beginning of Bali’s wet season, but this actually adds to the experience – lush landscapes, dramatic tropical skies, and a sense of retreat as showers roll through and the air feels charged with energy.

What sets REVĪVŌ apart is the focus on results. Guests work with practitioners to design their programmes, from sleep retreats to emotional healing and detox. The resort itself is intimate, with just 22 suites and villas, ensuring personal attention and a calm, community feel. Days are structured yet flexible, balancing therapies with free time for reflection or movement. For those looking for wellness that goes beyond the superficial, November is an atmospheric and rewarding time to visit Bali, and REVĪVŌ is one of its strongest offerings.

Costa Rica – The Retreat Costa Rica, Alajuela

The Retreat, founded by wellness expert Diana Stobo, is perched on a crystal mountain above the Pacific, surrounded by rainforest and organic gardens. Its philosophy is holistic: every detail, from the alkaline-based cuisine to the spa rituals and yoga sessions, is designed to restore balance. November is an ideal month to visit, as it marks the shift from rainy season to dry – everything is lush and green, but days are bright and clearer as the dry season begins.

Guests can expect daily yoga, nature hikes, farm-to-table dining, and a wide range of healing treatments. The setting alone feels therapeutic, with views stretching across the Nicoya Peninsula. Programmes focus on stress reduction, detoxification, and overall vitality, often attracting solo travellers as well as couples. The Retreat has become one of the most recognised names in Costa Rica’s growing wellness scene, and November offers the best of both climates – fresh, abundant landscapes without the heavy rains.

India – Ananda in the Himalayas, Uttarakhand

Ananda has long been considered one of the most transformative wellness resorts in the world. Located on a 100-acre estate in the Himalayan foothills, it combines traditional Indian practices of Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation with international wellness therapies. November is a magical time to visit: the skies are clear after the monsoon, the mountain air is crisp but not yet cold, and the views over the Ganges valley are spectacular.

Guests come to Ananda for profound renewal. Whether it’s detox, stress management, weight loss, or spiritual growth, programmes are personalised and immersive. The spa spans 24,000 square feet, offering more than 80 treatments, while daily yoga and meditation are set against one of the most inspiring backdrops imaginable. Beyond the programmes, simply being in this setting feels transformative – mornings often begin with chanting carried on the cool air, and evenings close with the glow of Himalayan sunsets. For anyone ready for a deeper kind of wellness journey, November is one of the best months to experience it.

Sri Lanka – Santani Wellness Kandy, Hill Country

Santani is a retreat built on balance, set in Sri Lanka’s lush central highlands. Surrounded by jungle-clad hills and overlooking the Knuckles mountain range, it’s a place where minimalism meets tranquillity. November is a shoulder month in Sri Lanka – the southwest monsoon has passed, leaving fresh greenery and mild conditions, and the peak season crowds are yet to arrive.

Programmes here are rooted in Ayurveda and yoga, with each stay tailored to the individual’s needs. Guests can immerse themselves in digital detoxes, guided meditation, cleansing cuisine, and expert consultations with Ayurvedic doctors. The architecture is deliberately pared back, with open-air pavilions that put nature front and centre. For those seeking deep rest away from distractions, Santani is one of the most authentic wellness experiences in Asia. November’s timing means you get the best of both worlds: cooler weather in the hills, but still the option to combine it with beach time on Sri Lanka’s southern coast.

Each of these resorts offers its own path to renewal – from the science-led precision of SHA Mexico and Clinique La Prairie in Dubai, to the holistic heritage of Ananda and Chablé Yucatán. November is the ideal time to make space for yourself before the year ends.

Ready to plan your escape? Contact Anchor & Atlas today and I’ll design a personalised wellness journey, securing the best benefits and insider access at each resort.