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Our pick of the best wellness destinations
Wellness holidays
Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in ancient healing techniques, or you just want to jet away for some well-deserved R&R, these destinations will leave you with a sense of wellbeing that’ll remain long after you’ve returned home from holiday…
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Bali
Thanks to its deep-rooted spirituality, tranquil environment and warm tropical climate, Bali is the place to unwind among nature. Here, spiritual practices like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness take place al fresco, in staggeringly beautiful settings. Think emerald-green hillsides, tropical gardens, virgin baches, and lush jungles.
From luxury spa resorts in upmarket towns like Seminyak to budget-friendly retreats in the heart of boho-loving Ubud, there are countless wellbeing experiences to be found here. Balinese massage, detox programs, and sound healing sessions are all part of the tapestry. There’s also a vibrant wellness community hosting regular events, workshops, and festivals, so there’s lots of opportunities for meeting like-minded people on your journey to self-discovery.
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Costa Rica
With its rainforests, balmy climate, and "pura vida" (pure life) philosophy – which emphasises simplicity, gratitude, and enjoying life's simple pleasures – it’s easy to see why Costa Rica made it on to our list of the best wellness destinations. Locals and visitors alike agree this Central American gem inspires a sense of happiness and overall wellbeing. In fact, it consistently ranks highly in global happiness data sources, such as the Happy Planet Index and the World Happiness Report.
One of the most bio-diverse destinations on the planet, it’s a must for those seeking a connection with nature, with (responsible) wildlife encounters in natural beauty spots one of the country’s major draws. Its eco-friendly lodges, hot springs, volcanic slopes, and untamed beaches are all prime spots for soul-searching – or just plain and simple relaxation.
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Iceland
Iceland is brimming with geothermal wonders, and Instagram favourite, the Blue Lagoon, is its most visited. Here, you can soak in mineral-rich hot springs surrounded by stunning volcanic landscapes. And the silica mud found in these springs is thought to have various skin-healing properties.
For those looking to work up a sweat, glacier hiking and ice cave exploration are really popular. Guided tours take visitors through breathtaking ice formations, allowing them to connect with the raw power and beauty of nature. The physical exertion involved in glacier hiking makes for a great workout, and the awe-inspiring scenery is a Brucie Bonus.
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India
Welcome to the birthplace of yoga. From the banks of the Ganges to the unspoiled beaches of Goa, there are countless centres offering immersive experiences in India. Participants can practice various yoga styles, learn meditation techniques from experienced instructors, and engage in chanting and satsangs (spiritual gatherings).
India’s also renowned for Ayurvedic healing – personalised wellness programmes based on principles dating back 5,000 years. The concept aims to maintain harmony within the body to achieve optimal health, with natural remedies and lifestyle practices tailored to an individual's unique make-up or "dosha" type. Treatments can include herbal supplements, massage therapies, meditation, yoga, and diet adjustments.
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Japan
Japan’s landscapes alone create a sense of calm – a tranquil make-up of glassy lakes, bamboo forests and snow-covered peaks. And, thanks to a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern innovations, this island-country can take travellers on a transformative journey.
Japan’s cultural heritage combines wellness with mindfulness, offering opportunities for meditation in temples, reflective tea ceremonies, shiatsu massage and forest bathing.
Its traditional ryokan inns originated centuries ago and are famous for their soothing ambiance and traditional customs and aesthetics. Guests staying at a ryokan can experience Japanese wellness culture firsthand, soaking in hot springs known as onsens, participating in tea ceremonies and other cultural activities, and enjoying kaiseki meals – multi-course traditional dinners served in your room.
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The Maldives
Honeymooners’ paradise, the Maldives, is synonymous with dream-like scenery, seclusion, and peace and quiet. This idyllic archipelago consists of thousands of castaway islands – many of which are home to intimate, luxurious resorts with award-winning spas and lengthy treatment menus.
While some of these wellness hubs draw on ancient healing practices, others favour influences from the 21st century. Restorative therapies range from familiar favourites like hot stone massages and mud body wraps, to more extraordinary treatments infusing the likes of chocolate, caviar, and even 24-carat gold.
Just like the spa treatments, interiors are designed to wow, with swish décor and standout features such as glass-bottomed floors.
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Switzerland
Nestled among the majestic Swiss Alps, Switzerland beckons wellness enthusiasts with its fairytale-like landscapes, clean mountain air, and sophisticated spa resorts.
Switzerland's renowned spa towns, such as Bad Ragaz and Davos, have thermal baths and wellness centres that harness the healing properties of natural mineral waters. Here, you can indulge in a variety of holistic treatments, from therapeutic massages to detoxifying saunas, all while being surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.
Outdoors lovers will also feel right at home here, with activities like hiking and skiing promoting both physical fitness and mental wellbeing.
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Turkey
The famous hammam hails from Turkey. Also known as a Turkish bath, this traditional public bathing facility dates all the way back to the Ottoman Empire. Typically elaborate and ornate buildings, hammams feature a series of steam rooms, hot and cold-water pools, and massage areas.
First, you’ll relax in a steam room to open up pores, then move to a heated marble slab for a vigorous scrub with a coarse mitt to remove dead skin cells. Afterwards, there’s a soothing massage with aromatic oils.
Besides its obvious physical benefits, the hammam experience is deeply ingrained in Turkish culture, providing a space for relaxation, socialisation, and – for many – spiritual cleansing.
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Thailand
The so-called ‘Land of Smiles’ has a never-ending menu of offerings dedicated to restoration. Thailand’s spectacular landscapes, from its picture-perfect beaches and soul-stirring temples to its green jungles and lotus ponds, provide the perfect natural setting for recharging.
The country has a rich heritage of traditional healing practices for everything from allergies to aches and pains, including herbal remedies and the iconic Thai massage. The warmth and hospitality of the Thai people also deserves a special mention – a key ingredient for helping visitors achieve a Zen-like state.
From sunrise yoga in the shadow of Chiang Mai’s mountains to pamper sessions in Krabi’s luxury spa resorts, Thailand wellness holidays come in many shapes and sizes.
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