Five of the best winter wellness retreats for Christmas and New Year
If merely the thought of darker days and cold temperatures is spinning you into a winter slump, fear not, you can plan an escape to warmer parts of the world. There are some amazing winter wellness retreats around the globe. From adventurous fitness in Oman and mountain trekking in India to holistic healing experiences in Thailand and pampering in Italy, discover where to head this winter for a wellness retreat during the Christmas and New Year period.
Here are five ideas for planning your getaway to some of the best winter wellness retreats…
Walking in a Wellness Wonderland: India Ananda Active
Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but India is so delightful! This festive season take time-out from the traditional and head to the home of Ayurveda, yoga and meditation. Ananda, set in the Himalayan foothills, is the epitome of wellness destination travel, evoking spirituality and calm in all that visit. Embrace the powerful ambience of nature and release endorphins as you discover your surroundings with nature walks, trekking and water-rafting or make the most of calming holistic activities like Hatha yoga, morning stretches and meditation. Whichever wellness route you take, this is one Christmas you won’t want to forget.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Ananda from £4,940pp or £5,315 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, a wellness programme and return private transfers.
Meditation, Mindfulness and Miracles: Thailand Amanpuri Awareness
For a truly magical festive experience, look no further than this life-changing mediation and mindfulness retreat on Phuket’s secluded west coast. An experience designed to restore inner balance and awareness, embark upon an immersive journey into your subconscious under the practiced guidance of a Buddhist monk. As your mind, body and soul connects in perfect harmony, notice how stresses dissipate, leaving you with clarity, direction and inner peace. With enchanting views of the Andaman Sea and breath-taking pink sunsets, have yourself a merry little Christmas and swap white snow for white sand this winter. After all, winter wellness retreats in Thailand have become especially popular in recent years.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Amanpuri from £5,520pp or £7,900 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, a wellness programme and return private transfers.
Festive Fitness: Oman Zighy Bay Sense of Functional Fitness
A million miles away from the classic white (or let’s be honest with ourselves – grey) Christmas in the UK, Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman offers warmer weather, sandy beaches and spectacular mountain views. With customised training, the functional fitness programme focusses and delivers on personal goals whether it be toning, fitness, strength or flexibility. Enjoy an array of exhilarating experiences as you swap the daytime TV for trekking and tandem paragliding, then bring the New Year in in style with a chartered yacht or sunset cruise for the winter holiday of your dreams.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Zighy Bay from £3,970pp or £5,420 for single occupancy. Price includes breakfast, a wellness programme and return private transfers.
Single all The Way: St Lucia BodyHoliday
Are you on the lookout for a solo adventure this Christmas that rivals young Kevin McCallister in Home Alone (only without the snow, stress and mishaps)? If so, BodyHoliday is the perfect winter escape, with a range of action-packed activities that can keep you busy from dawn ‘til dusk. This exquisite Caribbean wellness destination, surrounded by jungle covered piques and crystal-clear waters, offers a wide range of action-packed activities including scuba-diving, extreme mountain biking, tennis and windsurfing. With great restaurants, bars and a solo-friendly atmosphere, it’s as comfortable as spending Christmas at home, only completely different and much, much better.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at BodyHoliday from £1,845pp or £1,940 for single occupancy. Pricing is all inclusive, with a wellness programme and return private transfers.
Tis the Season to Be Spa-ing: Italy Borgo Egnazia Beauty
As the self-proclaimed belle of the ball this Christmas, you deserve a little pampering and what’s more, you deserve Borgo Egnazia. A castle-like haven set in an untouched and authentic region of Puglia, Italy, Borgo is an idyllic winter escape for spa-seekers and beauty-enthusiasts alike. This is not just one of the best winter wellness retreats, but a great destination throughout the year. By day, relax with Roman bath rituals, psycho-aromatherapy and essential oil massages and by night, enjoy top notch dining at a range of sophisticated gourmet restaurants. A vibrant, relaxing and soothing wellness experience, this short winter break may be just what you need to prepare you or repair you from the festivities.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 4 nights at Borgo Egnazia from £1,175pp or £1,625 for single occupancy. Pricing includes breakfast, a wellness programme and return private transfers.
Visit healthandfitnesstravel.com to book
Find more travel inspo and winter wellness retreats by reading The Sloaney Travel pages
Read about our visit to Borgo: Borgo Egnazia: The Italian hideaway for superstars
