These destinations offer a taste of what is available worldwide …
What makes a great wellness retreat? Obviously, it depends on what you want to get from your time and investment. Fortunately, in today’s world where wellness tourism continues to outgrow leisure tourism, with wellness tourists spending 41 per cent more than the typical international traveller according to the Global Wellness Institute, there are plenty of choices. And while spas continue to sprout up in all corners of the world, ultimately it’s the destinations and people behind them – who hold authentic wellbeing and real connection at their core – that will survive these turbulent times.
Emotional Harmony Retreat at Euphoria, Greece
Sitting on the edge of Mystras, the last significant stronghold of the Byzantine Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Euphoria is cocooned in a dense forest of pine and carpeted with citrus, pomegranate and olive groves. The ethos here is inspired by the twin powers of ancient Hellenic and Chinese philosophies and practices, all powered by cutting-edge science, with the overall aim being to restore balance and emotional clarity in all who visit.
“People come to Euphoria to recharge, to take care of their mental health and to adapt to the fluid nature of life,” explains Marina Efraimoglou, Euphoria founder, with the new Emotional Harmony programme offering the perfect reset for bodies and minds. Once here, you can’t help but feel at ease with long days filled with yoga, breathwork, movement, stillness and expert consultations; all fuelled by the freshest farm-to-plate cuisine … Greek style, of course! The architectural wonder of the spa, with its shimmering ethereal pools, Byzantine-style hammam and towering light-filled water well (for boosting circulation) is reason enough to visit. Everywhere you look on this ancient land invites a powerful reminder to stop, reflect, surrender and breathe in a fresh new chapter filled with optimism, passion and joy.
Five day retreat, fully inclusive with added consultations, treatments from €2,000: www.euphoriaretreat.com
Quinta Carvalhas Retreats, Portugal
Quinta Carvalhas is the realisation of a lifelong dream for experienced British yoga teachers Michelle and Richard Thomas. This sustainable working farm in the Ribatejo region of Portugal, just one hour from Lisbon airport, enjoys a rich history of olive oil production and now, as a retreat destination, the emphasis remains firmly on the very best natural and organic ingredients.
With a seasonal menu of expertly guided yoga and meditation retreats, for those who want something a little different the build-your-own-retreat package is immensely popular among solo travellers, in particular. Avail of on-hand expertise while also tapping into wisdom from the animal world with equine therapy workshops and coaching, which have been shown to enhance mental health and overall wellbeing. Meals are a highlight here too, with emphasis firmly on delicious farm-to-plate vegetarian cuisine featuring the tastiest seasonal produce, much of it grown organically on the farm and cooked to perfection by chef Andrea. The 15 super comfortable bedrooms are very much in sync with the natural surrounds, completing this beautiful self-care container to ensure even the weariest traveller is well rested and recharged.
Three night customised retreat from €720 inclusive, with the options for equine therapy and other activities: www.quintacarvalhas.com
Chenot Palace, Switzerland
Nestled on the shores of Lake Lucerne in the historic village of Weggis, Chenot Palace is one of the wellness industry’s enduring favourites. Whether seeking to delve more deeply into longevity, to recharge or to simply rest, this 5,000 sqm state-of-the-art medical spa – offering advanced diagnostics, powerful personalised treatments and detoxification techniques – always delivers. While there are a number of programmes on offer, the 7-day retreat with one of the UK’s most popular acupuncturists and healers, Ross Barr, is a must. Celebrated for his work in women’s health, fertility and stress management, in particular, guests will benefit from tailored treatments (think various massage techniques, cupping, electrostimulation and plant-based mud-wraps enriched with pure microalgae), daily detox therapies and Barr’s renowned acupuncture techniques and depth of wisdom. Food is the cornerstone of life at Chenot with the celebrated, plant-based Chenot Diet®, created by a team of chefs and nutritional scientists designed to deeply cleanse, revitalise, reset energy levels and rebalance the body’s physiology.
From €6,535 per person for seven night programme, inclusive of all consultations, treatments and food. Accommodation from €430 per night: www.chenot.com
Aro Ha, New Zealand
There are many reasons to visit this 21-acre, self-sustaining retreat outside Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island. While the epic setting between colossal sapphire lakes and snow-capped peaks is the major draw, at the heart of this intimate 20-room lodge is the invitation to disconnect. While there are a number of retreat options available, the overall experience seamlessly weaves sunrise yoga with massage, guided subalpine hikes, contrasting hot and cold therapy, and delicious plant-based cuisine – in all, a powerful catalyst for lasting personal change. “A week here allows you to be nourished in that space between your thoughts, to switch off, get out and dive in, with our measure of success being each guest’s lightness,” says Damian Chaparro, Aro Ha cofounder and yoga guide.
Six day / five night retreat from €3,935 per person, inclusive: www.aro-ha.com
Broughton Sanctuary, UK
Deep in the Yorkshire countryside, Broughton Hall has been in the Tempest family for over 900 years. Today, under the watchful eye of current custodian Roger Tempest, it is home to one of Britain’s most ambitious nature recovery projects. Alongside the old storied main house, with its mahogany four-poster beds, are a number of cosy country cottages with wood-burning stoves scattered across the land. At the heart of this 3,000 acre wildness sits Avalon, the purpose-built wellness centre that has become one the UK’s best places for thoughtfully-curated, soul nourishing retreats, featuring some of the world’s top teachers. An enduring favourite is the six-night Profound Rest immersion with Paris Ackrill (Tempest’s yoga-teacher partner) and meditation expert Cornelius O’Shaughnessy (founder of Bodhimaya). Some guests choose to stay in one of the fully equipped cottages and design their own self-guided retreat, filling their days with morning contemplation in the private 16th century chapel, hiking, biking, swimming, yoga and sound baths, all complemented with the best home-grown, plant-forward meals to nourish and support body and mind.
Six night retreat from €1, 755 per person, inclusive: www.broughtonsanctuary.co.uk
The Polizzi Retreats, Hotel Tresanton, UK
There’s something quite magical about spring time at the super snug Hotel Tresanton in the seaside village of St Mawes, overlooking Falmouth Bay in the UK. Here, in between cosy fireside chats with home-brewed herbal teas and still-warm Tunisian orange cake, Gianna Hewlett, one of the UK’s best loved yoga teachers, guides both established and budding yogis through daily practice. Accompanied by Charlie Polizzi, a conscious breathwork expert, this is the opportunity to delve more deeply into the innate power of the breath to recalibrate internal rhythms and rebalance the body, while also enjoying expertly delivered massages. Sleep comes easily here thanks to invigorating coastal walks, optional sea swims and nourishing meals overflowing with the best seasonal ingredients.
Four night retreat from €2,375 per person, inclusive: www.thepolizzicollection.com
Saol Beo Retreats, Inistioge, Ireland
This tastefully decorated two-bedroom escape for women on the banks of the River Nore in Inistioge, Co Kilkenny offers fully inclusive year-round retreats curated by Tara O’Rourke, one of Ireland’s leading yoga teachers, and business and life coaches. While all retreats are customised with individual guest’s needs in mind (with a maximum of two per retreat), regardless of the daily agenda, Saol Beo is about letting go. And this you will undoubtedly do in these cossetting surrounds with a heart-lifting blend of daily hatha yoga, life and business coaching, river walks, divine skincare treatments (Tara is also a Dr.Hauschka skincare trainer), gentle restorative evening yoga and time to snuggle up by the fire wrapped in the cosiest mohair throw. Meals are a delicious veggie-centric feast created by Tara, while the extensive library of spiritual and self-help books is an added bonus.
Three day / two night retreat from €895 per person: www.saolbeo.ie
One To Watch: Earth House, Scotland
Nestled in the ethereal Highlands, Earth House Scotland is, as the name suggests, a place of reconnection with the land, nature and the soul. This meticulously designed home (winner of BBC Scotland Home of the Year 2024) reflects everything the visionary owner Dianne Dain seeks, with retreats set to launch later in 2025. Curated by Dain alongside a niche team of visiting spiritual guides, these retreats will bring guests along a gentle journey of reconnection and harmony within themselves and the land around them. www.earthhousescotland.com
Still undecided?
Check out the Global Retreat Company for honest recommendations and expert reviews: www.theglobalretreatcompany.com
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