By now, much of the world is familiar with traditional Thai massage. Unlike other forms of massage, however, emphasis is not so much on relaxation, although there is that, but more on the therapeutic benefits.

According to the principles of traditional Thai medicine, a vital force (lom) travels along the body’s meridian lines (sen), and when there are blockages, discomfort and dysfunction occurs. Using a unique combination of compression, assisted stretching and acupressure techniques, therapists work to free trapped energy, stimulate the vital force, and restore balance. The practice is very physical, with therapists using not only hands, but also forearms, elbows, knees and feet to manipulate the body.

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort specialises in traditional Thai medicine: not only does it offer traditional Thai massage, but also very rare treatments such as yam khang fire therapy, and its therapists are experts who truly embrace a life of wellness.

Bali is known as the Island of the Gods for good reason. Spirituality is ever present and imbues every moment of the day, from the canang sari offerings made in the morning, to the quiet that descends at sunset when the transition from the tangible to the spirit world occurs.

As Indonesia’s only Hindu-majority island, and with influences of Buddhism and animism, the Balinese have a very unique belief system, which guests may experience first-hand at Anantara Uluwati Bali Resort.

Resident High Priestess Ibu Jero descends from a long line of healers. Her approach is holistic, intuitive and personal, emphasising harmony within the self, with others and with nature. Many guests begin their stay with a purification ritual, or seek out her blessing before a marriage. To cleanse the chakras and wash away sins of past lives, guests are immersed fully in water, experiencing complete weightlessness as they let go of negative energies and reemerge renewed.

One of the world’s oldest systems of medicine dating back 5,000 years, Ayurveda is practised all over South Asia. According to tradition, each of us are composed of three elements, vata, pitta and kapha, which are responsible for our physiological, mental and emotional health, and when they are out of balance, disease results, from stress to excess weight to insomnia.

Treatment by a Doctor of Ayurveda, for example Sampath Perawattha at Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, can take many forms. Based on your doshas, the doctor can prescribe herbal remedies, treatments, yoga, meditation and Ayurvedic cuisine to bring you back into balance.

Particularly recommended is the resort’s seven-day Inner Harmony retreat, with mindful moments and a complete digital detox to reset the body and the mind.

The hammam has played a central role in Islamic societies. Not only is it a place of ablution and purification before prayer, but also a place to gather and socialise, with separate facilities for men and women.

To step into the hammam at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort is to step back in time. Octagonal, with white marble and Arabesque detailing, the design is reminiscent of the great bathhouses of the Ottoman Empire.

Guests are guided through each step of a hammam ritual by their tellak. A typical sequence unfolds thus: after steam and heat have relaxed muscles and opened pores, guests will undergo exfoliation with a traditional kesse mitt. A soapy massage then follows, which is both cleansing and relaxing. Additional steps may include a body mask, an Argan oil hair treatment, or a facial. Finally, an application of sandalwood oil completes the experience.

The knowledge that water heals was not limited to the Islamic world. In fact, the word “spa” comes from salus per aquam, Latin for “health through water”.

The Baths of Diocletian, built in the 3^rd century, were the largest in Rome. Spread over 13 hectares, they could accommodate up to 3,000 people at any time in its multiple chambers. Bathers would alternate between hot and cold pools, the contrast flushing out toxins and stimulating the immune system.

Today, the ruins of the Diocletian baths can be admired on the lower floor of Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel, where the wellness programme is inspired by such a storied history. Guests can experience all the different types of hydrotherapy in the calidarium, tepidarium and frigidarium, with experience showers, a Kneipp path and ice fountain as well, all in luxurious surrounds.