Fairmont Hanoi's hotel reception (Photo: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts)
A getaway with holistic offerings is just what the doctor ordered. If you are seeking a scenic view of azure waters, a luxurious blend of heritage and modernity or a restorative wellness retreat, these travel destinations are sure to be inspirations for your next trip.
Lakeside Luxury
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Resting against the foothills of the Alps is one of Italy’s natural treasures. The Y-shaped Lake Como attracted aristocratic tourists in Roman times and remains a popular spot for wealthy holiday-goers to this day. One look around the region is more than enough proof of its fame, as fine greenery and glittering shores make for a fine vista.
Nestled along the western coast of the waters is The Lake Como Edition, reimagining a 19th-century palazzo with a refined contemporary twist. Set to open in March, this newcomer gives guests not only a stunning view of the lake and the nearby picturesque town of Bellagio, but also a comforting stay to return to after exploring the area. Pets are also welcome within its halls; so, Fido or Fluffy can experience the luxuries of Italian hospitality.
Tranquil shades of ivory, white oak and Calacatta Turquoise marble accents adorn the hotel, extending to the guest rooms. Rest your weary bones on plush Italian lines or freshen up in the bathrooms with an array of Le Labo amenities. Select spaces, suites and all penthouses come with a view of the iconic body of water below.
When guests are sufficiently rested, they may venture out onto hotel grounds and explore its dining options, including the lobby bar with its vaulted ceilings and celadon marble finishes. Delight in world class cuisine at Cetino, Argentine chef Mauro Colagreco’s first restaurant in Italy, or share platters with the family at the pergola-shaded terrace of Renzo.
The Lake Como Edition invites its guests to unwind at its Longetivity Spa, which boasts an extensive menu of rituals available to pick from. Each is designed with a science-based approach rooted in diagnostics, holistic therapies and biohacking to set the mind at ease.
Central Comforts
Hotel Facade Fairmont Hanoi
Rising out of Hanoi’s eclectic Old Quarter is Fairmont’s first property in Vietnam, blending local heritage and modern design into a new chapter of luxury. Fairmont Hanoi integrates seamlessly into the busy city, poised to be its next social hub. Aimed at high-end travellers, the hotel is located within walking distance of landmarks such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple and the Hanoi Opera House, making it an easy pick for avid sightseers.
Fairmont Hanoi boasts an enviable selection of eight bars and restaurants, including 10 Central Cafe, YY Cocktail Bar and the Fairmont Gold Lounge, which are already open for business. Soon to welcome diners are the Pool Terrace and Bar, Michelin-appraised chef Nicolas Isnard’s Bacco, Hiryu with Japanese cuisine, and Tran Dynasty dishing up Vietnamese meals.
The 241 guest rooms, 38 exclusive Fairmont Gold lodgings and 12 spacious suites take their design cues from Hanoi’s relationship with the Red River that flows through it. Modern sophistication melds with heritage touches in each interior, while views of the Old Quarter, the city skyline or the hotel’s inner garden provide a pleasing place to pause in the buzz of the city.
Those who want a spot of rejuvenation do not have to wander far from their accomodations, or at all, as within the Fairmont is the Cirua Spa, an urban retreat sprawled across 38,000 sq ft. The expansive space comprises a bathhouse with hydrotherapy and thermal facilities, steam rooms and plunge pools. End the night with an alternative view of Hanoi’s sparkling horizon at the rooftop infinity pool.
Inner Peace
Chiva-Som Hua Hin
Guiding Chiva-Som Hua Hin’s wellness philosophy for 2026 is traditional Thai medicine (TTM), a 2,500-year-old healing system centred the harmony between body, mind and environment. Since the award-winning resort’s opening in 1995, the basic fundamentals of TTM have been used to balance various aspects of health. At the core of this practice is the concept of Dhatu, or the four elements, which, when brought into equilibrium within a person, allow for vitality and well-being to flow naturally.
Chiva-Som aims to spotlight an element for each quarter of the year, starting with Fire for transformation and energy. Inner warmth brings steadiness, strong digestion and emotional clarity. Throughout February, practitioners at the wellness centre will focus on channelling Fire into movement, circulation and physical strength. Guests can join three special programmes built around this concept, including a Beach Power Walk for cardiovascular training; the Crystal Massage and Quantum Healing — Hot Basalt Back Ritual to release tension and enhance circulation; and a Total Body Instability Exercise, where visitors work out on a special mat meant to mimic aquatic movement, which helps promote balance and coordination.
March is all about fluidity. Join Aqua Box classes, where boxing techniques meet water resistance for a high-energy workout, or settle down with Vacuum Cupping to restore the body’s metabolism. The Neuromuscular Exercise programme improves central nervous system function and muscle control.
Daily meals further support the fiery element, with menus emphasising baked, grilled and roasted preparations, with fresh, sour and slightly spicy flavours taking centre stage. In the months to come, Chiva-Som will curate new treatments based on the elements of Wind, Water and Earth.
This article first appeared on Feb 9, 2026 in The Edge Malaysia.
