Future Travel: This New Jungle Spa Is The Post-Lockdown Retreat We All Need

Wa Ale, an extraordinary luxury eco-resort tucked into a private island of Myanmar’s Myeik Archipelago, has announced the creation of its enticing new Ayurvedic Jungle Spa.

Characterized by its remarkably remote location, sustainability and barefoot luxury aesthetic, Wa Ale is the ultimate island escape for conscious travelers. Now, the private island resort is set to become an even greater draw with the 2021 reveal of its Ayurvedic Jungle Spa.

This is the latest phase in the island’s evolution as Wa Ale founders Chris and Farina Kingley’s vision continues to grow.

The new spa is being built with core Ayurvedic principles in mind, with its single and double treatment rooms, which are tucked into the coastal jungle, overlooking the Andaman Sea. Each treatment room here is in keeping with the natural-luxury look of the resort — expect earthy wooden interiors designed to sit harmoniously within the wilderness — and its creation follows Wa Ale’s ethos of preserving the surrounding environment by felling no trees.

The jungle spa will offer a range of treatments and massages by resident holistic health gurus. Following an in-depth consultation by the on-site Ayurvedic doctor, guests will be given a personalized treatment plan aimed at benefitting mental, emotional and physical health. Bespoke treatments then include the Abhyangam (anti-stress) massage, aimed at relaxing the mind and body while enhancing blood circulation, reflexology sessions and Spine Care treatment designed to reduce tension from long haul flights.

Guests will also have the option of incorporating diet advice into their treatment plan. With meals prepared using fresh fish and produce cultivated on the island’s organic farm, this is the ideal opportunity to pair restorative spa treatments with nourishing, sustainably sourced farm to plate food.

The Ayurvedic Jungle Spa’s launch will coincide with the completion of a new cluster of ultra-luxury beach villas on the secluded Honeymoon Beach stretch of this 5,000-acre island. This newly created pocket of the island resort brings together a four-bedroom Beach House featuring indoor and outdoor living space and a private bar, and three three-bedroom Beach Bungalows each featuring spacious decks spilling onto the beach.

Each of these beach villas comes with a dedicated butler, housekeeping and optional private chef, plus the use of kayaks, paddle-boards and boat transport around the archipelago. Honeymoon Beach is a 10-minute boat ride from the heart of the resort, which backs Turtle Beach.

The resort is ultimately aimed at luxury travelers who want to explore this extraordinary natural habitat in the most sustainable way possible. A new Conservation Centre and Observation Deck on the island now allows guests to see resident species such as mouse deer and giant flying squirrels close than ever before, while also finding out about the steps Wa Ale takes to protecting and preserving the surrounding environment through the Lamp Foundation.

By working with the Wildlife Conservation Society and the Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry of Union of Myanmar, this foundation has undertaken initiatives including the creation of Lampi Marine National Park’s first sea turtle hatchery.