The luxurious and often scandalous escapades of HBO’s hit series, The White Lotus, have once again ignited viewers’ wanderlust – this time setting sights on Thailand’s opulent spiritual retreats featured in the show’s third season.
As travellers increasingly seek transformative getaways where they can disconnect and rediscover themselves, wellness retreats have become the go-to option for combining luxury with mental well-being.
“The surge of interest sparked by The White Lotus is part of a broader trend where people prioritise vacations that offer genuine mental and emotional rejuvenation,” says Howard Smith, a leading mental health expert and Founder of Rehab Bali. “These retreats provide travellers with valuable experiences and practical tools that help support their long-term well-being.”
To help travellers discover the best destinations for these transformative experiences, Rehab Bali analysed data from major retreat booking platforms and search trends. The study examined six key factors including the total number of registered wellness retreats, variety of retreat types (yoga, meditation, spiritual, and eco-friendly options), visitor reviews, and global search interest to create a comprehensive ranking of countries offering exceptional wellness experiences.
The Top 10 Countries With The Most Retreats
India: The Global Wellness Capital
India leads the pack with an impressive score of 75.24, establishing itself as the premier global destination for wellness seekers. The country hosts 228 registered wellness retreats across diverse regions from the Himalayan foothills to the beaches of Goa.
“India combines ancient spiritual traditions with modern wellness practices remarkably well,” says Smith. “The data shows 252 spiritual retreats and 312 yoga and meditation retreats throughout the country, offering visitors authentic experiences with roots dating back thousands of years.”
What adds to India’s appeal is its strong environmental focus, with 456 eco-friendly and nature-based retreats – the highest in our study. The country’s popularity is further validated by 11,115 visitor reviews, demonstrating high satisfaction among travellers seeking wellness experiences.
Spain: Europe’s Wellness Haven
Spain secured second place with a score of 69.92, emerging as Europe’s leading wellness destination. The country boasts 403 total registered wellness retreats – the highest raw number in the study – spread across diverse landscapes from coastal regions to mountain sanctuaries.
The Spanish wellness scene features 292 yoga and meditation retreats, 208 spiritual retreats, and 408 eco-friendly options. With 7,752 reviews and 2,600 monthly searches, Spain attracts wellness tourists looking for transformative experiences with Mediterranean flair.
“Spain offers an appealing blend of wellness practices in settings that range from historic monasteries to sleek modern retreats,” Smith explains. “The Mediterranean climate and culinary traditions complement the wellness experience perfectly.”
Indonesia: Island Paradise Healing
Indonesia ranks third with a score of 64.67, powered largely by Bali’s reputation as a spiritual destination. The country features 307 wellness retreats across its archipelago, each drawing on local healing traditions and natural beauty.
With 13,120 reviews, Indonesia demonstrates exceptionally high visitor satisfaction. The country’s 234 yoga and meditation retreats and 385 eco-friendly options provide diverse choices for wellness travellers.
“Indonesia benefits from a perfect combination of cultural heritage and natural surroundings,” says Smith. “The traditional healing practices, particularly in Bali, attract people seeking authentic experiences in beautiful settings.”
Thailand: Rising Popularity
Thailand secured fourth place with a score of 63.19 and leads in visitor satisfaction with an outstanding 15,104 reviews. While offering 190 registered wellness retreats – fewer than the top three – Thailand excels in quality and recognition.
Thailand also registers 8,800 monthly searches, significantly higher than most countries in the study, indicating strong interest from potential visitors. The “White Lotus effect” will likely strengthen this position further in the coming months.
“Thailand has established itself as a wellness destination through decades of catering to international visitors,” Smith notes. “Thai massage, meditation practices, and traditional healing methods form the foundation of retreat offerings that clearly resonate with guests.”
Portugal: Europe’s Growing Destination
Completing the top five with a score of 54.61, Portugal has established itself as an appealing wellness destination in Europe. With 255 registered retreats and 9,928 reviews, Portugal offers experiences ranging from coastal retreats to countryside sanctuaries.
Portugal’s strength in 275 eco-friendly and nature-based retreats reflects growing interest in sustainable wellness travel. With 3,800 monthly searches, awareness continues to build among potential visitors.
“Portugal provides accessibility for European travellers seeking wellness experiences without long-haul flights,” Smith explains. “The country’s natural beauty and growing wellness infrastructure make it increasingly popular for shorter transformative breaks.”
Howard Smith, Founder of Rehab Bali, commented: “We’re seeing a major shift in what people want from their time away. Gone are the days when a vacation meant just lying on a beach with a cocktail. Today’s travellers are looking for something deeper; experiences that actually change them for the better.
“The beauty of these top retreat destinations is that they’re designed specifically for transformation. They pull you out of your routine and immerse you in environments where healing happens naturally.
“What’s fascinating is how different cultures approach wellness. Whether it’s India’s ancient spiritual practices or Thailand’s holistic treatments, each destination has its own unique take. But they all share one thing – they’re helping people find balance in an increasingly chaotic world. The boom in this kind of travel shows just how much we all need it.”