The Best Destinations for a Wellness Vacation

One of the most popular travel phenomena in recent years has been “wellness vacations” that are purported to help people meet their fitness, health and healing goals. This is a growing aspect of tourism and there are many places that cater to these needs. In this article, we will take a closer look at six top destinations that may meet your wellness goals and needs.

Spain

Spain really is a vibrant and beautiful country that can be a perfect place to enjoy a much deserved wellness break. In the south of the country there are numerous days of uninterrupted sunshine that will top up your vitamin D levels in next to no time. Spain has almost 3,100 miles of coastline and there are numerous scenic beaches to visit. These are the perfect places to strike yoga poses, walk along the sea shore and sunbathe. If you’re feeling more energetic there are watersports, snorkeling, surfing, horse riding and more. Spain has a long and fascinating history that can be explored in the museums and art galleries that can be found in virtually every town and city. If you choose to head inland you can hike in gorgeous scenery and meditate in peace and quiet. There are fitness classes, detox programs, spa treatments and many outdoor experiences to try. From the mountains of Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country to the central cities of Madrid and Toledo down to Barcelona, Valencia and Catalonia there is something for everyone. Malaga in Andalucia is the sunniest city in Europe and visitors can head down the coast to Gibraltar, Cadiz and Seville or up the coast to Granada, Murcia and Alicante. The Canary Islands are a wonderful place to visit for those looking for some charm and even more sunshine!

Portugal

Next door to Spain, you will find Portugal which is one of the more popular European destinations. This nation has expansive wine producing regions in the north and vibrant colorful beaches in the south. There are gorgeous historic cities to visit that reflect the rich history of this sea faring nation. The food is fresh and delicious and there’s almost as much sunshine as Spain. Visitors can find a vast array of wellness and outdoor activities, such as: hiking, spa treatments, surfing, meditation, yoga, fitness, horseback riding and more. The majority of wellness retreats can be found in Lisbon which is a fantastic place for a city break. For those that want to try surfing, Ericeira and Peniche should be at the top of their list. If you want to experience a relaxing portuguese island vibe, take a trip to the Azores in the mid-Atlantic ocean. 

Mexico

Mexico is a fascinating place to enjoy a wellness retreat with colorful markets, charming towns, historical sites and beautiful beaches. This is a biodiverse nation with plenty of natural landscapes, including: rainforests, lakes, mountains, spectacular volcanoes and more. Those that enjoy diving can explore under the turquoise waters in Oaxaca to view the colorful coral reefs. There are comfortable retreats in Puerto Vallarta where you can wander the streets in the evening and sample the local food and drink. One of the highlights for those seeking wellness is the Temazcal ceremony. This is an ancient Mayan ritual that could be described as a low intensity sweat lodge. Spiritual retreats are quite popular in Mexico and it’s easy to find something that can inspire and invigorate you. Other popular wellness programs may include: meditation sessions, Ayurveda treatments, holistic healing, detox programs, yoga classes and more. These are often conducted near or even on the beach with stunning backdrops for added inspiration. 

Indonesia

This may not seem like an ideal choice for a wellness retreat because Indonesia is quite a densely populated archipelago. But, here you can find gorgeous sunny weather, jaw-dropping vistas, fascinating cultural traditions and much. Most of the population is clustered around the large cities and there are numerous places to relax and unwind. Bali is probably the most sought after destination for those seeking wellness and there are many retreats to match virtually any preferences and budgets. There are luxury resorts and budget accommodations for those that want to detox, fast, enjoy spa treatments, practice meditation and try traditional healing. Depending on the specific location there may be complimentary physical adventures that make a wellness break even more inspiring. Some popular activities include martial arts classes, traditional cooking lessons, hiking in nature, horseback riding, surfing and more.

India

The Indian subcontinent was the birthplace of meditation and yoga due the formation of sanatana dharma otherwise known as hinduism. This mixture or pagan belief that is simultaneously a form of monotheism highlights the allure of this culture. The curious can indulge their interest in yogic practice, authentic meditation, holistic treatment and more. There are ashrams where anyone can experience yoga and more elaborate wellness resorts that are comfortable and luxurious. There really is something to suit any level of interest and budget to experience traditional and more up to date approaches. The culture is fascinating, there are ancient temples, gorgeous beaches, the mysterious Himalayas and more. 

Thailand

Thailand has been a popular destination for hedonists and thrillseekers for decades. But, some people are less aware of the role that “The Land of Smiles” can play in their wellness journey. Thailand has wonderful weather throughout the year, there are bustling cities and charming villages to explore. The national parks are simply stunning, there are views unlike anything else you may see in the rest of the world. The beaches are gorgeous and perfect for swimming, snorkeling and other watersports. Those that take the time to immerse themselves in the local culture will find that they have time to relax and unwind. The most famous tourist spots are in Phuket, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. But, those seeking tranquility should head to the North of the country to places like Pai or Chiang Rai. These are where you can find detox programs, spa treatments, meditation retreats and yoga classes to help you reconnect with yourself.

Traveling to a foreign country for a wellness vacation may seem like an extravagance. But, most of the locations on our list have a number of options that are suitable for virtually any budget. Remember to take some time to explore the local culture and history to truly get the most out of your trip.