My guide to
Wellness Breaks
One of my favourite activities on holiday is to visit the spa - whether it's for a relaxing massage, mindful yoga class or invigorating hot tub - just a few hours is enough to reset the mind and body to deal with my two energetic boys!
​
The ultimate indulgence is a holiday focused on wellness. Time to put you and your health front and centre; to return home feeling rejuvenated, rebalanced and de-stressed.
​
Throughout the world, there's a wealth of beautiful resorts focused on health and wellbeing. Here's a collection of some of my favourites...
My Four To See
BodyHoliday, St Lucia
The first thing that will wow you about this luxury resort is the stunning location on a white sandy beach framed by lush, green mountains. With a daily spa treatment included in your stay, this is the ultimate Caribbean wellness escape.
​
It's not all about relaxation though. The resort offers an impressive choice of daily activities, sports and fitness classes or you can try your hand at one of the many watersports on offer.
​
Your all inclusive stay offers a choice of six restaurants using fresh ingredients from local farmers with a focus on tasty, healthy eating dishes, and special diets can easily be catered for.
​
Of course you are on holiday though so you'll still be able to treat yourself with afternoon tea, sundowner cocktails and wine with dinner.
Fusion Resort - Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Phu Quoc is Vietnam's largest island in the Gulf of Thailand, just off the southern coast. It's a haven for visitors seeking idyllic beaches and natural beauty.
​
Fusion Resort is a place to 'get away from it all'. Each villa has a secluded garden with its own private pool. The unique 'all inclusive spa' concept is included in your stay so you have access to the dedicated spa and wellness facilities for every day of your holiday. These include yoga, tai-chi and meditation, as well as relaxing spa and beauty treatments.
​
Food in Vietnam is fresh and vibrant, and dining here is no different, with a focus on the very freshest locally caught seafood. Your stay at Fusion is all about feeling relaxed and comfortable so in-villa dining is included and breakfast can be taken anywhere, anytime - they'll even bring you breakfast in bed!
Epic Sana, Portugal
If you're short on time or prefer a break closer to home, then Epic Sana on Praia de Falasia beach in the Algarve is an excellent choice.
Choose one of their Sayanna Retreats with balanced meal plans, exercise, workshops, relaxation, treatments and emotional balance techniques - always focusing on the rejuvenation of the body, mind and spirit.
​
De-stress retreats include meditation classes, massages and reflexology treatments designed to practice mindfullness and reduce stress levels in every day life.
​
If you need to kickstart your fitness, go for the re-shape retreat with customised training sessions, nutrition evaluation and wellness workshops.
​
With five swimming pools, a sports complex, kids club, bars and restaurants, Epic Sana is also an ideal choice if you are looking for an active holiday and fun with family or friends.
The Retreat Palm Dubai - MGallery by Sofitel
Dubai might not be the first destination that springs to mind when thinking about a wellness holiday so The Retreat is breaking the mold with the first resort of its kind in this indulgent city.
A 5* family friendly resort, you can refresh and revitalise whilst enjoy the delights of Dubai, including the nearby Aquaventure waterpark at Atlantis The Palm.
​
They offer a traditional hotel stay with relaxation and rejuvenation spa experiences, a complimentary daily programme of health and fitness classes and healthy dining, including vegan and paleo friendly dishes. Or book a dedicated wellness programme - all-inclusive 3-14 day retreats designed to improve your physical and mental wellbeing.
​
To promote the holistic approach to health, this resort does not serve alcohol.
Wellness Touring
Travel for many is about connecting with locals and enjoying authentic experiences, so a retreat within the confines of a hotel may feel too restrictive.
GAdventures have a range of tours that offer a cultural holiday with a nod to more relaxing and rejuvinating activities.
​
In Iceland, practice yoga with lakes and mountains as a majestic background, meditate on volcanic, black sand beaches, relax and soak in hot springs and the natural pools Iceland is famous for and enjoy locally sourced meals.
This tour can easily be extended to search for the Northern Lights and take a whale watching tour (seasonal).
Try hot springs of a more tropical variety in the jungles and cloud forests of Costa Rica. Sunset yoga classes and for the adventurous (or balance blessed) try a stand up paddle board yoga session on Lake Arenal. Feeling more active, then opt to for canyoning, ziplining or hiking before ending your tour on a beautiful, secluded Caribbean beach.
​
If yoga is your thing, then the ultimate tour will be to India - stay in an ashram on the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh and spend three days practising yoga and calming meditation. Onwards to Dharamshala, home to the Dalai Lama and awe-inspiring scenery in the foothills of the Himalayas. A visit to this northern area of India is not complete without exploring the stunning Golden Temple in Amritsar - an important pilgrimage for the Sikh faith where all are welcome.