Believed to hail from China, this ancient practice is quickly becoming a regular fixture at luxury holiday destinations around the world; after all, where better to experience its true benefits than when you are away from the bustle of everyday life?

Check out some of the best wellness retreats offering sound healing sessions fit for a princess (or prince!).

Sen Wellness Sanctuary, Sri Lanka

Prepare for a full-on Ayurvedic immersion at Sen Wellness Sanctuary, in Netolpitiya, where gong baths happen on the yoga shala overlooking the treetops of the south coast of Sri Lanka.

With the beach on one side, and a turtle nesting site on the other, start your session with stretching and pranayama (breathing exercises), before being bathed in reverberations as a gong is played by the sanctuary’s local Buddhist monk.

Totally Zen, retreat to your stilted cabana for some serious self-reflection. Also on the schedule: dancing as if no one is watching and a cacao ceremony – a ritual of drinking pure chocolate.

Fivelements, Bali, Indonesia

Tucked under a jungle canopy and surrounded by tropical gardens, Fivelements, just outside Ubud, on the Indonesian island of Bali, is a gorgeous sanctuary offering space, sustainable living and serenity.

Sound healing is part of the Om Prana Healing session, which kicks off with a cleansing bath ritual with Balinese salts, betel nut leaves and golden flowers, then moves onto chanting Sanskrit mantras over an open fire, accompanied by the vibrations of a singing bowl.

All of that listening is bound to build up an appetite, so head to the award-winning Sakti Dining Room, which serves a “live-menu” of delicious vegan dishes, before navigating the stepping stones to your bamboo-clad suite.

Samahita Retreat, Koh Samui, Thailand

If you are feeling out of sorts, the beachfront-based Samahita Retreat on the Thai island of Koh Samui, is the place to rebalance and rejuvenate.

The dedicated wellness team create bespoke programmes based on your specific needs. There is a strong focus on yoga, but programmes can also be tailored to help with detoxing, weight management, fitness or general “brain upgrading”.

Gong baths occur during their daily evening meditation sessions, and you can return home not only with a new sense of self, but with a blend of yoga music kirtan (devotional song) and traditional Sanskrit chants that have been recorded live on the premises.

Shanti-Som Wellbeing Retreat, Spain

Humming with peaceful vibes, Shanti-Som Wellbeing Retreat boasts all of the atmosphere and wisdom of an Asian health retreat set among the pine, almond and lemon trees in Monda, in the southern Spanish province of Malaga.

With gardens full of waterfalls, streams and fountains, interiors that follow feng shui principles and a philosophy that draws on the spa rituals of the East, it’s a dreamy nurturing space that will leave you feeling well and truly aligned.

Tibetan singing bowl healing massages are available, which involve the placing and playing of bowls on the front and back of your body, followed by a singing bowl bath session.

Kamalaya Koh Samui, Koh Samui

Built on the site of a Buddhist monk’s cave, Kamalaya Koh Samui is a serene one-stop destination spa with a heavy spiritual slant.

The team here tailor specific programmes for those wanting to decompress, recover from illness, decrease stress or just clear their minds.

The resident specialist sound healer at the wellness sanctuary and holistic spa resort on Koh Samui is a pro with singing bowls; in addition, the background chorus of birdsong that accompanies you on your stay is also incredibly tranquil.

Rooms are rustic with big outdoor bathtubs and amazing beds. Two restaurants serve healthy cuisine, and there are swimming pools, plunge pools, yoga salas, meditation halls and steam cabins to keep your soul soothed.

Want more stories like this? Sign up here. Follow STYLE on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter