Taking care of yourself is incredibly important and everyone needs to take time out to refresh, reset, detox, unwind or recover. In our humble opinions, the best way to do that is to get away from your day to day routine (and bad habits).
Go somewhere you can focus on yourself. Where they make it easy to be good. Whether it is healthy eating, plenty of exercise or just indulgent spa treatments. We have rounded up a list of incredible options if you want (or need) a health and wellness break. All offer bespoke programs that run from a few days to a few weeks.
Savour the Spanish Sunshine
SHA WELLNESS, SPAIN
A true health and wellness retreat located in the temperate climate of Alicante in Spain. They have created their own method which combines lifestyle, nutrition, natural therapies, fitness and regenerative medicine. Each stay is tailored to your goals to ensure you get the most out of your experience. With multiple eating plans, this is not a three celery sticks a day kind of place (unless that’s what you want). Rather it is about finding a long term plan that works for you, allowing you to develop healthy habits that live on beyond your wellness retreat.
Set in a large natural park on the edge of a cliff with stunning views over the Meditteranean sea, the clinic offers over 6,000 m2 of wellness facilities with plenty of treatment rooms, workout and relaxation spaces. A visit to Sha will leave you feeling noticeably rejuvenated and the benefits will live on long beyond your time there.
Beautiful Baja California
RANCHO LA PUERTA, MEXICO
Voted as one of the best International Destination Spas in the world by Travel + Leisure, Rancho la Puerta offers a fantastic wellness escape in Baja California, a few miles over the Mexican border. Set on a picturesque 4,000 acre ranch which has 40 miles of hiking trails, beautifully landscaped gardens, an organic farm and plenty of facilities. Four pools, a running track, eleven gyms and three full service spas. Your toughest decision is going to be what to do first. The huge variety on offer means this is not just a sit in the spa kind of retreat, but you can customise it to suit your style. Be as active or as relaxed as you want. Whatever you need to unwind, destress and revitalise yourself.
Destress in the Dolomites
LEFAY DOLOMITES, ITALY
Sister property to the fabulous Lefay Lake Garda, this resort and spa is set in the spectacular Italian Dolomites. The entire resort is designed to maximise views over the beautiful and imposing peaks of the mountain range surrounding you. While they have huge spa facilities on site, part of the appeal of a visit to Lefay is to explore the beauty of the Dolomites region. In summer you can enjoy wonderful walks and hikes in the various valleys. In winter, burn some energy with a morning’s skiing, before enjoying a soak in the spa in the afternoon.
The rooms are designed to feel like a contemporary ski chalet and offer an ideal place to take time out to relax and reflect. This is Italy, so you know food is a big part of the experience. Enjoy delicious and healthy meals which highlight the fantastic local ingredients from the region. Lefay offers more than just a wellness retreat, it is a place to immerse yourself in nature where you can truly refresh your body and mind.
Soak in the Bath in Black Forest
BRENNERS PARK, GERMANY
Germany may not be the first place that comes to mind for a wellness getaway, but the grand and majestic Brenners Park in Baden-Baden is a fantastic option for those looking to have a healthy and holistic break. The name of the town literally translates to bath, which is very well known for its Roman bath culture. It is in the beautiful Black Forest, which despite its name is a very lush and green area of Germany. This quaint town is a hub of art and culture, plenty of nature and of course wellness.
The hotel has all the necessary spa and fitness facilities to make your stay a healthy and restorative one. On top of that they also offer aesthetic medical treatments along with holistic medicine techniques. On site nutritionists, trainers, physiotherapists and doctors are on hand to ensure you get exactly what you need from your visit.
Ayurveda in the Himalayas
ANANDA IN THE HIMALAYAS, INDIA
What is a list of wellness escapes if it doesn’t include one in India. Arguably one of the most well known in India and the world. Ananda offers a range of wellness programs from short stays to long, comprehensive options that include body and mind detox, stress management, immunity enhancement and much more. A real focus on Ayurveda principles, which are even included in the food served. Not only will you eat healthy, you will be taught how to make the dishes at home giving you the tools to maintain the good habits learnt at Ananda.
The resort is housed in an old palace on a hill overlooking the town below, allowing you to enjoy wonderful views as you dine, workout or stroll the lovely grounds. Nearby are ancient temples, ashrams and monasteries to explore. There are a number of other activities nearby too, including white water rafting, safaris, zip lining, Ganges visits, hiking and walking. A truly special and must do experience for anyone looking to take time out and recharge.